Marford Hill North Wales Pothole claim-My story so fra incl ltr/pics

by sialdouk

05 Jun 2010

I am really pushing this claim to go through, I ran over a pothole in my 3 series BMW. The tyre that had done less than 400 miles burst.
No damage to rim luckily and the tracking does not appear to be affect.
If the tyre was old or had less than 4.5 mil, I wouldn't bother pushing to claim.
However as the tyre was practically brand new where I have receipt to prove and the actual damaged tyre, I feel I should be reimbursed. That's what insurance is for afterall.
I submitted my letter
I called 7 times to chase Zurich the insurers about the claim
I received 3 letters back.
I have requested under the freedom of information info about this particular road section
I am not sure what my next step is though?!
My letter:
Mr Paul Fairclough
Wrexham County Borough Council
Environment Department
Abbey Road South
Wrexham Industrial Estate
Wrexham LL13 9PW



Dear Mr Fairclough

Marford Hill – Pothole Causing Tyre to Blow Out
Customer No ************

As discussed with one of your representatives during a recorded telephone call on the 21st January 2010 at 13:05hrs. I am obliged to write and request a claim for reimbursement of a new tyre as a result of my driving my car over a pothole which caused the front side near tyre to “blow out”.

The incident happened on the 20th January at approximately 20:45 hours. I was driving with my partner and our 3 year old son from Gresford down Marford Hill. As we drove down the hill the speed limit reduces from 40 to 30 mph and it is at this point where the pothole is situated.

On examination of the tyre I found it had completely deflated and I then had to change it with the space saver spare wheel. The tyre in question was brand new and fitted on the 15th December 2009. From the 15th December 2009 to the 20th January the tyre had only been driven approximately 400 miles.

The wheel and tyre were inspected at Smart Repair Company. The tyre is totally beyond repair (please see the enclosed photograph). I have kept the tyre in case you wish to inspect it. This will also verify that the tyre was brand new.

Fortunately the alloy wheel has not been damaged and has no apparent cracks or bends.

As a result of this incident I have had to pay £112.80 for a new tyre. A copy of the receipt is enclosed as proof of payment.

In support of my claim on the 21st January I returned to Marford Hill and took photographs (please see the enclosed) and measurements, the dimensions of which were : 6.25” deep x 43.5” x 14”. If you require higher resolution copies of the photographs please let me know and I will forward them on to you.


…/
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During my conversation with the representative on the 21st January, I was advised that other motorists driving on the same stretch of road had also called the Council offices to complain about the pothole. I am also aware that, later on the same day of my telephone call to report the incident the pothole was filled in by workers from Wrexham County Borough Council (please see the enclosed photograph).

Having provided all the pertinent information relating to my claim and complaint I would now like this matter to be addressed as quickly as possible and am requesting a full reimbursement to the amount of £112.80.

If I do not receive satisfactory resolution I will have no further option but to escalate the matter to the highest authority possible. This includes obtaining relevant information to support my claim under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. The details requested will be of safety inspections, carriage defect inspections, details of all complaints relating to the carriageway in question, etc.

If you have any queries whatsoever regarding my claim or require further clarification please do not hesitate to contact me.

In the meantime I would expect to receive a response to this letter from you by the 8th February 2010.

Yours sincerely


Pls see attached my letter replies and also a picture of said pothole