A Houston family spent $1,400 on car repairs after their vehicle struck a large pothole on Meadowglen Lane in August.
The pothole, measuring 57 inches long, caused damage to the car owned by Peggi Stewart and her family.
In October, the state informed the family that the city is not liable for the damage under Texas law. State law holds a city responsible for property damage only if a city employee negligently operates a motor-driven vehicle or equipment, which was not the case in this incident.
Stewart said she was dissatisfied with the city’s response, citing inadequate street repairs and the absence of a curb as contributing factors. She continues to call for proper maintenance of the road and for action to address the neglected pothole.
The family is considering filing an insurance claim following the state’s denial of liability. Legal experts note that residents rarely receive compensation for pothole-related damages unless negligence involving city personnel is proven.
The City of Houston’s Legal Department maintains that it is not responsible for property damage caused by road conditions unless specific negligence criteria are met. City officials report that repair crews handle thousands of pothole reports annually, often facing delays due to high demand and weather impacts.