Shock absorbers gone; road shoddy?

Question

Moved into new house on new housing estate. Massive potholes everywhere as the road was incomplete. MOT failed today due to knackered shock absorbers. Is it even worth bothering asking Taylor Woodrow for compensation - especially as they've just announced a massive loss? Road was like this since we moved in 20 months ago. Ironically they finished tarmacing it yesterday.

Answer 1

Legally, you knowingly drove over an un-made carriageway therefore you took responsibility for any damage to your property. Its different from hitting a pot hole in a surfaced road (i.e. a hole that shouldn't be there), that in itself is enough to release the site company of any compensation claim.

I don't suppose anyone had the gumption to get together with the rest of the owners and bought some scalpings to fill up the holes and save yourselves the aditional expense of car damage?

No?, well thats failing to protect your own property as well.

Answer 2

If theres pot holes slow down, if it's a new car you might have a Chance, it would be like hitting a tel phone pole and blaming the company for putting the pole in the way, give it a shot I'd like to hear a good laught

Answer 3

As you say, it's worth a letter to the MD: Companies have to respond to requests in writing, and there's nothing to lose.

Answer 4

Probably little hope of getting compensation as they most likely want proof that the road caused the problem but it won't hurt to ask and at least you are highlighting a problem with the road which may result in them getting it sorted out. May also be an idea to ask neighbours to write letters of complaint about the state of the road so they know it's a problem for all in the area.

Answer 5

You can always try,however,you must check to see if any completion date was given and if it was exceeded.Then also reallise the age,condition and service history of your vehicle may be requested and mileage done,to determine responsibility,if any.My opinion is the same as yours,i don,t think you stand a chance.You sound a level headed and with it person,i just think this rankles and its about self respect and the male-GO GETTEM syndrome,it could be costly in court,by all means send a polite letter outlining your problem---your choice.

Answer 6

It would depend when the council adopted the road.

Until a road is adopted it remains, basically a building site.  As you say that the road has been finished recently, I would say that that is when it was adopted.

You are unlikely to succeed with a claim against the builders as their argument will be that the road was unfinished and you should drive accordingly (you wouldn't voluntarily take your car across a ploughed field would you)

Answer 7

if there,s anyone else lives on your street, get a petition signed by all the residents.