DETROIT – Drivers around Metro Detroit know it only takes one deep pothole to turn a commute into a costly repair. But what you do in the first five minutes after that jolt can make a big difference in your safety, your wallet and your chances of getting reimbursed.
You feel the bang. The wheel yanks. Maybe a warning light pops on.
In those first few seconds, it’s tempting to keep driving. Experts say don’t. Those first five minutes are vital.
1. Get to a safe spot
Turn on your hazard lights and move to a safe place — a parking lot, side street or wide shoulder where you’re out of traffic.
2. Check for urgent damage
Once you’re safely parked, do a quick walk-around.
Look for:
- A flat or bulging tire
- A cracked or bent rim
- Fluids leaking under the car
- The car pulling hard to one side when you try to move again
If anything looks or feels wrong, don’t push it. Call for roadside assistance or a tow so you don’t risk a blowout or further damage.
3. Document everything
Next, document as much as you can while details are fresh.
- Take photos of your tire, wheel and any visible damage
- Take photos of the pothole and the surrounding area
- Note the time and date
- Write down the exact location and direction of travel (street name, nearest cross street or mile marker)
The more detail you capture right away, the better your chances if you file a claim later with your insurance company or a local road agency.
4. Report the pothole
Finally, report the pothole with the city, county or state
Reporting the damage doesn’t guarantee reimbursement, but it creates a record of the problem -- which can help your claim and may prevent other drivers from getting hit by the same pothole.
---> Hit a pothole in Michigan? Here’s how you can submit a damage claim
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