so i was driving northbound on the 95 (in the bronx, nyc) and i was driving about 65 in the middle lane. didnt see the pothole in the middle of the highway, and i ended up hitting it. heard a real loud thud, then the "thud thud thud" of a bent rim and flat tire. the rim is in really really bad shape. beyond repair. the tire looks to be ok, but who knows.

my question is, this was absolutely in no way my fault. this is the city's fault for not repairing a very dangerous pothole in the middle of a highway. is it possible for me to have anything done about this. a new rim and tire will cost me over $400 and i dont feel like it should come out of my pocket. thanks in advance.

 

I am not sure in your state but in MN if you file it they will pay as long as you know where the pot hole is. I hit one not as bad as yours no fracture damage just a small bend and it's being fixed now.

 

FL is the same way, but report it ASAP so that they dont have a chance to fix it before you get reimbursed

 

thanks for the responses. ill report it first thing in the morning.

anyone from New York have any experience with this?

 

Tried that in Philly once. It was so much paper work and going to offices (had to take time off from work), and reimbursement was pro-rated. I also had to prove that the city was somehow negligent. Just because there was a pot hole there doesn't make them negligent. Negligence would be documented proof that they knew about the pothole and did not take measures to secure and fix it in a timely matter. Good luck trying to dig that sort of proof up!!Long story short it wasn't worth my time. Try it out but you probably will have to cut your loses.

 

i've had 2 friends have RI pay for their dented rims. so you should be all set!

 

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you will only get paid from NY state if you can prove they knew about the pothole before you hit it... goodluck.

 

I kind of would like to know exactly where the pothole is, between what exits being as I drive on 95 from the bronx from my gf's when we go to new roc or the beach. Really don't feel like hitting it. I have to buy new rotors and the last thing I need now is something else financially putting it off(after my headlight getting stolen and then needing to replace my 2 front tires).

Potholes suck. At least you only have to replace one wheel. My gf once hit on the exit ramp on 87 at the stew leonards exit. It was right on the line on the right side and she broke both wheels and needed 2 with tires.

 

My friend bent a rim on his car on the highway. He had to fill out some form, he sent it out, and still hasnt recived any money for his wheel. This was like a year ago too....

 

I am from NY... but i dont know the legal issues about it. Knowing NY, they will probably deny it. But keep fighting... also for a rim, try a junkyard first for cheaper route... Good luck

 

That really stinks, wish you luck trying to get money from them, they will probably give you the run-a-round but stick to your ground and take pics of the damage to the wheel and the pot hole in case they deny it. Its funny you get in deep trouble if you are late with your taxes but when it comes time for them to pay you for their neglence on the roads its like pulling teeth!

 

thanks for all your replies. i called up the city's hotline, and requested the forms. that alone is gonna take me 10 days to get...

the "pothole" (its more like a friggin ramp with a hole in the middle of it) is located about 3/4 of a mile before exit 3 going southbound on 95. you'll see a sign that says, "3rd Ave Exit 3, 3/4 mile" haha.

i cant even take pictures of the damn pothole cause its in the middle of a highway. but its pretty congested most of the time, so im thinking, i could get out of the car real quick, snap a quick pic, and get a few honks and birds in return. blah who knows what i'll have to do to prove the city was at fault. anyway, thanks for the responses all.

 

do this.. call the hotline to report the problem..
tell a few friends to do the same..

then call the next day and say you hit it..


you just set up a negligence situation

 

Oh i know what section your talking about, thats like when the highway is like a giant overpass with webster ave passing by underneath right? I always stay in the left left lane.