Actually in the UK, where Andy is, you can get some success on this issue.

Make sure your photos include details of the size of the hole. It might be an idea to ask some local residents if the hole has been there long.

You won't be suprised to find that there is already some stuff out there about the issue:

http://www.potholes.co.uk/?p=how_to_claim
http://www.zen35747.zen.co.uk/htm/pothole_claim2.htm
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-report.aspx?NA=224997&EL=3193644

It is of course fairly inexpensive and easy to take a small claims court action in England and Wales now, if you don't get any joy.