Tire Damage from the Merritt? Here’s How to File a Claim for Repairs
Dozens of motorists on the Merritt Parkway found themselves with flat tires during the morning commute as paving continues on Route 15. The State Department of Transportation, who has jurisdiction over the parkway, has an option for drivers who are looking for reimbursement: file a claim through their Claims Unit.
The process, which can only be done through the mail within 90 days of the damage taking place, will allow the State to investigate and reimburse or deny drivers for the repair costs association with any damage caused by the defective roadway. Connecticut statutes and guidelines describe the Commissioner of Transportation’s duty to keep roadways in safe conditions for travellers, and if they aren’t, to repair them in a reasonable time while warning motorists of the known dangers.
This morning’s pothole headaches may be left in a gray area due to the area being under known construction - with limited liability guidelines typically stated on highway signs or advisory boards ahead of construction areas. Seeking advice from legal counsel, or by speaking with your insurance company, will provide better explanations of liability and coverage in these specific instances.
Claims should include at least the following information:
Name, Address, and Phone Number
Precise location on the roadway where the damage took place
Accurate time of when the damage took place
Description/photo of the damage to your vehicle
Costs associated with the damages and repairs
Include any quotes, assessments, or other pertinent information that will prove damage
Description of the roadway at the time of the damage, and description or photo of the roadway or equipment that caused the damage
Claims must be mailed to:
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Attn: Claims Unit
P.O. Box 317546
Newington, CT 06131-7546
Additionally, the CT DoT Claims Unit can be reach at:
More information can be found at the Connecticut Department of Transportation website.
Golden Hour Hues over Main Street
Golden hues reflect off of the buildings on Main Street and Church Lane today just as the street lights start to come on for the evening.
Westport Wrecking Ball: 56 Reichert Circle, Built in 1950, Going Down
An application to demolish the 71-year-old home at 56 Reichert Circle was filed with the Town of Westport, and the 180 day delay was waived by the Westport Historic District Commission during their August meeting - clearing the way for its demolition. The 1,080 square foot home sits on 0.38 of an acre of land in an A zone, and has remained with the same family since at least the 1980s - being listed as a rental property in the past several years.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 7 over Weekend, No Deaths; State Positivity Rate 3.50%, Hospitalizations Up 23
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport’s COVID-19 cases went up 7 over the weekend, with no deaths reported. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 3.50%, and State hospitalizations were up 23 over the weekend.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,921 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 3.50% [up from 3.13%]
State Hospitalizations: 369 patients [+23]