Texas Department of Transportation Accidents: What You Need to Know After a Crash in Port Aransas 

In Port Aransas, we rely on Texas roads to connect us, whether it’s State Highway 361 taking workers to the ferry, service trucks hauling gear to oilfield sites, or locals heading to the beach. However, when a crash involves a vehicle owned or operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the legal situation is significantly different from that of a regular car accident. 

 

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a TxDOT vehicle, whether it involved a dump truck, maintenance pickup, or road crew equipment, you’re not just dealing with an individual driver. You’re going up against the State of Texas. And that means the rules change. 

 

At A2X Law, we help Port Aransas residents and workers navigate these complex cases with experience, urgency, and relentless dedication. If your crash involved TxDOT or any government-operated vehicle, here’s what you need to know. 

 

What Counts as a TxDOT Accident? 

An accident is considered a TxDOT-related crash if it involves: 

  • A TxDOT employee driving a state-owned vehicle 
  • A contractor or subcontractor performing work on TxDOT’s behalf 
  • A crash that happened in or around an active construction zone 
  • A roadway hazard caused by poor maintenance, improper signage, or debris left behind by road crews 

 

TxDOT is responsible for maintaining thousands of miles of roads across Texas, including highways, rural farm roads, and ferry access routes around Port Aransas. When their vehicles or workers cause harm, they can sometimes be held liable, but under particular conditions. 


How TxDOT Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Wrecks 

When a private citizen hits you, you typically file a claim with their insurance. But when your crash involves a state agency like TxDOT, you’re dealing with a governmental entity, which brings several legal complications: 

 

1. Sovereign Immunity Laws Apply 

Texas law typically protects government agencies from lawsuits, a concept known as sovereign immunity. However, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, certain exceptions allow you to file a claim if you were injured by a government employee acting within their job duties. However, this waiver is limited, and the state only allows lawsuits in particular situations, such as the negligent operation of a motor vehicle. 

 

2. Tight Deadlines 

If you’re filing a claim against TxDOT or any state agency, you must file a formal notice of claim, usually within 6 months of the incident. Some cities and counties have even shorter deadlines. Waiting too long can bar you from recovering anything. 

 

3. Damage Caps 

Even if the state is liable, your compensation may be capped: 

  • $250,000 per person 
  • $500,000 per incident total for bodily injury 
  • $100,000 for property damage 

These caps don’t exist in private lawsuits, which can significantly affect your recovery. 

 

Common TxDOT-Related Accidents in Port Aransas 

Because Port A sits at the crossroads of ferry routes, state highways, and infrastructure projects, these accidents often involve: 

  • TxDOT maintenance trucks suddenly stopping or turning on SH 361 
  • Improperly marked construction zones near bridges or ferry ramps 
  • Loose gravel or road debris from recent repairs 
  • Contractor vehicles pulling out of work zones without yielding 
  • Negligent flaggers or work zone mismanagement causing chain-reaction crashes 

 

These aren’t your typical fender benders; they often involve heavy equipment and high-speed traffic, resulting in serious injury or even death. 

 

Injuries We Commonly See 

Because TxDOT vehicles are often larger and heavier than standard passenger cars, the injuries from these crashes can be severe: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis 
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage 
  • Crushed limbs or amputations 
  • Severe fractures and joint injuries 
  • Fatalities, especially in motorcycle or pedestrian crashes 

 

Medical bills can skyrocket quickly, and long-term care may be needed. That’s why it’s so important to make sure every dollar of compensation is pursued and protected. 

 

How A2X Law Fights for You After a TxDOT Crash 

Going up against a state agency isn’t easy. But we’ve done it, and we know the system inside and out. 

 

When you hire A2X Law, we’ll: 

  • Investigate your accident thoroughly by gathering dash cam footage, witness statements, and accident reports. 
  • File all proper notices within the Texas Tort Claims Act deadlines. 
  • Work with experts to prove TxDOT’s negligence and calculate your losses. 
  • Push back against lowball state offers or immunity defenses. 
  • Take your case to trial if necessary, fighting for full justice within the bounds of the law. 

 

We are familiar with the roads, work zones, and the real-world impact these crashes have on Port Aransas families. 

 

What Should You Do After a Crash with a TxDOT Vehicle? 

  1. Call 911 and report the crash 
  2. Get medical care because your health comes first 
  3. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions 
  4. Identify the driver by writing down their name, agency, and badge or vehicle number 
  5. Avoid giving recorded statements to TxDOT reps or their insurers 
  6. Contact A2X Law immediately  

 

Talk to Our Team Today 

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving TxDOT in Port Aransas or the Coastal Bend, don’t try to handle it alone. The state will have lawyers, and you need one too. 


At A2X Law, we combine local insight with aggressive legal skill. We’ll guide you through the legal maze, protect your rights, and fight for every bit of compensation you’re owed. 



Contact us today for a complimentary, confidential consultation. We’re here to help, and we don’t back down.