Alright guys I just wrecked my car today. This is what happened, when I was driving down this local road, I noticed that the road has uneven pavement. I am located in Philadelphia PA, so I was extra careful because I saw plenty of manholes. Once I got to this intersection, i was going on an uphill so I was not able to see what was ahead of me. As soon as I went, the vehicle next to me was parallel to me. So I has no choice but to try to dodge the manholes that was right in front of me, but there was just to many to avoid. As soon as I went right through it, my cars airbags deployed and my steering got messed up to a stage where I tried to turn the steering wheel so I can push it to the side, it wouldn't work. My transmission is f***ed up cause its in park right now but looking from the outside its on reverse. The vehicle wouldn't start anymore and there is a whole bunch of coolant and other kind of liquids leaking out. now I was wondering how much this damage would be and if I would be able to sue the city for the damage that was caused to me. I only have limited tort for my insurance. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Oh by the way they didn't have any type of signs that says there is a manhole or uneven pavement.

 

I don't suppose you had a camera with you at the time? If you did have one did you take any pics of the manhole and the damage to the car? If not where there any witnesses? Would they be willing to back you up?
Your problem is going to be proving the damage was caused by the manhole. If you didn't document anything at the scene than it will probably end up as your word against theirs.
As for the damage to the car? Air bags deployed, trans hosed and coolant leaking from a an engine that want start anymore? Well you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that it's gonna cost a bundle to fix.
Best of luck and keep us posted on what happens.

 

Yeah, if you didn't call the police and get a report, you're fugged. If you have full coverage, your comprehensive coverage should cover it.

 

How big was this manhole?!? I expected you to swerve and hit the vehicle next to you or something.

 

I did take pictures with my camera phone, which the quality is pretty good. I took pictures of how my car looked like and where it was hit and where the manhole was located. I also did call the cops to get a police report. Now for insurance, I don't really have full coverage because I have limited tort and deductible is 1k.

 

manholes or potholes? WTF?

 

On an expensive car as ours, why would you not have near full coverage?
If you did get a police report and pictures of the scene, file a claim with your insurance company, youll have to pay the 1K deductible, but they should fix your car. Then, the insurance company should go after the city for the reimbursement. In any case, there should be signs on those streets that have severe amounts of potholes. Ive never seen a pothole cause as much damage as you mentioned, to me that sounds bizarre..but good luck with everything bro...

 

damn that sucks bro good luck

 

I would try to take some pictures and post it up and show it to you guys by tomorrow. Any more advice would be appreciated. I am going to see the lawyer tomorrow because I am planning to file a lawsuit against the city.

 

1. get the company info that is responsible at that work site.. my guess would be union pacific..

2. get the # call in and make a claim

3. mail them the pictures of the manhole/pothole and site.. also state in the paper that there is no sign that says there is a manhole or uneven pavement.
it would even be better if you can get a list of name and complaint from other people an mail it in with the pictures

4. they will sent someone out to inspect the site..

5. once the claim goes through... an come to a agreement they will ask you to go get 3 estimate from 3 different body shop..

6. mail in the estimate, they will choose 1 out of those 3 an send you a check
under your name and the body shop..

i have this problem before with my 2001 toyota celica Gt with blitz kit all around, i went through the intersection an wasn't aware of any sign that says uneven pavement.. the manholes was 6 ft wide an is deep enough that even a stock height g35 could bottom out... my whole front end was gone.. both fenders were crush in do to the impact.. i made a claim an sent in the pictures with a list of people name and complaint, also got the fire station to sign a note an say the site was dangerous to drive.. long story short.. union pacific wrote a check for $4,900 to get my car fix..

 

wow, a manhole? can you post some of ur cameraphone pix? maybe its damaged enough for a new down payment on a G37?

btw, tell me where it is so i can do the same. ROFL

 

Where did this happen so I know to stay far away?

Call your insurance company and see what they say. Is your car lowered or stock?

 

Well I was wondering if you guys would think if its a total loss since the tranny is done, and sub frame is probably ripped, airbags deployed and the whenever I steer, the wheel doesnt move at all. What do you guys think of the chance of a total loss would be? by the way its a 2003 auto g35 with about 51000 miles on it. By the way this is located in North Philly area. And my car is stock height

 

You should definitely persue getting the city to cover this, especially since your tax dollars are supposed to cover streets so situations like this dont happen.

It sounds like the car is more than likely totalled. When air bags deploy and fluids are leaking, etc, etc, it gets to be a lot of damage to repair. Take your car to an expensive shop or the infiniti dealership, it will have a higher chance of being totalled out.

 

Were the manholes uncovered b/c people were stealing them to recycle? If so, the city is responsible to replace them. You need to find out if it was reported. (Time for a good mouthpiece)