Can I sue the government for poor road conditions?

Yes, under the Texas Tort Claims Act. However, strict notice deadlines apply, and you must prove the government knew or should have known about the hazard.

What are common road hazards in Texas?

Potholes, broken traffic signals, obstructed signage, poor lighting, flooded roads, debris, and uneven pavement are all common contributors to accidents across Texas.

How long do I have to file a claim against a city or state agency?

Some municipalities require notice within 45–90 days. It's important to act quickly and consult a lawyer to preserve your rights.

Can I still file a claim if the road was fixed after my crash?

Yes, but fast action is critical. Evidence like photographs, witness statements, and repair records can be used to prove the hazardous condition existed.

Do I need to prove the city knew about the road hazard?

Yes. Successful claims often require showing that the city or agency had actual or constructive notice of the defect and failed to fix it in a timely manner.

What compensation can I recover from a road hazard accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and long-term care costs.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you may still recover compensation, though it may be reduced.

Are motorcycle riders at higher risk from road defects?

Absolutely. Even small irregularities like cracks, gravel, or sudden drop-offs can cause motorcyclists to crash and suffer catastrophic injuries.

Will my insurance cover a crash caused by a pothole or road defect?

It depends on your policy. Comprehensive or collision coverage may help, but many insurers deny liability claims unless a third party is proven negligent.

What should I do immediately after an accident caused by a road hazard?

Call 911, document the scene with photos, collect witness info, seek medical treatment, and contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately.

Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions in Texas

Here are the road defects we’ve seen cause the most injuries and deaths:

Large Potholes: Cause tire blowouts and instant loss of control at high speeds.
Faded Lane Markings: Increase crash risk during low-visibility or at night.
Broken Traffic Signals: Lead to deadly intersection collisions.
Debris or Construction Hazards: Result in sudden swerving and multi-vehicle pileups.
Steep Shoulder Drop-offs: Especially dangerous for motorcycles and trucks.
Unmarked Curves or Obstructed Signs: Deprive drivers of life-saving reaction time.

These are not “freak accidents.” These are foreseeable hazards that road agencies and municipalities have a legal duty to prevent or fix.

Texas law allows injured parties to pursue compensation from any party responsible for maintaining the road—whether public or private. That can include:

TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation): Oversees highways and interstates.
Municipalities or Counties: Handle local roads and streets.
Third-Party Contractors: Hired to repair or maintain public infrastructure.
Private Property Owners: Responsible for driveways, business entrances, and private roadways.

But pursuing claims against a government agency isn’t like a normal injury case. You’re facing short deadlines, strict legal notice requirements, and the shield of “sovereign immunity.”

That’s where we come in. We know how to break down those barriers and expose the truth.

At Francis Injury, we investigate relentlessly. Our legal team works with an accident reconstructionist, engineers, and municipal records experts to prove what really caused your crash.

We retrieve 911 calls, dash cam footage, and police reports
We file FOIA requests to uncover ignored complaints and repair logs
We photograph the hazard and preserve evidence before it’s altered
We subpoena internal emails that show agencies knew of the risk

While the city stalls, we build a case they can’t ignore.

Depending on the extent of your injuries and losses, we may help you pursue compensation for:

Medical expenses (including surgery, rehab, and future care)
Lost wages and diminished earning potential
Pain and suffering—physical and emotional
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Property damage (vehicle replacement, electronics, etc.)
Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed

The sooner you call, the stronger your claim will be.

Here’s what sets us apart from other firms that handle road accident cases:

We’ve taken on cities, counties, and state agencies—and won
We know how to bypass sovereign immunity barriers that intimidate other attorneys
We limit our caseload to deliver elite trial-ready representation
We front all costs and charge no fees unless we win

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for maintaining Texas roads?

Maintenance can fall on TxDOT, city governments, counties, or even private contractors depending on the road type and location.

2. Can I sue the city or state for poor road conditions?

Yes, but you must follow strict procedures under the Texas Tort Claims Act. An attorney can guide you through deadlines and requirements.

3. What types of poor road conditions lead to lawsuits?

Potholes, missing guardrails, unmarked hazards, broken signals, and flooding from poor drainage are among the most common issues.

4. How long do I have to file a claim against the government?

Deadlines vary by city, sometimes as short as 45 days. It’s critical to speak with a lawyer immediately after your accident.

5. Will I still have a case if the hazard was repaired after my crash?

Yes, but it's essential to document the hazard quickly with photos, witness statements, and expert evaluation before it's altered.

6. Do I need to prove the city knew about the hazard?

Typically yes. You’ll need evidence showing the city had actual or constructive notice and failed to fix the issue in time.

7. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows modified comparative fault. As long as you're less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages.

8. Will my insurance cover a crash caused by a pothole?

Possibly. Comprehensive or collision coverage may help, but insurance companies often deny claims without third-party liability.

9. What damages can I recover in a road hazard case?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

10. What should I do immediately after a crash caused by bad road conditions?

Call 911, photograph the hazard, gather witness names, and seek medical help. Then contact a qualified injury lawyer right away.

11. Are motorcyclists more at risk in these accidents?

Yes. Road defects pose a much greater threat to motorcyclists. Even small irregularities can cause life-threatening crashes.

12. How much does it cost to hire Francis Injury?

You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee—no win, no fee. Call 817-329-9001 for a free case review.

We don't just settle. We fight—and we make them pay for their negligence.

Injured by Dangerous Road Conditions?

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact Francis Injury today for a free consultation and find out how much your case is really worth.

📞 Call Now – (817) 329-9001

• No Fees Unless We Win

City workers don’t wait to fix a pothole once a crash happens—they cover it up. And once that hazard is patched, your proof could be gone forever. Let our team act now to preserve evidence and launch a full investigation before it’s too late.