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Decision guide

If your pothole claim was rejected

A rejection is not proof that your account is wrong. It usually means the authority says liability has not been established. Read the decision carefully before deciding what to do next.

Identify the exact reason

Look for the inspection date, inspection frequency, repair response time, whether the defect had previously been reported, who maintained the road and whether the authority disputes that the pothole caused the damage. Do not answer a different argument from the one actually made.

Ask for the relevant records

You can ask the authority for the inspection and repair records it relied on, together with the applicable highway inspection policy. Keep your request narrow: identify the exact road, location and incident date.

Check the evidence chain

Make sure the location, defect, impact, vehicle damage and repair cost are clearly connected. A garage report may help where causation is disputed. Keep damaged parts if the authority asks to inspect them and it is practical to do so.

Respond factually

If the authority offers a review route, follow it and address each stated reason with documents. Do not overstate what you can prove.

Legal boundary: this service prepares documents and general information. It does not advise whether to issue court proceedings or assess the prospects of a disputed claim.

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