Rise in Personal Injury Claims to Councils as Roads Deteriorate

March 23, 2011 - PRLog -- The Paul Rooney Partnership look at the issue of the deterioration of the roads and the implications for local authorities.

Potholes caused by the unusually cold weather experienced during the past two winters that have been left unfilled on roads around the UK are creating a rise in claims to Local authorities for personal injury compensation claims.

The AA has stated that potholes have led to serious injuries or even death amongst a number of road users, and cyclists are especially vulnerable. Injuries such as broken wrists from after jolted over the handlebars as a result of hitting a pothole are not uncommon.

To cars and other vehicles, potholes are a major factor in causing axle and suspension failure, costing an estimated £2.8 billion to British motorists each year. Currently, road maintenance is underfunded by approximately 50% (£1 billion) every year. Local Authorities pay out more than £50 million in claims as a result of potholes and poor roads.

It has been discovered that councils have already had to pay more in damages to people whose vehicles have been damaged as a result of potholes. The local authority in charge of maintaining the roads may be held liable for damages to vehicles and ordered to pay personal injury compensation.

As a result of increased costs, the government has recently confirmed it will allocate additional funding of £100 million to local authorities to use on road repairs and maintenance. Transport secretary, Philip Hammond stated the funding should allow for safer and smoother journeys as “millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes".

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