Potholes leave flat tires and empty wallets; tips on how to get damages reimbursed

Last Friday, drivers throughout the Coachella Valley had to dodge pothole-littered roadways that caused damage to vehicles. Drivers say they were frustrated.

“I hit that pothole so hard.I blew my tire, pulled over right here,” Jeanine Powell said.

“I hit that pothole dead on and my car [went] ‘woosh,’ right off the road,” Michelle Chavez said.

This week many of those drivers are getting the damage repaired and finding out it’s not cheap.
Some are asking — if a car is damaged by a pothole, who’s responsible? The driver or the government that maintains the road?

Desert Hot Springs officials say drivers can submit claims for damages. The city will investigate and get back to the them. Other cities have a similar process.

One attorney says drivers shouldn’t hold their breath when it comes to the city paying damages.

“It’s kind of involved. Be sure you fill it out within six months. But they’re not going to pay it — they never do,” attorney Walter Clark said.

Clark says if you do decide to go through with a claim, document everything that happened.
Take photos of the pothole before it’s repaired as well as the damage to the car.
Include the date, time, location and receipts for the cost of repairs in the claim.
There’s another option as well but it may not cover the entire expense.

“Look at your insurance because if you have collision coverage it should be covered there. Of course, there may be a deductible and that’s disappointing when you realize that the rim and tire can be very expensive,” Clark said.

If your vehicles was damaged by potholes you can file a claim:

Riverside County Desert Hot Springs form can be found at City Hall Cathedral City form can be found at City Hall Indio Coachella form can be found at City Hall Palm Desert form can be found at City Hall Palm Springs La Quinta