Pothole Accident Claims
Advice on how pothole accident claims work and why working with a solicitor covering St Helens can help.
Pothole Accident Claims
Advice on how pothole accident claims work and why working with a solicitor covering St Helens can help.
Have you been injured after hitting or tripping on a pothole in St Helens? If so, this article explains when you might be able to make a pothole accident claim. We’ll cover the laws about pothole hazards, how claims work, and when these claims succeed.
Our panel of solicitors cover the St Helens area and can guide you through the entire claims process. They can help you gather evidence, deal with insurers or the local authority, and understand your rights. If you have questions about your situation, we are here to assist you and assess your eligibility for pursuing compensation.
To learn more about pothole compensation claims, please read on. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to chat now, call 01744 385105 or use our Contact Us form for free advice.
What Are Pothole Accident Claims?
A pothole compensation claim is a legal action you can take if you are injured because of a pothole. Roads, pavements, and car parks should be kept in a reasonably safe condition by those responsible. Most often, this is the local council, such as St Helens Borough Council, or a private company if the area is privately owned.
If you trip, fall, or crash because of a pothole, you could claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses. This might include lost earnings, medical expenses, and any other associated costs. Many claims are brought under the Highways Act 1980, which makes highway authorities responsible for keeping roads safe for users.
The easiest way to find out if you can make a pothole accident claim is to all a member of our team. We offer a free consultation and provide no-obligation legal advice. If your claim is valid, we could connect you with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel who covers the St Helens area. Why not call today for more information?
If you've suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you don't need to suffer in silence.
When Is It Possible To Claim For Pothole-Related Injuries?
You may have grounds to claim compensation if the pothole caused your injury and was the result of poor maintenance. The key points to consider are:
The authority (like the local council) was responsible for inspecting and fixing the road.
The pothole was sufficiently dangerous.
They failed to act within a reasonable time.
Your injury was directly caused by hitting or tripping over the pothole.
If you’re unsure who is responsible, our panel can advise you. They can review where your accident happened and what steps the authority should have taken.
How Big Does The Pothole Need To Be?
Generally, a pothole must be at least 40mm deep and 300mm wide for councils to be found liable. These are common guidelines, but some local authorities have stricter standards. On busy roads like the A58 or areas with high pedestrian traffic, a large pothole left unfixed could be strong grounds for a claim.
Still, every case is unique. Even a smaller pothole could be hazardous, especially to cyclists and pedestrians. As such, it’s always a good idea to contact us for a free review of your case to check your eligibility to claim.
Different Accidents That Could Lead To A Pothole Compensation Claim
Potholes cause a range of accidents. Most common include:
Trips and falls on footpaths.
Cycling accidents, e.g., if you’re thrown off your bike after hitting a pothole).
Motorists involved in accidents after hitting potholes, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
Accidents in car parks or shopping centres caused by large holes.
If you’ve been injured in St Helens and would like a solicitor from our panel to help, why not call to discuss your pothole accident claim today?
What Evidence Is Needed To Prove My Case?
It’s fair to say that you stand a better chance of winning a pothole injury claim if there’s sufficient evidence to prove your case. Some examples of evidence that may strengthen your claim include:
Photographs of the pothole: Ideally, a ruler or tape measure should be used to show the size of the pothole.
Photos of any physical injuries: Bruises, cuts, grazes etc.
Witness details: Names and contact info of anyone who saw the accident.
Accident location: Take notes, and if possible, a map or what3words reference.
Medical records: Reports from your GP, hospital, or minor injuries unit to prove your injuries.
Receipts and invoices: Any expenses related to your injury (like taxis, repairs, or prescription charges).
It is a good idea to take photos at the time of the accident. That’s because, in some cases, if you return a few days later, the pothole may have been repaired, leaving you with little evidence.
We are happy to review any evidence you have collected for a St Helens pothole accident claim, so why not give us a call today?
Pothole Compensation Claims Time Limits
In law, the personal injury claims time limit is 3 years. This limitation period usually starts on the date of your accident. However, the time limit can differ in some cases:
For children: The three-year clock starts on their 18th birthday. However, claims can be brought at any time before then by a litigation friend (parent, guardian etc.)
If someone lacks mental capacity: No time limit applies unless capacity is regained.
Waiting too long can mean losing your chance to claim. Therefore, if you’re not sure about deadlines or your case is close to the limit, please speak to one of our advisors. They can check if you’re still eligible for compensation.
Why Use A No Win No Fee Solicitor To Manage A Claim
Our panel of solicitors offer No Win No Fee terms for all accepted pothole compensation claims. This gives you access to expert legal help for St Helens residents without upfront costs. Here’s why it’s helpful:
No financial risk: If your claim isn’t successful, you don’t pay legal fees.
Clear costs: Fees are only deducted if you win compensation.
Peace of mind: Professionals handle negotiations with the council or insurer.
Easy to understand: Your solicitor will explain the No Win No Fee agreement and any costs clearly before your case begins.
To see if a No Win No Fee solicitor can help you claim for a pothole accident in St Helens, please feel free to get in touch.
Contact Our Team For Free Advice On Pothole Compensation Claims
You are well within your rights to consider claiming compensation if you have been injured because of a pothole in St Helens.
You can call 01744385105 for a free consultation, or use our Contact Us form to request a call back. There’s no obligation to take further action, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.
Whether your accident happened on Borough Road, the East Lancs, or a town footpath, taking the first step now could make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about making pothole compensation claims
What types of injuries can you claim for after a pothole accident?
You can claim for a range of injuries caused by pothole accidents, including sprains, fractures, cuts, bruises, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. Cyclists and motorcyclists may suffer more serious injuries like broken bones or concussion, while pedestrians often experience ankle or wrist injuries. Emotional trauma and any long-term complications relating to your injuries can also be included in your claim.
What if I don’t know who is responsible for maintaining the area?
If you’re unsure who is responsible for the area where the pothole accident happened, a solicitor can help identify the correct party. This is typically the local council for public roads and pavements, but it could be a private company if it occurred in a car park or retail estate.
Is there a minimum value for a pothole accident claim?
There is no strict minimum value, but very minor injuries or small amounts of financial loss may not be cost-effective to pursue. Many solicitors will advise whether your case is likely to justify the time and effort of seeking compensation.
