Resident reports vehicle damage from sinkhole; board directs investigation before deciding on county payment

Patrick White, a Madison County resident, told the Board of Supervisors on April 7 that his vehicle sustained damage after hitting a sinkhole on Way Road. White said he reported the road condition to the county after the incident and that his insurer later denied his claim, citing county nonresponsibility.

White described the sinkhole as occurring at a crossroad cover on the dead-end portion of Way Road and said county crews had performed a temporary repair earlier. He provided an estimate showing repair costs and said the damage caused the vehicle to overheat after the impact.

Board members discussed two approaches: one motion asked the board to override the insurer’s denial and pay the claim; a substitute motion asked County Administrator Greg to work with the road manager and the logging company active in the area to confirm whether county repairs preceded the crash and whether third-party activity (loggers) may have contributed.

Supervisors adopted the substitute motion directing county administration and road staff to investigate the claim, inspect the site and obtain at least two repair estimates; the board asked staff to report back at the April 21 meeting. The resident was asked to bring an additional estimate if he could.

Why it matters: The investigation will determine whether county maintenance or third-party activity caused or contributed to the road hazard and whether the county should pay the resident’s claim or take other remedial action.

The board did not commit county funds at the April 7 meeting; it directed staff to investigate and return with findings.