CAJON PASS, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Potholes have popped up across Interstate 15 after heavy rainfall hit this month.
Across San Bernardino County, requests for pothole repairs have soared in recent weeks after every rain storm in February. Caltrans said there have been thousands of potholes reported in the district over the last two big storms.
Why potholes form:
- Water and traffic are the two main reasons.
- Vehicles drive over the already weakened pavement area, cracks in the surface layer crumbles into the gap with water underneath and a pothole forms.
- The more vehicles hit the pothole the bigger it gets, that will cause damage to your vehicle.
While collision insurance usually covers pothole damage after you pay the deductible, but it may not be worth putting in the claim. The damage your vehicle sustains could fall below the amount of your deductible.
Caltrans says they offer up to $10,000 to drivers whose vehicles have been damaged by potholes on California freeways.
A damage claim can be filed directly with the agency by anyone who believes that “the action or inaction” of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) “has caused him or her monetary loss,” according to dot.ca.gov.
The Caltrans website includes instructions on how to file a claim arising from such incidents, noting that the county in which it occurred must be provided. Each of the state’s counties is covered by a specific District Claims Office.
“Potholes can not only impact your tire rims but it can also damage your suspension and on average the cost of a pothole repair,” noted Doug Shupe of the Auto Club of Southern California. “It varies between $250 to more than $1,000.”
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