DCC

by jess

19 Apr 2009

i was travelling up South Road, Durham on August 12, 2008 when i hit deep pot hole. it was raining very heavily this day, visibility was poor and the road covered in water. i had just put brand new wheels and tyres on my Astra which were a present for my birthday from my partner, they cost £500.
the pothole that i hit was just left of the white lines, so even if it was visible would of been hard to avoid without swerving. the noise was horrendous when i hit it, nearly knocking my teeth out. i had to pull in a little further up the road as my car felt strange to drive. i noticed my wheel had 'gouges' round the polished rim. i had to continue my journey as i was at work and had things to do, but i reported the pothole that day to DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL. I had my checked out by my local garage when i got home which revealed that i had damaged the track rod end, knocked my tracking out, and damaged my wheel. the total cost for repair which included estimated cost of a new wheel was £290. after enquireing about buying 1 wheel i was informed that they wouldnt sell them individually, so then i had to get an estimate for it be repaired £89, with the inconveinience of being without my car for 2 days. When i reported the hole i got a number to ring to make a claim which i did. i have photos of the hole, my garage estimate and wrote all the details an forwarded them on. it was a good few weeks befor i heard from them, even then i had to keep ringing to remind them i was still waiting. i then had to do a site visit with the highways inspector, which meant taking timeoff work (more loss). i then got a letter from DCC's solicitor to say i was unsuccesful as they were not liable for the damage on the road. i was furious and prsuied further only to be told that i should contact Northumbrian Water because the pothole was caused as a result of Balfor Beaties repair to the road after doing some work on the pipes there. what a cop out, i pay my council tax and road tax and then i had to foot the bill and got nothing back. i have wrote to Northumbrian Water and heard nothing to this day, i am just putting it behind me now as it really makes me angry, upset and frustrated that these bloody councils get away with murder. why should i be out of pocket for something that is not my fault?