AZE.US
Recent rains in Baku have left dangerous road damage across parts of the city, creating serious risks for drivers and in some cases causing damage to vehicles.
One of the problem areas was reported on the road passing under the Baghirov bridge, where the surface partially collapsed and several cars were said to have been damaged over the past few days. Repair work began at the site on Saturday.
A similar situation has been observed in the Badamdar settlement, on Javidan Ibrahimov Street, where drivers say the asphalt surface has developed multiple hazardous depressions and broken sections. Motorists warn that the area becomes especially dangerous in the evening hours.
During filming at the Baghirov bridge area, crews from the state road agency were seen carrying out repair work on the collapsed section. According to information given at the site, the area will remain under observation.
Drivers in Badamdar say the road has been causing problems for some time and complain that earlier appeals brought little result. They also say traffic pressures have worsened because of closures and restrictions on alternative routes.
The question now is who should pay for the damage caused to cars.
Insurance specialists say compulsory motor insurance does not cover such cases. That type of insurance in Azerbaijan applies to damage caused to third-party property or health in a traffic accident.
Casco coverage may also not automatically apply if a car is damaged simply by hitting a collapsed or broken section of road. But if the road defect causes the driver to make a maneuver, hit an obstacle, or become involved in a traffic accident, the incident may in some cases be treated as an insured event, depending on the policy terms.
Legal experts say the first step for a driver is to determine which authority is responsible for the damaged road section. If that can be established, the owner may seek compensation through the courts by arguing that the vehicle damage was caused by the poor condition of the roadway.