ORLANDO, Fla. — Not only are potholes on I-4 wrecking cars, some drivers said they're having a hard time getting the state to pay for damages.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says it has to go through the process before money is paid out, but drivers say the system is ridiculous.
Sean Munoz is angry he has to fix $3,000 worth of repairs on his white Dodge Challenger. He blames the state.
"I think they should have taken responsibility, 100 percent. It's something that could have been prevented," Munoz said.
FDOT is working on a $1.5 million maintenance project. Crews are replacing concrete slabs along I-4, but during the process FDOT has discovered potholes are opening up.
Munoz says he was taking his fiance to a doctor's appointment. He was on I-4 when he hit a pothole. He called FDOT to file a claim, but an employee told him it would take up to two months before he got his car fixed.
"I almost hit another car when the tires broke. I swerved to the right and almost hit another car. I finally got control and got it to the side of the road," he said.
Eleven other drivers damaged their cars, as well. An FDOT spokesperson said the claims will be paid and Munoz will be reimbursed for the costs if he can prove his car was indeed damaged by the potholes on I-4.
Munoz said he couldn't wait to get his car fixed; he needs it to get to work. So he filed a claim with his insurance company and paid a $500 deductible.
"They just give me the runaround. It sounds to me like they don't want to take care of anything," he said.
In the past year, FDOT has paid out $1.5 million to settle general liability clams. The spokesperson said he could not comment on Munoz's case, but said it will be reviewed.
Previous Stories: September 28, 2010: Another I-4 Pothole Opens In Downtown Orlando September 27, 2010: Pothole Shuts Down I-4 Lane For 3 Hours
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