Man receives nearly $1K in damages after hitting 'crater' on Côte Saint-Luc Road

After hitting a pothole so big it caused more than $1,200 in damages to Eric Choueke's car, he took Montreal to court for gross fault and won — but not nearly the full amount he was aiming for.

He was driving on Côte Saint-Luc Road in 2017 when he hit the pothole which was at least six feet in diameter and between six inches and one foot in depth, according to the judgement.

Choueke claimed a total amount of $2,218.28 to cover repair costs, trouble, stress, loss of time and the cost of Uber rides.

"That road in general is a war zone," said Choueke, who works as a civil lawyer.

In his decision, Court of Quebec small claims division Judge Jeffrey Edwards awarded Choueke $697.26. Edwards added five per cent in interest and $150 for legal costs for a total of $945.30. Choueke was not awarded anything for lost time, stress or inconvenience. 

There also weren't any cones or barriers to indicate "the existence of the crater."

Choueke is advising other motorists who may find themselves in a similar situation that they might consider filing a claim with the city if they incur more than $1,000 in damages.

"If it's a tire for $200, it's not probably not worth your time and effort," he said.

The city did not return CBC's request for comment.