Texas governments are generally immune from lawsuits unless immunity has been waived. The Texas Tort Claims Act provides a limited waiver, mainly for injuries caused by government vehicles, by the negligent use of motor-driven equipment, or by certain dangerous property conditions.
Sovereign and Governmental Immunity
This means a crash caused by a city bus or a county truck may be actionable, while many other government-related injuries are not.
Short Notice Deadlines Are the Biggest Trap
The Act requires formal written notice within six months of the incident, and many Texas cities shorten that window dramatically through their charters — sometimes to 45 or 60 days. The notice must describe the injury, the time and place, and the incident with reasonable detail.
Miss the notice deadline and even a strong claim can be dismissed. This is the single most common reason valid government claims fail.
Damage Caps and Why Early Action Matters
The Act also caps recovery against governmental units. Because the deadlines are so short and the rules so technical, anyone hurt by a government vehicle or property hazard in Texas should seek legal guidance immediately.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.