Between record-breaking temperatures and sudden shifts from frozen to hot, it’s probably not much of a surprise that potholes continue to be a major problem in Philadelphia. If your vehicle was damaged and you were hurt by a pothole the city failed to repair, you may be able to recover compensation.
Philadelphia Pothole Repair and Accident Statistics
Road defects occur so frequently that the City Controller keeps track of the number of street cave-ins and potholes that are repaired annually. On average, between 10,000 and 20,000 potholes are filled in per year as they are reported by drivers.
While the City Controller’s office attempts to repair reported holes within a three-day timeframe, there are numerous instances where that deadline isn’t met. In one particular case, a series of potholes in Fairmount Park remained unfixed for 474 days after the first time a hole was reported.
Both smaller potholes, as well as larger cave-ins and ditches, pose a serious threat to your vehicle and your physical safety. After a pothole accident you may find your vehicle is totaled while you have to deal with hospital bills before you can even go back to work.
In these situations, the option is available to pursue compensation from a government organization, such as the city of Philadelphia or even SEPTA.
You Need an Attorney to Pursue Compensation After a Pothole Accident
Suing the city can be more complex and difficult than negotiating a settlement through insurance or filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver. Your lawyer will likely need to communicate with the Bureau of Finance and Risk Management, which investigates claims against the Commonwealth for pothole damage.
Your attorney also needs to investigate the accident to prove the city was aware of the problem and failed to fix it before you were injured. The party you pursue compensation from may vary, as different organizations are responsible for repairing potholes:
- Areas within a certain number of feet of trolley tracks are under the responsibility of SEPTA.
- Road defects within Philadelphia’s city limits are handled by the Streets Department.
- State roads are under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
- Utility companies such as PECO, the Philadelphia Gas Work, and the Philadelphia Water Department can also be liable in certain situations if their work caused a road defect.
Talk to a Lawyer if you Were Hurt by a Philadelphia Pothole
No matter which route you take when pursuing a financial recovery, you will need a knowledgeable attorney to help after a pothole accident. Call 215-332-0300 or message the Heslin Law Firm directly over here for a callback.
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