Man wants state to pay for damages road sign caused

April 13, 2011

Richard Patton recently learned the state isn't going to pay for damages to his car, he said, was caused by a road sign in Bloomfield. "The state's response...It was due to excessive winds and therefore there was no negligence on the part of the state," said Patton. A cracked windshield and broken antenna are a couple of examples of the damage that happened back in February when his girlfriend parked the car where she works. "The sign was just right there and fell over on top of our car," said Patton. The estimates came back at more than $1,100. The original sign was removed by the state after Patton filed the claim. We spoke with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and they confirmed the claim was rejected but wouldn't comment on why the sign was removed or anything else. Patton told us he has left a voicemail regarding the rejection letter and will take legal action if necessary.