Road Condition Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston

In 2020, Texas roads became more dangerous than ever before. The state recorded a worrying 7.54% increase in traffic fatalities, totaling 3,896 deaths and 12,119 serious injury crashes.

Houston’s highways, especially the busy I-45 and I-20, are a significant part of this problem. As traffic volume grows and road conditions worsen, the risk of truck accidents due to bad road conditions climbs.

Truck accidents in these conditions are complex cases. They involve not just the drivers and their vehicles but also the state of the roads they travel on. Poor maintenance, hazardous weather, and heavy traffic create a challenging environment for truck drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

At Johnson Garcia, our Houston commercial truck accident lawyers have over 35 years of experience dealing with the aftermath of such incidents. Our approach is direct — we focus on the facts, examine the evidence, and determine who is responsible. Whether it’s a case of neglected road maintenance or a truck driver failing to adapt to road conditions, we’re prepared to tackle it head-on.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident caused by bad road conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Houston truck accident lawyers understand these cases and are ready to fight for your rights. We’re committed to getting you the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

What Qualifies as Bad Road Conditions?

Bad road conditions are a major headache for truck drivers, and in Houston, they’re an all-too-common problem. But what exactly makes a road ‘bad’ for driving, especially for large commercial vehicles?

• Potholes and Rough Pavement: Big, gaping potholes can throw a truck off course or cause tire damage, leading to dangerous situations on busy highways.
• Poor Drainage: Standing water is a recipe for hydroplaning, where trucks lose grip and slide uncontrollably.
• Faded Lines and Signs: When you can’t see lane markers or signs clearly, even the most experienced truck drivers can get into trouble, especially in heavy traffic.
• Broken Traffic Lights: At busy intersections, a malfunctioning traffic signal can quickly lead to chaos and crashes.
• Blocked Views: Overgrown trees or badly placed billboards blocking drivers’ views are accidents waiting to happen.
• Messy Construction Zones: Confusing signage and sudden lane changes near construction sites make navigating a large truck even trickier.
• Rain and Rare Ice: Houston’s rain can make roads slick in an instant. And on the rare occasion when ice hits, it’s a whole new ballgame for truck drivers not used to these conditions.

For truck drivers, dealing with these road issues is part of the job, but it doesn’t mean accidents are their fault. At Johnson Garcia, we get it. We know these road conditions can make a regular driving day a nightmare. That’s why we’re here to help if you’ve been in a truck accident. We dig into the specifics, from the state of the road to the weather, to make sure you’re treated fairly. Don’t let a bad road derail your life — contact us at Johnson Garcia, and together, we’ll navigate the road to recovery and justice.

What Are the Common Causes of Bad Roads?

Bad roads are more than just an inconvenience — they’re a serious hazard, particularly for truck drivers navigating the busy highways of Houston. Understanding the causes behind these deteriorating conditions is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring road safety.

Weather Wear and Tear

In Houston, weather plays a significant role in road degradation. Heavy rains, occasional ice, and the intense summer heat can all contribute to road damage. Prolonged exposure to these elements leads to cracking, potholing, and other surface issues that make roads unsafe for trucks.

For truck drivers, navigating bad road conditions, particularly in adverse weather, requires extra caution and responsibility. Slowing down, maintaining longer following distances, and being vigilant about road conditions are essential safety practices. In situations where visibility or traction is severely compromised, finding a safe place to stop until conditions improve can be a critical decision.

Insufficient Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to keeping roads in good condition. However, due to budget constraints or logistical challenges, many roads don’t receive the upkeep they need. This neglect results in gradual deterioration, posing risks, especially for large commercial vehicles.

Design Flaws

Some roads are plagued by inherent design issues. Sharp curves, inadequate drainage systems, or poorly planned intersections can create hazardous conditions for trucks, increasing the chances of accidents.

Construction Delays and Errors

Ongoing construction work or delays in completing road projects can leave roads in a state of disrepair. Mismanaged construction zones add to the chaos, making navigation tricky for truck drivers.

Overuse and Heavy Traffic

High traffic volumes, especially by heavy trucks and commercial vehicles, put a strain on road infrastructure. Over time, this leads to wear and tear that exacerbates the road conditions.

Natural Aging

Like anything else, roads age. Over time, materials break down, and without proper resurfacing or rehabilitation, these aging roads become problematic for truck traffic.

Impact of Urban Expansion

As cities like Houston expand, more pressure is put on existing roads. This increased demand can lead to faster deterioration if not managed with adequate upgrades and maintenance.

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to bad road conditions, regardless of your role on the road, understanding the underlying causes is crucial. At Johnson Garcia, we possess the experience and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate these accidents and advocate for your rights.

How Is Liability in Bad Road Truck Accidents Determined?

In the aftermath of a truck accident caused by bad road conditions, pinpointing liability is a complex and nuanced process. It requires a careful examination of various factors and the roles of multiple parties. Understanding who is at fault is critical in seeking justice and compensation for those affected.

Truck Drivers’ Responsibility

Determining liability often begins with assessing the truck driver’s actions. Did they drive recklessly or fail to adapt to the road conditions? Evaluating their decision-making and adherence to safety standards is a key part of this process.

Trucking Companies’ Liability

Trucking companies have a significant responsibility for ensuring the safety of their operations. Their policies, training protocols, and scheduling pressures are scrutinized to determine if they contributed to the accident.

Governmental Responsibility for Road Maintenance

Public entities responsible for road maintenance can also be liable. Neglecting road repairs or failing to address known hazards can make these bodies accountable for accidents occurring due to poor road conditions.

Contractors and Construction Companies

In cases involving construction zones, liability may extend to the contractors managing these sites. Inadequate signage, poor management of traffic flow, or leaving debris can all lead to accidents.

Vehicle Manufacturers

When vehicle malfunction plays a role in the accident, manufacturers may be liable. Investigating whether a vehicle defect contributed to the incident is crucial.

Navigating these complexities requires expertise and a comprehensive approach, as multiple parties could share the fault. At Johnson Garcia, we specialize in investigating each contributing factor in a bad road truck accident. Our team has the experience and resources necessary to look at these scenarios from every angle so that all responsible parties are held accountable.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Accident Claim in Texas?

For truck accidents in Texas caused by bad road conditions, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the claim involves a government entity responsible for road maintenance, the timeline can be different. In such cases, you typically have only six months to file a notice of claim. This initial step is crucial and requires specific details and adherence to procedural requirements.

Filing within these timelines is essential, as missing them can jeopardize your right to seek compensation. Due to the complexity and shorter time frame for claims against government agencies, it’s important to begin the legal process as soon as possible.

What Kind of Recoverable Compensation is Available for Dangerous Road Condition Accidents?

When a truck accident occurs due to bad road conditions, the consequences extend beyond the immediate moment of impact. Victims often face a range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding the available compensation is key to recovery.

Medical Expenses

The first and foremost concern is typically medical care. Injuries in these accidents can vary widely, including fractures, head injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. Compensation can cover various medical expenses, from emergency treatments and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation and any necessary medical equipment.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries keep you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for both the income lost during your recovery period and any future earnings if you’re unable to return to your previous level of work due to the long-term effects of your injuries.

Pain and Suffering

The trauma of an accident goes beyond physical pain. Emotional distress, including conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, significantly impacts your life. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges these profound non-physical impacts.

Loss of Quality of Life

Serious injuries can hinder your ability to enjoy everyday activities, hobbies, and exercise. Compensation in this category aims to acknowledge the loss of enjoyment in life that comes with such limitations.

Ongoing Care Costs

For severe injuries, long-term or even lifelong care might be necessary. This includes ongoing physical therapy, home care services, and adaptations to living spaces and vehicles to accommodate new physical limitations.

At Johnson Garcia, we take a holistic approach to address each specific aspect of the aftermath of a truck accident caused by dangerous road conditions. Our goal is to secure the comprehensive compensation you need to support your recovery and restore your quality of life.

How Can the Dangerous Road Condition Truck Accident Lawyers at Johnson Garcia Help?

In the complex realm of truck accidents caused by dangerous road conditions, the expertise of your legal team is crucial. At Johnson Garcia, we offer a diverse team of commercial truck accident lawyers, each skilled in handling different aspects of these challenging cases. With over 35 years of experience, we’re equipped to tackle everything from investigating the cause of the accident to navigating the intricate legalities involved.

Our approach is thoroughly client-centered. We look into every detail of your case, from gathering evidence and analyzing accident reports to consulting with industry experts. We negotiate assertively with insurance companies, always with your best interests at the forefront.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident due to bad road conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Johnson Garcia online today or give us a call at 832-844-6700 for a free consultation.

Related Pages

• Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston
• Distracted Driving Truck Accident Lawyers
• Reckless Driving Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston