BRSA: FILE YOUR CLAIM

The Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) is encouraging drivers who have suffered vehicular damages due to potholes to file their claims at the Ministry of Transport.

President of the BRSA, Sharmane Roland-Bowen, advised victims of potholes to take a picture or short video of the pothole, the surroundings and the damages to the vehicle, while noting the location, time of day and weather conditions and the names of any witnesses.

“The more evidence you have, the better your case. Persons should also get a quote from their mechanic as to the cost of repairs and send in all of this information to the Transport Ministry, while filing their claims,” Roland-Bowen insisted.

Speaking to the media recently, Permanent Secretary within the ministry, Simone Rudder, stated that motorists whose vehicles were damaged as a result of potholes could submit a claim to her department. The letter, which should be addressed to the PS, should be accompanied with proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance, she outlined.

“Persons will be contacted by the Ministry’s legal investigators, the matter will be processed and once it is confirmed that the road conditions which caused the damage falls within the remit of the Ministry of Transport and Works, as opposed to work which might have been undertaken by one of the utility companies, then compensation will be given as quickly as possible,” Rudder had said.

In an interview with The Barbados Advocate at the beginning of last week, Roland-Bowen claimed that the process was often a lengthy one and therefore frustrating for some, but nevertheless urged drivers to ensure that they made these claims, in order to get some compensation for damages.

While uncertain as to what percentage of the damages would be paid by the ministry, the road safety advocate suggested that by taking such action, potholes would be repaired faster. (JMB)