How can i fight the city>???

[03stage2]

As you probably read from my last post i hit a manhole in downtown cleveland and it tore my exhaust, broke my front fascia, and tore my driver side side skirt . I have heard of people going back on the city for this sort of thing, has anyone done this and anyone got any suggestions on how to go about getting reimbursed from the city?
Thanks so much

[Shay]

Is the manhole an obvious hazard, I mean is it missing a cover or sticking up more than 2".

Usually you would start by contacting public works and asking to talk to their claims dept. Get photos od the offending manhole, with a measuring tape preferrably. Do it before you call and complain, because they tend to fix these things when the heat is on. Save all your documents too. More than likely this is a case for the city attorney's office to eventually handle.

[03stage2]

It was one of those holes that was sticking out way more then 2 inches but they spackled the edges with blacktop so its more like a giant speedbump bubble. Regardless it royally fucked up my car

[Shay]

I suggest you gather up your reciepts and ask them to pay for it. They have insurance for this kind of thing.

[02roush]

Tell them you were dodging a bum and hit the pothole.

Ahh, I miss Cleveland.

As for the car, I'd talk to your insurance agent. They'll probably know how to go about getting something from the city.

[P51A]

Don't call your insurance, it will only go up! Call the city claims dept and get all the info from them to submit a claim (pictures, forms, etc.) and do it ASAP! It will take a long ass time to get settled, but get your claim number to get a place on line! Being a contractor in NYC, I have experience w/ dealing w/ them and they are the worlds worst. If you don't have your claim# and paperwork in order, no dice! The people that work for the big city agencies don't give a shit about you or themselves for that matter. They are nasty ass people. They will send you home a million times if one thing is out of order.

[03stage2]

Here is a pic of the nasty nasty hole I hit, I have video of other cars hitting it and stiull scraping (One of them is a big ass buick and it still scraped!!

[P51A]

Did you file a police report?

[03stage2]

No im about to make my first round of calls now but i cant find anything on a city claims office in cleveland? Could it be called something else???

[P51A]

I was just saying claims generically. I would start out by calling the police precinct for that part of the city. Then you can ask them if you should fill out a report first. They then should be able to direct you to the proper city agency. In NYC it would be the Dept. of Highways, but every city is different. Start w/ the police I am sure you will need a report. Keep me posted and good luck!

[03stage2]

So I contacted the city law office and filed a claim. Unfortunately they said they retain the right to take up to 12 weeks to deliberate and decide if they will pay it

[Markass]

So, that means you're going to be making a phone call to them every couple of days to check on the status/progress

[03stage2]

Well here I sit after 4 months of waiting on the city to reject my claim. And sure enough, they rejected my claim! BUT they gave me the info of the company that did do the work, scapegoat extraordinaire. I received this info on thursday and forwarded the claim to them the same day. Friday I got a call from the comp. that they were going to investigate the claim! I figured Id have to play the waiting game again but to my amazement I got a call from them yesterday! They have accepted my claim and are cutting me a check in full, $1,622.32! Now ive already done some of the work on my own and all that is left is the body work and paint which im hoping I can get done for around $600. Now I know I could just bank the extra grand but im always open to suggestions on some fun mods in that ballpark. After all, that money was intended to go towards the car

[02Roush2]

You might put that extra cash into your KB fund!

[360ROUSHRUNNER]

You can never beat City Hall!!!