Any advice?

22nd September 2011

Hi - I hit a pothole in Liverpool, classed by the owning council as priority 2 (high) and suffered terminal damage to my alloy wheel and tyre, cost of repair £480.

The council have denied liability and will not budge. They claim not to have known about this. The pothole is recurring and has been repaired in the past, repair cost £25.94 - not so much as a repair but a sticking plaster.

The pothole was big enough for me to stand in it, with both feet (size 10) and the previous repair is visible from the poor workmanship on display. I've offered to compromise and waive part of the claim only to be refused.

They have however apologised for the costs I have incurred and the insurance clerk I've been dealing with has stated that the road surface was clalssed as unsafe, although they are not liable for costs even though they are financially, legally and morally obliged to ensure that ALL road surfaces within their borough are safe.

Can anyone recommend the next course of action - another letter stating 'final letter before action' or legal advice? If legal can you recommend a specialist company who deal with these matters?

Thanks in advance


Darren

Replies (2)

Potholes.co.uk Expert     posted : 30/09/11 at 12:38 pm

Don't rush into legal action until you have exhausted all other avenues. If you have not done so already, have a look at our step by step guide and start gathering the information we suggest.

monty67     posted : 22/09/11 at 11:57 am

Sorry forgot to add - the pothole was repaired within 48 hours of me discovering it and informing said council.