Road Defects Caused Your Laredo Accident - Suing Government Entities in Texas

The prevalence of large trucks on Laredo roads, such as I-35, can cause pavement damage, creating risks for Texas motorists. Large potholes, unexpected road debris, and even broken guardrails can lead to serious accidents and severe injuries. But who foots the bill when you are injured due to unsafe road conditions? The Laredo personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw help accident victims hold responsible parties liable for damages, allowing victims to pay their bills while focusing on their recovery.

Our law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront for our help. Contact us 24/7 for free case reviews in English or Spanish at 800-862-1260.

Laredo is a hotspot for vehicle crashes, with over 6,300 reported in 2023 alone. These accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties. In some cases, the responsible entity may be the state or federal government, which has failed to maintain the roadways and keep drivers safe. Causes of these accidents might include:

• Large potholes or cracks in the road
• Lack of road maintenance
• Missing or broken guardrails
• Missing or misleading signs
• Broken or missing traffic signals

If any of these factors cause the accident that injures you, the government entity responsible for ensuring the safety of that road may be responsible.

Pursuing damages from a government entity is more challenging than seeking compensation from an individual or private company, however. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer in Laredo TX, to help you navigate the complexities of Texas law to ensure you receive the damages you deserve.

Sovereign immunity is a law doctrine that traditionally protects federal and state governments from lawsuits. However, some states have since introduced laws that waive sovereign immunity, allowing injured parties to sue government bodies to a limited extent. The Texas Tort Claims Act permits individuals to file lawsuits against certain state and local government entities under specific circumstances, including instances involving road hazards.

The act does not apply to all government entities. For example, independent school districts and emergency response teams are exempt from this law. However, the act does apply to government contractors, allowing accident victims to file lawsuits against these workers in select circumstances. Your Texas attorney can explain your rights and the limitations imposed by law.

The Texas Tort Claims Act holds government bodies liable for injuries when:

• The government knew about the hazardous condition
• The hazard increased the risk of harm to motorists
• The government failed to fix the defect within a reasonable time
• The defect directly caused your accident and injuries

The law does limit the compensation amount you can seek. However, the caps typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on the government agency and the details of the accident. Your Laredo accident lawyer will build your case to maximize your damages under the limits of state law.

Most personal injury lawsuits have a 2-year statute of limitations in Texas, meaning you must file your claim within two years of incurring your injury. However, the Texas Tort Claims Act requires you to file a notice with the appropriate government offices of your intent to sue within six months of the accident. Some local governments may shorten that notice to within 30 days of the crash.

It is critical to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately following your crash. Quick action enables your legal team to investigate the accident while the evidence is still fresh, ensuring that all necessary notices are filed within the specified timeframe.

If you were recently injured in a vehicle crash due to hazardous road conditions, call Carabin Shaw now. Our client reviews attest to our attorney’s ability to protect the rights of accident victims and maximize their damages. We’ll take care of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. Our team is available 24/7 toll-free at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Statutes 101
• Cornell Law
• Texas Statutes 16