Can I Sue the Government If Bad Roads Caused My Car Wreck?

 Posted on October 10, 2024 in Car Accidents

Five people died, and two more were critically injured in a recent Fannin County, TX, head-on collision on SH-56. The apparently at-fault driver was driving at an unsafe speed when he lost control of his vehicle and drove into oncoming traffic, killing all occupants in the struck vehicle. Two passengers in his vehicle sustained critical injuries. In an interview with KXII, a lifetime SH-56 resident stated, "They keep the dirt roads around here in better shape than they do this highway."

Although speed was evidently a factor in this devastating crash, the interview implies that poor road conditions may have also contributed to the collision. Who is liable if potholes and other unsafe road conditions cause a car crash? Are claims against a government agency complicated? Your experienced New Braunfels, TX lawyer from The Bettersworth Law Firm can help you collect the compensation you deserve.

What Roadway Elements Are Government Agencies Responsible For?

Various local, state, and federal government agencies are responsible for the design, construction, repairs, and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges. They also maintain street lights, traffic signals, road signs, guard rails, and other similar infrastructure.

These agencies have a duty to keep streets, roads, and highways safe for travelers because lack of maintenance can contribute to causing motor vehicle wrecks. Examples include:

• Deep potholes
• Broken pavement
• Unstable or missing guardrails
• Steep embankments on narrow shoulders without guardrails
• Burned out street lights
• Unclear lane markings

These and other issues can increase the chances of accidents and potentially make resulting injuries more severe. If these hazards remain unaddressed, the government entity responsible for their upkeep may be liable for wrecks.

Can I Get Compensation From Government Agencies for Personal Injuries?

It is possible to collect damages from a government agency after a car accident if there is proof of negligence. However, these claims are often complicated. You must usually file a notice of claim within 180 days of your injury and receive permission from the state government entity to sue it. Cities and counties may have different time frames. If you do not file a notice of claim before the applicable deadline, you lose your right to proceed with a claim.

Your case must meet specific requirements, as well. You do not have to handle these confusing complexities alone; The Bettersworth Law Firm stands ready to assist you and ensure that you receive the highest available amount of compensation.

What Damages Are Available for Car Accidents?

Every situation is different, and The Bettersworth Law Firm needs to evaluate yours before we can tell you what damages you may receive. Case-specific factors such as your degree of fault, your total accident-related expenses, and how severely your accident has affected your life determine how much your case is worth. However, many injured car wreck victims receive reimbursement or compensation for things like:

• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Ongoing care
• Pain and suffering
• Other adverse impacts on your quality of life

Eligible survivors of fatal accident victims may receive additional compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Contact Our Trusted Comal County, TX Car Accident Lawyer Today

At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we have over 25 years of experience handling complex motor vehicle collision claims, recovering substantial amounts for our clients. Call us at 830-606-0404 for your free consultation with our dedicated Karnes City, TX personal injury attorney.