Hundreds of Houston drivers are jolted every day by hidden potholes, crumbling shoulders, and malfunctioning traffic lights. A split‑second surprise can flip a peaceful commute into a life‑altering crash. Houston road defect accident lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig knows that pain, confusion, and rising bills can feel overwhelming.
 Our team listens, investigates, and fights so you can heal. In the guide below we break down what road‑defect crashes are, who may be liable, how Texas deadlines work, and why calling 713-561-5003 for a free consultation today can protect your future.

What Are Road Defect Accidents?

A road defect accident happens when an unsafe roadway—not another driver—triggers the crash.
 Common Houston road defects include:

  • Potholes, sinkholes, and crumbling asphalt
  • Uneven lanes or sudden pavement drop‑offs
  • Missing guardrails or broken barriers
  • Malfunctioning traffic lights or obscured signs
  • Poor drainage that leaves standing water or mud

Uncommon but serious hazards we see as Bellaire road‑hazard attorney Stephen Goldenzweig include unsecured bridge expansion joints, missing manhole covers, collapsed pavement after floods, and overgrown vegetation that blocks sight lines. Houston’s brutal heat, heavy rains, and nonstop construction accelerate many of these dangers.

Why Are Road Defects So Dangerous for Houston Drivers?

Road hazards steal a driver’s reaction time. Striking a deep pothole on I‑10 at 65 mph can shred a tire and send the vehicle spinning. A broken guardrail on Beltway 8 offers no protection when a car drifts toward a steep embankment. Even a flickering signal downtown can trigger a deadly side‑impact collision. Because drivers can’t anticipate these threats, crashes are often violent and unavoidable.

What Injuries and Damages Can Result from Road Defect Accidents?

Victims often suffer:

Personal Injuries

Property Losses

  • Blown tires, bent rims, and ruined suspensions
  • Totaled vehicles requiring costly replacement

Medical bills, lost paychecks, and car‑repair expenses mount quickly—one reason the Houston dangerous‑road attorney team at Goldenzweig Law Group pursues full financial recovery.

What Should I Do If I Have an Accident Caused by a Road Hazard?

  1. Call 911 and seek medical care. Safety first.
  2. Photograph the defect. Capture the pothole, debris, or broken signal before crews fix it.
  3. Collect witness details. Other drivers may confirm the hazard.
  4. Report the defect to 311. Create an official record.
  5. Save repair receipts and medical records. Documentation strengthens your claim.
  6. Contact a Houston road defect accident attorney at Goldenzweig Law Group. Deadlines arrive fast; early legal help preserves evidence.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Road Defect Accident in Houston?

Determining fault is complex. Potential defendants include:

  • City of Houston or Harris County for local streets they maintain.
  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for interstates like I‑45 or I‑69.
  • Private construction or maintenance contractors who left debris or faulty work zones.
  • Adjacent property owners whose runoff erodes pavement.
  • Truck or cargo companies that drop objects onto the roadway.

The Houston road‑defect attorneys at our firm dig into maintenance logs, prior complaints, and contractor records to prove negligence despite government immunity hurdles.

Can I Sue the Government for a Pothole or Road Defect Accident?

Yes—Texas’s Tort Claims Act allows it—but strict rules apply. You must file written notice with the responsible agency within six months of the crash (some cities require even faster notice) and damage caps limit recovery. Because missing a notice deadline can end the case, speaking with road‑hazard lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig quickly is critical.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

  • Personal Injury Lawsuit: Two years from the accident date.
  • Government Notice of Claim: As little as 180 days (six months) after the incident.

Waiting jeopardizes evidence and your rights. The Houston road defect legal team led by Stephen Goldenzweig files notices and lawsuits on time so you can focus on recovery.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Our clients may seek:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Property damage to vehicles and personal items
  • Loss of consortium for impacted spouses
    Punitive damages are rare against public entities but possible against reckless private contractors. We calculate every category so nothing is left on the table.

How Can a Houston Road Defect Accident Lawyer Help Me?

  • Thorough Investigation – We photograph hazards, secure surveillance footage, subpoena maintenance records, and consult engineers.
  • Identifying Every Liable Party – From TxDOT to subcontractors, we cast a wide net.
  • Navigating Red Tape – Our lawyers prepare Tort Claims Act notices and handle sovereign‑immunity defenses.
  • Negotiating and Litigating – We leverage evidence to demand fair settlement or argue persuasively before a jury.
  • No‑Fee Promise – You pay nothing up front; our Houston road‑defects attorneys collect fees only if we win.
  • Local Insight – We understand Houston streets from Alief to The Woodlands and know whom to call at each agency.

Houston’s Roads – Staying Safe and Knowing Your Rights

Houston Public Works patches nearly 300 potholes on an average weekday, yet thousands still dot our 16,000‑mile network. Whether your blowout happened on the Westpark Tollway or a neighborhood lane in Bellaire, remember: unsafe roads are not your fault, and the law gives you a voice.

Contact Goldenzweig Law Group for a Free Consultation

If a defective roadway harmed you or someone you love, reach out today. Call 713-561-5003 or complete our online form 24/7 for a no‑obligation review. Houston road‑hazard accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig will explain your options, outline the next steps, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We take the burden off your shoulders—no fee unless we win. Don’t wait; crucial evidence and deadlines are already ticking.

About Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig Stephen Goldenzweig has dedicated his career to advocating for Houston crash victims. He combines deep local knowledge with aggressive courtroom strategy to secure life‑changing results.