Incidents

Drivers claim construction on I-4 damaged their cars

Dozens of drivers are claiming the construction work on the I-4 Ultimate project has left them with big repair bills.
More than 60 car owners claim their car was damaged because of something they drove over or hit in the 21-mile work zone. Wheel alignments, and damaged struts and tires are among the repairs cited.
Repair shop employee Jennifer Tench told Channel 9 customers driving off I-4 are frustrated with the traffic and the damage they said it's doing to their cars.
“Lots of times it's uneven pavement that they've hit, the wear and tear of the road the way it is," Tench said.
Based on the list Channel 9 obtained from the Florida Department of Transportation, more than 60 drivers have tried to get the contractor to foot the bill.
A majority of the claims were for damage from potholes, nails or road debris, but only a quarter of the claims were reimbursed.
So far, more than $11,000 has been paid out.
Saying your car was damaged on I-4 is one thing, but proving it is another.
The I-4 Ultimate website shows drivers need documents, such as photos, police reports, witness statements and patrol logs, if a road ranger helped the driver.
Tench said she didn't know drivers could get money if they could prove the damage was caused on I-4, and she plans to tell drivers who come through her shop about it.
“It's good business for us, but bad for the customer who has to deal with that,” Tench said.
I-4 Ultimate officials said the contractor is required to patrol and repair the roadway when potholes open.
Officials said they have used 20 tons of asphalt to fix damage to  the road. 

Cox Media Group

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