What if a Pothole Caused Your Car Accident in Connecticut

By Robert A. Avena

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Car Accidents

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Last Modified on May 10, 2026

Car accidents caused by road hazards, such as potholes, can leave drivers wondering who is to blame for the damage they’ve sustained. What if a pothole caused your car accident in Connecticut? Who will pay for your damages?

At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our car accident lawyers in Connecticut are here to look over the facts of your case, whether this accident was caused by a pothole in Middletown or along Gold Star Highway. Let us help you today.

What Is the Liability in Car Accidents Caused by Potholes in CT

Potholes are typically caused by Connecticut’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. These roadway defects can lead drivers to lose control of their vehicle, but can also cause tire blowouts and damage to the vehicle’s suspension system. Pothole damage is around 60% more common in the Northeastern part of the United States, and according to one study, potholes cause nearly $3 million in damages and vehicle repairs for US drivers every year.

In Connecticut, when an accident is caused by a roadway hazard, like a pothole, there are various parties who may hold liability. These parties can include:

• Government agencies. Local governing bodies, including those at the state or municipal levels, are responsible for keeping roads and highways safe and free from hazards that can cause accidents. If the government agency fails to repair hazards, like potholes, within a reasonable time frame, then it can be held liable. The claims process requires you to go through the Connecticut Department of Transportation in these cases.
• Construction companies. In Connecticut, construction companies are required to prevent debris from obstructing roadways and must follow strict regulations when carrying out their work. When construction companies fail in their duties and work in a negligent manner, potholes are more easily formed and can cause serious car accidents.

Your car accident attorney is here to review the details of your pothole accident in order to determine liability while you focus on your own rest and recovery. We can review evidence like accident scene photos, maintenance and construction logs, and dashcam footage to help us build your claim.

What You Need to Do Following a Car Accident Caused by a Pothole

In the aftermath of an accident caused by a pothole, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and physical health. These steps include:

• Moving your vehicle to a safe area and checking yourself and any passengers for injury
• Calling emergency services to report the accident to the police and get emergency medical attention if necessary
• Documenting the scene through photos and videos, including photos of the pothole that caused the accident
• Collecting witness contact information
• Reporting the hazard to the necessary authorities
• Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you pursue compensation

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, it is our job to review your case and determine liability. When you hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, we’re ready to serve you. Contact us today online or by phone to set up an initial consultation.