Can I Sue the City if Poor Road Conditions Caused the Accident?

Car accidents are often caused by negligence on the part of motorists, but this isn’t always the case. Some accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the municipality responsible for the roadway involved, and this includes cities. Under some circumstances, you can sue the involved city for the losses you sustain as a result of dangerous road conditions. 

You should know, however, that claims against the government are even more challenging than claims against negligent drivers, and working closely with an experienced Texas car accident attorney from the start is always in your best interest.  

Texas Roads

Reports indicate that 12 percent of rural roads in Texas are in poor condition, and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is twice as high on rural roads, at 2.52 deaths, as it is on all other roads throughout the state. This ranks Texas right under the top ten states with the highest fatality rates on their rural roads. The poor condition of the roads in more remote areas only adds to the risks of serious and fatal accidents. 

When Roads Are Poorly Maintained

Every motorist is responsible for navigating the road ahead safely, which includes obeying the speed limit and adjusting speed downward in response to any heightened risk, such as low visibility, slippery conditions, and even rough roads. This said, however, more than two-thirds of roads throughout Texas are maintained by cities and municipalities, and they are responsible for maintaining their roads properly, which translates to keeping them reasonably safe for those who drive on them. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for the losses drivers suffer.  

Common Causes of Road-Related Car Accidents

While every car Texas car accident claim is unique to the specific situation at hand, common causes when it comes to road-related incidents include all the following:

• Cracked, broken, or uneven pavement
• Potholes
• Construction debris that’s left on the road
• Inadequate or incorrect street signage
• Roads that are too narrow to accommodate traffic’s safe flow

If you think the city is responsible for the accident that leaves you injured, it’s time to consult with a savvy car accident lawyer who has considerable experience successfully handling challenging cases against the government.  

The Statute of Limitations Is Abbreviated

If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit against them. If your case, however, is against a city in Texas, this time limit – or statute of limitations – is reduced to a brief six months. Further, some Texas cities implement even shorter time frames. 

If you have a car accident claim against a municipality, time is not on your side. You also need to know that the filing process is more complicated when it comes to claims against governmental agencies, and even establishing jurisdiction – or the governmental agency responsible – can be difficult. In other words, you need the skilled legal counsel of a dedicated car accident attorney in your corner. 

Turn to an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer for the Help You Need Today

If a city in Texas failed to employ the reasonable care required of them in relation to road maintenance and you were injured as a result, the focused car accident attorneys at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. appreciate how challenging the situation is for you and will leave no stone unturned in our fierce efforts to secure a fair settlement that addresses your full range of covered losses. We are on your side and here to help, so please contact us online or call 800-433-2408 for more information today.