VDOT Warns Virginia Roads May Buckle, but What to Do About Damages?

James Parrish
August 18, 2010

James Parrish
http://www.theparrishlawfirm.com

The Virginia Department of Transportation is warning motorists about the possibility of "road buckling," due to extreme summer temperatures. They aren't quite the sinkholes we've seen on the news lately, but the process is quite similar.

According to Albert Rollins, VDOT's interstate maintenance manager for Northern Virginia, consistent temperatures in the mid-to-high-90s put road surfaces at a higher risk for buckling. "Pavement expands in the heat, and cannot contract if it does not cool down enough overnight," he said. "It continues to expand, and that's when we see damage."

VDOT crews have already been called in to repair some roads around Northern Virginia. Motorists can report potholes, buckling pavement and other road problems through the VDOT website or by calling 703-383-VDOT.

Drivers should be prepared for lane closures if crews need to repave roads. Crews will be on special alert this weekend as temperatures are expected to surpass 100 degrees.

Could you be reimbursed for damages to your car caused by buckling roads? Maybe. It's similar to a blog post I authored a while back on pothole damage.

Basically, if you can prove negligence, you MAY have a chance to be reimbursed for your car repairs. Apparently 1,600 Virginia drivers submitted claims for damage to their vehicles sustained after hitting a pothole in 2009.

Although only a few of the claims were honored, it may still be worth the effort to collect your evidence and submit your claim to VDOT for consideration. If the incident occurred on a city road not maintained by VDOT, you most likely have to submit your claim to a different agency.

It would be helpful to record the date, exact time, and the exact location you incurred the damages. If at all possible (and if it is safe to do so), take photographs of the actual road as well as the damage to your vehicle. You will also need to have an estimate of the damage or receipt for repairs done as a result.

Although VDOT tries to repair damage on the interstates within 24 hours, they need to be reported. To report a pothole on a road in Virginia, you can either fill out a request online at VDOT's Report a Road Problem form or call 1- 800-367-ROAD. According to VDOT's website, they do not fill potholes in cities and towns, except for interstates and major primaries; therefore, you may need to contact the local city or county government that maintains the particular road you need to report.

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James Parrish is a DWI/DUI attorney in Manassas, Warrenton, and Woodbridge, Virginia. Mr. Parrish formerly represented law enforcement agencies and instructs law enforcement officers. His law firm offers free consumer's guides on various aspects of the law including DWI/DUI, reckless driving, dog bites/attacks and automobile accidents.
http://dwi.theparrishlawfirm.com/virginia-dui-lawyer/
http://dwi.theparrishlawfirm.com/