Killer Pot Holes

[Billip]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

For what its worth, I was driving past the offending pot hole today and they had fixed it. Maybe this is some acknowledgement of guilt?

Andrew

Well that's good to hear... at least other people won't have this happen to them. I spoke to a claims adjuster at the City today and will be filing a claim ASAP. I asked him how long it usually takes to see some action on a claim submission and he said about 3-4 weeks, which if true, is a lot better than some others have said. Hopefully it'll work out.

[Billip]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Time to bring this back up...

So it's been a long time coming with this issue. I filed a claim with the City of Calgary right after this incident happened (read the first post for more info). The City took FOREVER to get back to me, and when they did all they said was "It was a contractor so we have no liability". Fortunately, they gave me the contractor information. I then filed a Claim with the contractor (Alsa Road Construction). Then I waited more.

Well today I just received a letter from Alsa saying that, in their opinion, they did nothing wrong and that hundreds of vehicals drove over this same section of road, and that it must have been me driving with undue care and attention.

Well, that's ********.

If you look at the pics I posted, it's obvious that their repairs were not done right. So my question to all of you, what are my options? Has anyone ever had to deal with this situation? Can I sue them in small claims court or something? This cost me $500 out of my own pocket for something that wasn't my fault, and I want my money back damnit.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Kor]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Well today I just received a letter from Alsa saying that, in their opinion, they did nothing wrong and that hundreds of vehicals drove over this same section of road, and that it must have been me driving with undue care and attention.

They probably didnt even look at your claim, but rather have a policy that says its cheaper for them to give you nothing than to settle. Without legal steps being taken, they probably won't settle with you at this stage. You could try sending them an official looking letter documenting both your original claim and their reply, with vague legal threats (especially if you can find inconsistancies between the two). Otherwise, you'll need a small claims lawyer I guess.

Your other alternative is to start costing the company money in some other way that makes it more affordable for them to pay you. One way you might be able to do this is to send your pictures and story to The Herald. Right now there is a HUGE amount of public unrest about the quality of road construction in Calgary and how public funds are being spent. It might make a good public interest story for them. Actually, definitely do this.

[Mr. Burns]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Small claims court could be worth a shot, other than that I think you might be out of luck.

Perhaps vandalising their trucks and equipment in some way will provide you with some satisfaction.

[bart]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

a few days ago i got my letter of denial from the city too, about that rock i hit. they said they "didnt get enough complaints", ya wtf, if someone hits it, it wont be there anymore!

anyway, i got a lawyer working on it now.

[James]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Perhaps vandalising their trucks and equipment in some way will provide you with some satisfaction.

How true, how true

[R_Ethug]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

yes but in the end 'our' tax dollars have to fix that stuff so ya know.......

[James]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

"our" tax dollars pay the cheques of those city workers who stand there holding an effing sign when a truck drives across a street and I watch it and suck it up everyday..Knowing that, repairing someones damage doesnt seem so bad

[liquid]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Getting a lawyer would be more expensive than its worth for something of this nature. I'm pretty sure you could represent yourself in small-claims court, and threatening that might get you some attention. I do however like Kris's idea about sending it to the Herald or the Sun. Either way, if they do something on it... that might help.

Also, just out of curiousity sake.... can you report something like this to the BBB?

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

I agree with the others that getting a lawyer will probably not prove to be costr effective for you. The best way would be to try and cause them as much bad publicity as possible, send your inof into the papers and also contact the consumer reporters at the TV stations and just try and make them realize they cannot just forget about you. Sending them a letter with your intentions will also be a good reminder.

[Deuce]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

I agree with Kor and Canadian Turbo... Man, if that story ends up in the Herald or the Sun, I'll definitely read it. Maybe they can do a "how-to" article on how to get you claim through the system. That will definitely make sure the city and contractors are a little more careful!

Just keep buggin' them man... Trust me... they didn't coin an age old phrase for nothing: "...the squeaky wheel, always gets the grease!"

Good Luck

[gaffer]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

"our" tax dollars pay the cheques of those city workers who stand there holding an effing sign when a truck drives across a street and I watch it and suck it up everyday..Knowing that, repairing someones damage doesnt seem so bad

Let's not turn this into a bash City employees thread, as there are a few of us on this board who work damn hard, and put in way for this City than they are expected. After all, this is a problem with a contractor of the City.

Vandalism wont solve the problem either. It may make you feel better, but do you think that they will get the message. Not likely, just another insurace claim for the City that makes us all pay more in the way of lost productivity and higher insurance costs.

I honestly think the best course of action for you is to call you Alderman and tell them how POed you are. Follow it up with a letter. It is an election year, and they do have a way of getting things done. State you case in a reasonable manner. Dont get all crazy because those people rarely get anywhere.

The contractor will have insurance for this type of thing. Be persistant.

Andrew

[bart]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

the lawyer part for me is free, i just got one of those u of c student lawyers, they are doing this for experience, and its free for students. if it doesnt work out, i have other ways of getting my money back from the city.

the newspaper thing is a good idea too.

[Deuce]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

I honestly think the best course of action for you is to call you Alderman and tell them how POed you are. Follow it up with a letter. It is an election year, and they do have a way of getting things done. State you case in a reasonable manner. Dont get all crazy because those people rarely get anywhere.

To which I repeat:
"...the squeaky wheel, always gets the grease!"

Good Luck!

[Billip]

Re: Killer Pot Holes

Thanks for the comments guys. To clarify a few things, this is a problem with a subcontractor of the City so no need to bash City of Calgary employees (thanks gaffer for keeping me bug free!). Also, I will not be vandalizing any of their property because that gets me nowhere and only costs everyone in the long term.

So, I am thinking that my next step is the write Alsa another letter telling them to reconsider their opinion, and that if my claim is not settled that I will be forced to either litigate this through the courts and/or take this story to local media, who i'm sure will find it interesting as many people have problems like this with the amount of construction that goes on in our city.

Sound like a plan?