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Houston is a city under constant construction. Between rapid development, aging infrastructure, and near-daily roadwork, drivers in our city face a shifting and often hazardous landscape. Roads that were once familiar may suddenly become filled with loose gravel, obscured signs, narrowed lanes, or standing water. For unsuspecting drivers, these conditions can lead to serious accidents—often without any warning.
Many of these crashes are preventable. When a roadway hazard causes a collision, it’s not just bad luck. It may be the result of negligence by a government agency, a construction contractor, or a private entity responsible for maintenance. If you’ve been hurt in one of these situations, you deserve to understand your rights—and you need a law firm that knows how to hold the right parties accountable.
Call us today at 832-844-6700 for a free case evaluation with an experienced Houston work injury lawyer.
Houston is a city under constant construction. Between rapid development, aging infrastructure, and near-daily roadwork, drivers in our city face a shifting and often hazardous landscape. Roads that were once familiar may suddenly become filled with loose gravel, obscured signs, narrowed lanes, or standing water. For unsuspecting drivers, these conditions can lead to serious accidents—often without any warning.
Many of these crashes are preventable. When a roadway hazard causes a collision, it’s not just bad luck. It may be the result of negligence by a government agency, a construction contractor, or a private entity responsible for maintenance. If you’ve been hurt in one of these situations, you deserve to understand your rights—and you need a law firm that knows how to hold the right parties accountable.
We approach road hazard cases with the same mindset we bring to every serious injury claim: we prepare for trial from day one. These cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple parties—government agencies, contractors, and private entities—and require a detailed investigation to establish who is responsible. That complexity is exactly why so many clients turn to us for help.
With more than 35 years of experience, we know what it takes to pursue liability in roadway hazard claims. Our litigation-first approach means we do not wait to see if the other side will cooperate. We start building your case immediately—with the evidence, experts, and strategy needed to take it all the way to court if that’s what it takes.
One of the biggest challenges in road hazard cases is determining who had control over the area where the accident occurred. Houston’s road system is managed by a patchwork of jurisdictions—state, city, county, and sometimes private developers. Each entity has its own responsibilities and timelines. Knowing how these systems work is critical to getting answers and identifying fault.
We regularly investigate incidents involving:
In these cases, it’s not enough to say a hazard existed. We gather maintenance logs, service records, work permits, and photos to connect the danger to the party who failed to fix it—or made it worse.
Every case we take on is built as if it’s going to trial. That changes everything. From the moment we start working with you, we’re looking at liability, evidence preservation, and expert support. If there are engineers who need to be consulted, road design plans that need to be reviewed, or site photos that need to be taken before the hazard is removed—we handle it.
This level of preparation puts pressure on the other side. Government entities and corporate defendants don’t offer fair settlements just because someone got hurt. They respond when they know the case has been thoroughly investigated and can stand up in front of a jury.
That’s the advantage we bring to the table.
Dangerous road condition cases often involve technical arguments, competing timelines, and legal defenses specific to governmental immunity or construction site liability. We understand those defenses—and we know how to challenge them.
Whether the responsible party is a local agency, a state contractor, or a private landowner, we use every available tool to show how negligence contributed to your injuries. And because we’re based right here in Houston, we’re familiar with the roads, intersections, and work zones that other car accident lawyers might overlook.
If a roadway hazard caused your crash, we’re ready to help you find out why it happened—and who should be held accountable.
Drivers in Houston have a right to expect that public roads are reasonably safe. That doesn’t mean every pothole must be filled instantly, but it does mean that government agencies and contractors must take reasonable steps to maintain roadways, respond to hazards, and warn drivers of known dangers.
When they fail in that duty, and someone gets hurt, they may be held legally responsible. But unlike typical car accident claims, road condition cases come with special rules—and they can be far more complex to pursue.
One of the biggest hurdles in these cases is sovereign immunity. In general, government agencies in Texas cannot be sued unless they’ve waived that immunity through legislation. Fortunately, the Texas Tort Claims Act allows injured individuals to sue for certain kinds of negligence—including roadway defects and maintenance failures.
That said, the rules are strict. You must provide formal notice of your claim within a narrow window—sometimes as little as 45 to 90 days after the crash, depending on the jurisdiction. If you miss that deadline, your case may be barred completely.
This is why it’s critical to contact a lawyer immediately after a crash involving a roadway hazard. We know how to evaluate whether the Tort Claims Act applies and how to file notice in time to preserve your rights.
In many cases, the dangerous condition wasn’t caused directly by the city or county—but by a private contractor hired to perform repairs, install utilities, or carry out construction. These companies can—and should—be held to the same safety standards as public agencies.
When we investigate a case, we look at permits, contractor records, and worksite logs to determine who had control over the area where the crash occurred. If we find evidence of negligence—missing signage, poor lane control, exposed debris—we pursue a claim directly against the contractor and its insurer.
Private property owners may also bear responsibility in some cases. If a deteriorating parking lot spills gravel onto a nearby street, or if water from a property floods the roadway, the owner may be held liable for creating the hazard.
Proving fault in a dangerous road condition case isn’t just about showing that a hazard existed. You must show that the party responsible knew or should have known about the condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. That’s a high bar—and it takes focused legal work to meet it.
We gather maintenance records, construction permits, internal communications, and expert opinions to build a strong case. And because we’re prepared to go to court, we don’t accept low settlement offers from parties hoping to avoid scrutiny.
Houston’s roadways are full of hazards—some obvious, others harder to spot until it’s too late. Over the years, we’ve seen the same issues appear again and again in crash reports, client stories, and legal investigations. These are not one-off problems. They are part of a broader pattern of neglect, poor planning, or failure to maintain safe infrastructure.
Potholes may seem like minor nuisances, but they cause thousands of dollars in vehicle damage each year—and in some cases, serious injuries. When a car strikes a deep pothole at high speed, it can cause the driver to lose control, veer into another lane, or strike nearby vehicles or pedestrians. On a motorcycle or bicycle, a pothole can be deadly.
We’ve seen potholes remain unrepaired for weeks or even months, despite repeated reports from local residents. When that happens, the city—or whichever agency is responsible—may be liable for failing to respond.
A stop sign hidden by tree branches. A speed limit sign knocked down and never replaced. A temporary detour with no markings at all. These kinds of failures can create chaos at intersections or construction zones—and they frequently lead to T-bone or side-impact crashes.
In these cases, we document the condition of the signage, use witness statements or video footage to establish visibility, and work to show that the lack of proper warning created a dangerous environment for drivers.
Houston is no stranger to rain. But when stormwater lingers on roadways due to blocked drains or uneven grading, it becomes a major hazard. Hydroplaning crashes are common—particularly on low-lying roads near underpasses or frontage roads off I-10 and Highway 288.
If a government agency failed to maintain the drainage system—or if a contractor’s roadwork contributed to poor runoff—we investigate their role in creating the hazard.
Some roadways, particularly in suburban or rural parts of Harris and Fort Bend counties, have uneven edges or steep drop-offs where the shoulder has eroded. When a driver drifts slightly off course and attempts to re-enter the road, the elevation change can cause the vehicle to flip or lose control entirely.
These are well-known hazards in certain areas. If the agency responsible for the road failed to install guardrails or warning signs, they may be liable for the consequences.
Houston’s nonstop growth means construction zones are part of everyday life for local drivers. From freeway expansions to utility trenching, roadwork can appear without warning and stretch on for months. Unfortunately, when construction sites are poorly managed, they become more than an inconvenience—they become a hazard. Inadequate signage, unclear detours, or missing flaggers can easily lead to serious crashes.
Construction areas change the normal flow of traffic. Lanes narrow, merge points shift, and temporary speed limits are introduced. When those changes aren’t clearly communicated, drivers are forced to react without guidance. That confusion can lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, or vehicles veering off the road altogether.
We regularly see dangerous conditions such as:
Houston drivers are already navigating complex traffic patterns. Add the unpredictability of a poorly marked work zone, and the result is a heightened crash risk for even the most careful motorists. Rear-end collisions are particularly common when drivers encounter unexpected slowdowns, barriers, or workers near the shoulder.
Run-off-road crashes are another frequent outcome. When a driver tries to adjust quickly to a lane shift and overcorrects—or if a lane ends abruptly without adequate signage—they may lose control and strike curbs, barriers, or nearby structures.
In many of these cases, the hazard isn’t another driver—it’s the work zone itself. That’s why it’s essential to investigate how the area was set up and whether the responsible party followed safety protocols.
Driving at night comes with added challenges. Reduced visibility, headlight glare, and increased fatigue already create a more dangerous environment. But when the roads themselves are poorly lit—or when essential lighting infrastructure is missing or broken—the risk of an accident rises dramatically.
Proper roadway lighting serves several purposes. It helps drivers see curves, intersections, and hazards in time to react. It improves depth perception and allows pedestrians or cyclists to be spotted sooner. When those lights are missing, dim, or completely out, drivers are left to guess.
In Houston, many major intersections and stretches of freeway are underlit or not lit at all. When combined with broken traffic signals or obscured signage, these areas become high-risk zones for night-time collisions.
Some common problems we encounter include:
These issues are particularly dangerous near residential exits, pedestrian crossings, and multi-lane intersections. Drivers may not see a stalled vehicle or turning car until it’s too late.
If poor lighting contributed to an accident, the question becomes: who was responsible for maintaining visibility? That could include a municipal agency responsible for replacing bulbs or repairing signals. It could also include a contractor who failed to restore temporary lighting in a construction zone.
We investigate whether proper maintenance protocols were followed, whether the problem had been reported previously, and whether lighting design met safety standards. If not, we pursue claims against the responsible party to recover compensation for our clients.
Storm season in Houston is no small event. Sudden downpours can flood major roadways in minutes, leaving drivers to navigate ponding, standing water, and submerged hazards. While rain itself is not avoidable, poor drainage is. And when it’s not addressed, it becomes a major cause of accidents.
Even experienced drivers can lose control when a vehicle’s tires fail to grip the road. Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up between the tires and the pavement—lifting the vehicle and reducing steering and braking control. This is especially common on roads with uneven surfaces, poor grading, or low-lying areas that allow water to collect.
Freeways like I-45, the Westpark Tollway, and sections of U.S. 59 are known for fast water accumulation. When drivers encounter standing water at high speeds, even a slight turn of the wheel can result in a skid, spinout, or rollover.
Roads are supposed to be engineered to handle runoff. When they’re not—whether due to design flaws, blocked storm drains, or poor maintenance—liability may fall on the entity responsible for the road.
Some of the most common failures include:
We examine maps, drainage plans, and maintenance logs to determine whether the hazard was preventable—and whether someone failed to act before it caused harm.
While Houston’s highways and urban core get the most attention, many crashes occur on less maintained roads—especially in suburban or rural areas. These roads often have degraded shoulders, eroded pavement edges, or steep drop-offs that make recovery difficult if a driver leaves the main lane.
Road shoulders are meant to serve as recovery space—a buffer zone if a vehicle needs to pull over or avoid an obstacle. But when the shoulder is broken, uneven, or too steep, a simple correction can become a crash.
We see these issues in areas where:
Government agencies and maintenance contractors have a duty to inspect and repair these hazards before they create unreasonable risk. If they ignore signs of deterioration—or fail to warn drivers with signage or temporary barriers—they may be liable when someone is injured.
We review inspection logs, weather patterns, and maintenance requests to uncover whether these conditions were known but left unaddressed. And we work to make sure the full scope of liability is documented—because these aren’t just road flaws. They’re preventable dangers that put real people at risk.
When a car accident is caused by poor road conditions, determining liability can be more complex than in a typical two-vehicle crash. These cases are about more than just identifying what happened—they’re about identifying who was responsible for the condition of the roadway and whether they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Under Texas law, all entities responsible for designing, building, or maintaining public roadways owe a duty of care to those who use them. That duty includes ensuring the road is safe under ordinary use and that hazards are addressed in a timely and reasonable manner.
Negligence occurs when a party with a legal duty fails to meet the standard of care required under the circumstances. In roadway hazard cases, that could involve:
If a government agency, contractor, or property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to act, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries.
But because road design and maintenance involve multiple overlapping responsibilities, identifying who was negligent—and when—is key to holding the right party accountable.
In most personal injury cases, filing a claim against a negligent party is relatively straightforward. But when the responsible party is a government entity, different rules apply. The State of Texas and its subdivisions (cities, counties, and agencies like TxDOT) are generally protected from lawsuits under a principle known as sovereign immunity.
Fortunately, there’s an important exception. The Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) allows private citizens to file claims against government bodies in limited circumstances—including for injuries caused by dangerous road conditions, improper signage, or the negligent operation or maintenance of a motor vehicle.
For your case to qualify under the TTCA, you must show:
These are high legal bars—but they’re not impossible to meet with the right evidence and a trial-ready legal strategy.
One of the most critical parts of a TTCA case is filing notice. You must notify the government entity in writing of your intent to pursue a claim—usually within six months of the accident, though some cities (like Houston) impose even shorter deadlines.
If notice isn’t filed correctly and on time, your right to pursue compensation may be lost permanently. That’s why contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after a road hazard crash is essential. We file these notices quickly, thoroughly, and in full compliance with the law—so your claim stays alive.
Not all dangerous road conditions are the fault of a government agency. In many cases, the roadway may have been under the control of a private contractor, utility provider, or property owner at the time of the crash. These third parties may be held fully responsible if their actions—or inaction—created or failed to correct a known hazard.
Construction companies, resurfacing crews, and subcontractors hired by the city or state often have temporary control over specific portions of the road. During that time, they’re responsible for ensuring safe passage. That includes:
If a contractor cuts corners, ignores safety standards, or fails to coordinate with public officials, they may be directly liable when an accident occurs.
In some cases, roadway hazards originate on adjacent private property. For example:
When a property owner’s actions affect the safety of a public roadway, they can be held accountable under Texas premises liability law. These claims often require a detailed investigation of land use, grading, and any history of prior complaints or reports.
Unlike many personal injury claims, road condition cases rely heavily on expert analysis. Establishing that a roadway was unsafe—and that the hazard directly caused the crash—requires more than photographs or witness accounts. That’s where expert testimony becomes critical.
To prove negligence and causation, we may collaborate with:
These professionals help build the connection between the dangerous condition and your injuries—closing the gap that insurance companies often try to exploit.
Some evidence disappears quickly. Tire marks fade. Work zones shift. Debris gets cleaned up. We act fast to secure expert evaluations before critical details are lost. And because we prepare every case for trial, we ensure that every expert is qualified to testify and ready to explain the facts clearly to a jury if needed.
If you were injured in a crash caused by unsafe road conditions, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the full extent of your losses—not just your immediate medical bills.
Depending on the facts of your case, your claim may include:
These cases are not about assigning blame—they’re about restoring stability to your life after a preventable event. We work closely with doctors, economists, and life care planners to ensure your claim accounts for both short-term needs and long-term consequences.
If you were injured in a crash caused by dangerous road conditions, we’re ready to help. At Johnson Garcia, we bring more than 35 years of experience to complex personal injury litigation—and we don’t wait for the other side to act fairly. We prepare every case for trial from the very beginning.
Our team understands the technical and legal challenges that come with roadway hazard claims. Whether the responsible party is a city department, a private contractor, or a property owner, we know how to investigate, build, and litigate these cases to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Because we’re based in Houston, we’re familiar with the city’s infrastructure, legal landscape, and the agencies that operate here. That local knowledge matters—and it gives you an advantage when going up against well-resourced defendants.
We offer free consultations, and we don’t charge fees unless we win. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait. Reach out to us today to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you move forward with confidence.
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