Whether you look forward to winter or hate the cold temperatures and lack of sunshine, snow removal is part of the season in many places. If you’re looking for simple ways to make snow removal from your driveway easier, hiring a snow removal professional is a popular option as having someone else take care of it will definitely save you time.
However, when someone is operating a large piece of machinery such as a snow plow, there is always the chance that something can go wrong. If you hire a professional to clean your driveway, they may cause damage to the concrete or asphalt such as chips, gouges, or cracks. If repeated plow damage means your driveway is crumbling, you’ll have to repair it. If a city plow that is clearing a road ends up on your property, it can damage grass, driveways, sidewalks, irrigation systems, landscaping, mailboxes, curbs, and even your car.
Snowplow drivers don’t always see obstacles or yards when they’re covered in snow, and you may not spot the damage right away because it’s underneath a pile of snow. What should you do if you suspect a private or city-operated snowplow has caused damage to your property? In most cases, the city or public entity will repair the damage caused by the plow after you report it. If a private snow removal company causes damage, you must demand payment. If the company refuses to pay, you may need to file a lawsuit or file a lawsuit in small claims court.
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Steps to take after discovering damage to a city-operated snowplow
Snow plows at work during a snowstorm – Willowpix/Getty Images
If your property is damaged, know that the snowplow driver almost certainly did not do it intentionally. Plow drivers may slide on ice or have blind spots that prevent them from avoiding obstacles. Blowing and plowing snow during a snowstorm can obstruct the snowplow operator’s view.
If you discover damage caused by a city or village-owned snowplow, most municipalities will try to repair the damage for you or allow you to repair the damage yourself and reimburse you for the cost. In some cities, you can simply report the damage to the city by calling or submitting a digital web form, and the city will try to fix the problem. Some cities require written documentation and photos of the damage, so it’s best to take photos immediately. Some cities are trying to resolve the problem within a few weeks, while others will wait until the weather improves and allows work to be completed. Others may wait until spring to repair issues like torn turf and broken sprinklers.
It’s worth noting that the deadline for reporting any damage depends on the municipality. Deadlines are usually 15 to 60 days, but some cities require notice in as little as three days. As soon as you notice any damage, be sure to check with the city immediately. If you don’t catch it in time and report it to your local municipality, you may need to reseed your lawn yourself in the spring or install new sod.
What to do if you find your personal snowplow damaged
Damaged mailbox after snowfall – Jason.H/Shutterstock
If a private snow removal company hired by you or a neighbor causes damage to your property, you should report the damage to the company as soon as possible. You may need to send a formal demand letter to the snowplow company that caused the damage. Take photos and videos of the damage. Several types of damage can occur. If a private company damages your car, you can seek damages to have it repaired and rent the car while the vehicle is in the shop. Maybe a private company pushed snow onto your property and damaged your landscaping with rocks and dirt. Plow drivers can push snow onto fences, causing expensive repairs. Snow plows can also damage mailboxes by hitting them or pushing too much snow onto them.
In some cases, the company will settle the matter by agreeing to pay damages immediately. But sometimes, it may refuse to pay for repairs, claiming it was not at fault. Depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs, you may consider hiring an attorney to try to get the payment you think you deserve. However, the cost of hiring an attorney may be more expensive than the cost of repairs. If the amount you are seeking is small, you may end up in small claims court, which often has limits on the financial amount you seek and does not involve an attorney. Instead of taking legal action, you may consider filing a claim with your homeowners insurance policy. However, for cheap repairs, your claim may not meet your policy’s deductible.
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