going back a few years my background was in cycle racing (the pedal powered sort)
  I was ridind a team time trial up near Redditch when I hit a pot hole doing about 30mph.  It dented the rim and fractured the carbon of my rear disc wheel. 
 I took a couple of pictures of the wheel and a picture of the hole and contacted the local council ( I seem to remember they referred it to the highways agency). 
 In short they sent me a claim form and subsequently shelled out for a brand new wheel (cost about £500) without any further query. 
 I say go for it but be clear and precise - lots of photos and keep to the facts  
 Good luck!
