Car Damage from Potholes
I’m Ed Smith, a Davis car accident lawyer. Drivers in California know how annoying it is to have to maneuver around or accidentally drive right into a pothole on the roadway. What many do not know about driving over potholes is that this roadway defect can result in costly repairs to mechanical components throughout a vehicle.
What are Potholes?
A pothole is a depression in a road surface that is caused by subsidence or wear. This type of roadway defect is created by rainfall that deteriorates the pavement as well as the presence of traffic driving over the affected area. Potholes can result in serious damage to our vehicles depending on the rate of speed travelled and the height the vehicle is from the ground.
Damages from Potholes
Potholes can cause damages to not only the wheels of the vehicle but also other parts. The damage happens when the tire of the vehicle exits the pothole. A disproportionate amount of weight is placed on the submerged tire which can result in extensive damages. These damages include the following:
- Engine Damage
- Exhaust System Damage
- Premature Wear on Shocks and Struts
- Steering System Misalignment
- Suspension Damage, Including Fractured Components
- Tire Damage, Puncture or Wear
- Wheel Rim Damage
Pothole Damage Services
The following vehicle inspection services may be recommended by professionals in the incident of driving over a pothole:
- Alignment Check and Alignment Maintenance
- Tire Repair
- Tire Balance and Rotation
Ignoring Pothole Damages
Ignoring pothole damages can affect a vehicle in the long run. The reason being that failing to service a vehicle for an alignment adjustment can be noticed after months of driving over a severe pothole. A driver that has a vehicle alignment problem can find themselves having a hard time driving with their steering wheel. This is caused by the misalignment of the vehicle which the car pulls towards one side instead of maintaining a straight path. Vehicle misalignment can also create premature wear on the tires and even puncturing them. This may cost a driver more in maintenance fees if they do not address the situation as soon as possible.
Davis Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Davis car accident lawyer. If you, or a family member, have suffered injuries as a result of a vehicular collision, please contact me at anytime at (530) 392-9400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice.
Since 1982, I have been assisting Davis families retrieve compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Read my reviews listed on: Avvo (the attorney ranking website), Yelp and Google.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Take a moment to visit my Past Verdicts and Settlements webpage.
Photograph Credit: By Matt RF Webb (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
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