Jan 18, 2008 5:54 pm US/Eastern
Treacherous Potholes Costing Drivers Big Money
BURLINGTON, Mass. (WBZ) ―
Winter storms take their toll on roads around the state, leaving large and dangerous potholes in the way of oncoming vehicles.
The craters are not only a hazard but are potentially costly for drivers as well.
One such pothole cost a Burlington woman hundred of dollars in damages to her car on Route 3A.
Lindy Ryan said she was driving along Route 3A in Burlington last Thursday when she hit a pothole.
"All I heard was this huge noise, and I thought, 'Oh, my gosh, what did I hit?'" she said. "Then I could hear my car making all kinds of noises."
When mechanic Bruce Flood took a look, he found what he estimates to be a $400 problem.
"This is what we call a flex pipe and from the vibration of hitting the pothole, it's actually caused the pipe to fracture," Flood said.
Ryan said she believes the state should reimburse her for the cost to repair the damage caused on the roadway.
Ryan isn't alone in wondering why state roads are exempt from reimbursement for property damage.
In fact, the concern is on Mass Highway's online list of frequently asked questions, "Can I be reimbursed for property damage if my car hits a pothole on a state highway?"
The short answer is no unless someone is injured. But Mass Highway spokesman Adam Hurtabee said the agency's legal department will review any claim it receives in writing.
Ryan says they'll hear from her.
Got a pothole that's driving you crazy? Send us it's location and pictures.
Link: Report It To Our Pothole Patrol
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