Topline:
Blue skies have returned to L.A. and so have potholes. The storm made our roads look like Swiss cheese, but while we’re waiting for crews to make repairs, your car could get damaged. Here’s what to do.
How many potholes are out there? The city has received 1,180 pothole reports from the public since Sunday, according to the Department of Public Works. That’s more than 200 a day, well over the 30-a-day average the city’s had in the past, and it’s on par with what L.A. saw after last year’s storms around this time. Caltrans District 7, which covers L.A. and Ventura county freeways, has also repaired about 1,100 potholes so far.
How long do they take to get fixed? The city says reported potholes take about two days to get filled, but remember that more potholes will be found as people get back on the roads and report them. Other agencies who repair our roads have similar repair times.
What should I do if my car gets damaged? If you’ve had the misfortune of driving into a pothole around L.A. County, remember to take pictures. You’ll have to file a claim within six months and pay out of pocket for repairs first. It could take a few months to win as you may have to prove the agency was aware of the problem. Depending on where it happened, you’ll likely file with the city of L.A., or L.A. County for unincorporated areas, or Caltrans for freeways. For other cities, check with their street services department.
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