Past pothole claims processed slowly

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - One driver, who filed a pothole claim with VDOT months ago, says he was never reimbursed.

"After nine months, I have given up," said Michael Lacher, who filed a damage claim in May for a flat tire, caused by a pothole on Route 17.

He called back in 30 days and was told it could take 90. So, he called back in 90 days.

"They said, 'Sorry, you haven't heard back, we sent the information, and it looks like it might have been mis-forwarded. We will send it out again,'" Lacher said. "And they told me I have to wait another 90 days."

On day 180, Lacher called back again, only to learn VDOT does not directly reimburse drivers.

Instead, VDOT sends the claim and the responsibility, to the contractor who did the work, in Lacher's case, a paving company, who also uses a subcontractor.

"Finally, the contractor called me this weekend and said the subcontractor they use is not taking responsibility because it's been too long since they got information," Lacher said. "They are concerned it's been too long, even though it was VDOT's responsibility and they dropped the ball back in May."

After seeing Friday's pothole mess, Lacher wanted to warn others VDOT does not directly reimburse. VDOT spokesperson Lauren Hansen acknowledges a contractor, by the name of TME, is responsible for the section of Interstate 264 that has pothole problems.

"VDOT is processing any kind of claims that come in on that section of roadway on that emergency," said Hansen. "But TME is responsible for the interstate on the southside so they are responsible for processing those claims within the accordance of their contract."

Meaning, in the end, the driver has to rely on the contractor to pay up.

"VDOT should be accepting responsibility for this instead of passing responsibility," Lacher said.