Drivers seek reimbursement after damage from potholes

MADISON (WKOW) — Potholes are causing problems on many roads and in some cases, causing costly damage to cars and trucks.

Madison’s Streets Department has filled more than a hundred just in the past week.

A massive pothole on Park Street damaged dozens of cars over the past week and caused thousands in repair costs for drivers.

That one has since been filled but the bills still exist.

Catherine Vakhnina of Madison sent 27 News a picture of some of the damage it caused to her vehicle, showing a cracked rim and tire.

She says fixing it cost almost $2,000.

It’s something Anna Hahm experienced last year

“I had to take the car in to get the tire repaired and the rim was bent,” Hahm said.

Hahm hit a pothole between railroad tracks on University Avenue.

In both cases, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad owned the tracks.

Hahm says the railroad fully reimbursed her.

“It is a hassle and you have to put time into it and follow up,” Hahm said. “Be persistent, you can usually get the results you want.”

For reimbursements through the railroad company, they say contact them directly.

They have a four-page document that asks for all the details relating to the incident.

The City of Madison has a similarly thorough process.

The City’s Risk Manager says people need to file a written notice about what happened, where it happened and when it happened and send it to the City Clerk’s Office.

He said if the city approves the claim, there’s no limit to your reimbursement.

But the city has budgeted around $950,000 for all insurance claims for 2019.

More at WKOW 27 News


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