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Post date: May 02, 2014 4:5:44 PM
Steward Albert DeMarco brought this to the attention of the Division Stewards - drivers can be compensated for damages to their cars as the result of hitting a pothole:Members of Division 205 spend a lot of time traveling for personal as well as State business. We all know potholes can extract a terrible cost from your car and budget when a part of your car breaks after hitting one of these craters. [I've personally had tie rod ends and a wheel bearing fail as a result of hitting potholes. - MG]Fortunately, motorists can get some compensation for these damages from the State or the municipality where they occur. Unfortunately, the State says they're not responsible for damages in winter. Here's some articles covering the State's policy:
New York Times: Taking On a Pothole Law: In Winter, New York State Rejects Drivers’ Claims
WIVB: Law makes state immune from pothole damage claims in winter
The State or the municipality can be held accountable for their neglect of the roads from May 1st to November 15th, however, BUT they must be made aware of the pothole BEFORE anyone can make a claim on any damage it has caused!
In order to help our members, Albert looked up some of the phone numbers where you can call to report potholes:
NYS DOT (for all State highways and routes)- 1-800-POTHOLE
City of Albany - (518) 432-1144
City of Troy - (518) 270-4579
Town of Brunswick - (518) 279-3461 x117
Schenectady - (518) 356-5344
If your location isn't listed and you find the correct contact information, let me know and I'll edit this post with the information.
If you do find yourself considering filing a claim, there are steps you need to follow - including determining the municipality responsible and filing a claim. The basic process is outlined here:
The Impact: Dancing With Potholes: Filing A Claim In New York
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