Augment LeadsHere's what TxDOT's own data says about Houston and Harris County, how the notice rule works when a city or transit vehicle is involved, and what to ask on the first call. Texas-wide law is on the Texas car accident leads page.
TxDOT's 2024 numbers for Houston and Harris County
TxDOT's 2024 crashes and injuries by city table counts 339 people killed and 1,519 suspected serious injuries in crashes inside the City of Houston, from 318 fatal crashes.
Countywide, TxDOT's crashes and injuries by county table records 579 deaths and 2,688 suspected serious injuries in Harris County in 2024.
- Commercial motor vehicle crashes: 41 people killed and 112 seriously injured in Harris County crashes involving a CMV.
- Speed-involved crashes: 194 deaths in Harris County.
All figures come from TxDOT's Crash Records Information System, based on Texas Peace Officer's Crash Reports.
Notice when a governmental unit is involved
Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, a governmental unit can be liable for injury caused by an employee's operation of a motor-driven vehicle (CPRC 101.021). That covers crashes with city trucks, county vehicles and public transit buses.
CPRC 101.101(a) entitles the governmental unit to notice of the claim no later than six months after the incident. The notice must describe the injury, the time and place and the incident. Section 101.101(b) also ratifies city charter notice periods, so check the charter of the city involved, which can set a shorter deadline.
Texas rules that still apply in Houston
Houston claims run on state law: two years to sue under CPRC 16.003 and the 51% bar on recovery in CPRC 33.001. Both are sourced on the Texas car accident leads page and in the statute of limitations by state table.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the statute or your counsel.
What Houston intake should ask
- Ask whether an 18-wheeler, delivery truck or other commercial vehicle was involved. If so, route it to your truck accident screen and note the carrier name if the caller knows it.
- Ask whether a METRO bus, a city vehicle or a county vehicle was involved. The six-month notice under CPRC 101.101 may already be running, and a charter period can be shorter.
- Ask whether the crash was on a freeway, a frontage road or a city street. It points to the right investigating agency for the crash report.
- Ask whether speed was mentioned by police or witnesses. Speed was a factor in 194 Harris County deaths in 2024.
Augment Leads for Houston firms
We generate 10,000+ leads a month for US injury firms and route Houston leads only to firms that select Houston or Harris County. Each lead is exclusive, filled in by the injured person, and replaced if it doesn't qualify. See MVA leads and how it works.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
How many people died in Houston traffic crashes in 2024?
TxDOT's 2024 city table counts 339 people killed in crashes inside the City of Houston. Harris County as a whole recorded 579 deaths.
How long is there to give notice of a claim against a Texas city or county?
Under CPRC 101.101(a), the governmental unit is entitled to notice within six months after the incident. A city charter can set its own period, so check it on every file.
How many Harris County crash deaths involved a commercial vehicle?
TxDOT's 2024 CMV table shows 41 people killed and 112 seriously injured in Harris County crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle.
Can a Houston crash claim be brought against a public transit agency?
The Texas Tort Claims Act covers injury caused by a governmental employee's operation of a motor-driven vehicle (CPRC 101.021), subject to the notice rule and damage limits. An attorney should confirm how it applies to the agency involved.
Get cases in Houston
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