Motorcyclists in Texas face unique dangers every time they hit the road—and not all of them involve other vehicles. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or missing signs, can quickly turn deadly for a rider.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, understanding who is responsible is critical. These cases often involve complex liability issues that require specialized legal expertise.
Consulting with a skilled Texas motorcycle crash attorney can aid you in ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is properly pursued.
Common Road Hazards That Cause Motorcycle Crashes
Unlike cars, motorcycles are vulnerable to minor defects in road surfaces. Common hazards that can lead to serious crashes include:
- Potholes and cracks in the pavement
- Loose gravel or debris
- Poor drainage or standing water
- Unmarked construction zones
- Faded lane markings or missing signage
Even a small obstruction can throw a rider off balance. If the road wasn’t properly maintained or warnings were absent, a motorcyclist-road-hazard claim may be possible.
Who May Be Legally Liable for Road-Hazard Accidents?
Determining liability in a case where a motorcycle accident was caused by a road hazard depends on the location of the accident and who was responsible for maintaining the roadway. Potentially liable parties include:
- Local governments, for city or county roads
- TxDOT, for state-maintained highways or interstates
- Private contractors, for negligent construction or maintenance work
- Private property owners, if the hazard originated from adjacent private land
Proving Negligence in a Motorcycle-Road-Hazard Case
In any claim for losses suffered in a motorcycle accident involving a road hazard, you must show that the defendant was negligent. To successfully establish negligence, a rider must prove that:
- The responsible party (defendant) had a duty of care;
- That duty was breached by allowing a hazardous condition to exist;
- The breach directly caused the accident; and
- The rider suffered actual losses or damages (injuries, lost income, medical bills).
Building a persuasive case typically involves many different types of evidence, including:
- Photos of the hazard,
- Eyewitness accounts, and
- Accident reports.
In lawsuits alleging TxDOT or other governmental liability, an injured person must also show that the government knew or should have reasonably known of the existence of the road hazard. This may require expert testimony or documentation of prior complaints or known issues. A person seeking compensation from a governmental entity must also give notice of the potential claim to the government within six months of the date of the accident. An experienced Texas motorcycle crash attorney knows how to handle these technical claims.
Read Also: The Most Dangerous Intersections in Dallas-Fort Worth for Motorcycle Riders
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Road Conditions
If you're involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately—Some injuries are not visible right away.
- Document the scene—Take photos of the hazard and of your motorcycle.
- Report the accident—Contact law enforcement and request a copy of the police report.
- Preserve your gear—Damaged helmets or clothing may be used as evidence.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible—Delays can result in lost evidence and missed deadlines.
Texas has strict timelines for claims, especially against government entities. Filing a motorcyclist-road-hazard claim promptly is crucial.
Let Bailey & Galyen Help You Pursue a Motorcycle Road Hazard Claim
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the devastating impact road hazards can have on Texas motorcyclists. If you've been injured due to unsafe road conditions, we're here to help you identify who's responsible—whether it's a city agency, TxDOT, or a private contractor. Our team has the experience needed to win complex DFW unsafe-road lawsuits and motorcycle claims across Texas. Call us today for a free consultation—our phones are answered 24/7, and your road to recovery starts now.