How Much Damage Can a Pothole Actually Cause?

Potholes are a common sight on roadways.

Despite how prevalent they are, potholes can cause a substantial amount of damage to the vehicles of unwary drivers.

In this article, we discuss how potholes are formed, the damage they can cause, and how drivers can avoid damaging their vehicles while on the road. If your car is damaged or an accident occurs because of a negligently-maintained road, it’s possible that a car accident lawyer in Roanoke may be able to help. 

How Do Potholes Form?

Potholes are essentially sunken areas in a road’s asphalt lawyer. Typically, a pothole begins with small cracks or material failures in the asphalt. These cracks allow water to get below the surface layer of the road and collect over time. If the area’s temperature drops below freezing, the trapped water expands as it turns to ice. This deforms the road surface, creating more gaps and spaces under the asphalt. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles combine with the constant pressure of vehicles using the roadway and the pavement eventually breaks down entirely, creating a pothole. 

Spotting a Pothole While Driving

There is no “one size fits all” description for potholes. They might only be a few inches wide or stretch several feet, though most potholes don’t go deeper than a few centimeters below the street level. When a hole in a parking lot or road is substantially deeper, it’s likely you’re dealing with a sinkhole at that point. Some potholes are readily visible, but others may be hidden beneath leaves or water, particularly during rainy or autumn weather. It’s vital to pay attention to the road and keep an eye out for obstacles in your path.

Potential Damage Caused by Hitting a Pothole

Hitting a pothole can cause a variety of problems. One of the most common and immediate problems is tire damage. The impact of striking a pothole can puncture the tire, causing bulges in the sideline or a flat tire. In some cases, the tire may not be repairable and will need to be replaced to allow you to continue safely driving your car. 

Potholes can cause more than just tire damage. They can cause substantial damage to your vehicle’s suspension system. Hitting a pothole with significant force can damage springs, struts, and shocks. You might discover issues like misalignment, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in your vehicle’s handling as a result of damage from striking a pothole. These problems can hinder your control over your car and make your ride far less smooth. 

Can a Pothole Cause a Car Crash?

Although they may seem minor, potholes can put drivers at serious risk of injury. Hitting a pothole at high speed can cause a driver to suddenly lose control of their vehicle. When a driver begins to lose control of their vehicle in adverse weather or on a busy highway, they may be unable to prevent a crash. If a driver swerves to avoid a pothole, they can hit a vehicle in another lane or spin out.

Even if a driver strikes a pothole and stays in control of their car, the sudden impact may take their attention from the road for a moment and increase the risk of a collision.

How Expensive is it to Repair Pothole Damage?

The damage caused by potholes can be quite expensive to repair. Replacing a damaged tire can cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. The price of a replacement tire depends on the size and type of tire required by a vehicle. Suspension repairs can be even more expensive. Repairing damaged suspension components can cost anywhere from several hundred to more than a thousand dollars. Your vehicle may also need a wheel alignment to operate safely. 

While some comprehensive auto insurance policies may offer some level of protection for damage from potholes, you should carefully review the details of your policy so you understand what it does and doesn’t cover. Deductibles may apply, and certain types of coverage may have limits regarding the repair of pothole damage. If you have any questions, discuss them with your insurance provider as soon as you are able to.

Road Maintenance Can Minimize the Risk of Pothole Damage

Proactive road maintenance programs can help minimize the risk of potholes. Regular inspections and timely repairs of cracks and minor road imperfections can prevent trivial defects from evolving into sizable potholes. A community’s investment in effective long-term maintenance protects vehicles and drivers and also contributes to the overall economic well-being of people in the area. 

By understanding how potholes are formed and how much damage they can cause, drivers can be more vigilant and take proactive action to protect themselves and their vehicle. At the same time, drivers can advocate for effective road maintenance and pothole repairs to minimize the risk to the community.