Published: January 26, 2021 • Updated: April 27, 2026
Each year, thousands of miles of roadway fall into disrepair, leaving drivers to navigate hazards such as potholes, worn pavement, and damaged guardrails.
In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining the state’s extensive highway system—more than 33,000 miles of roads and over 10,000 bridges and culverts. This includes routine inspections, repairs, winter treatment, and ensuring that road markings and safety features meet required standards.
Potholes lead to dangerous roadways
Accidents involving highway defects and poorly maintained roads can be extremely challenging. In some cases, when a driver causes an accident because of a pothole, damaged guardrail, or missing roadway sign, the state is liable for damages. But that may not always be the case.
Roads are designed, built, and maintained by a number of organizations. That could include private organizations, municipalities, counties, states, and the federal government (but they are typically maintained by cities, counties, and states).
Local, state, and federal agencies are required to design safe roads. This means all roads must comply with the standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). In addition, all roadway signage must comply with the standards set by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). When these standards are not met, dangerous conditions can result.
Because these cases often involve government agencies or multiple parties, it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney experienced in roadway‑defect claims.
Contact us today for a free review of your case.
Unmaintained or poorly maintained roadways can contribute to accidents in many ways, including:
Whether or not you decide to make a claim, hazardous road conditions should always be reported.
Have questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
If you were seriously injured in a car or truck accident where a roadway defect played a role, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm can help. We have a strong track record of holding responsible parties accountable and helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Our Kansas City–based legal team fights for clients across Missouri. When you contact us, one of our experienced staff members will speak with you directly and provide a free, no‑obligation case evaluation.
Contact Nash & Franciskato today at (877) 284‑6600 for a free, no-obligation review of your case.
Contact us today for a free review of your case.
If you would like to receive news and blog updates regularly, sign up to receive our email newsletter. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.
Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.
Photo Credits:
