Hidden Stop Signs and Overgrown Bushes: Can the City Be Liable for Your Crash?
When you think about car accidents, you probably picture reckless drivers, speeders, or distracted texting behind the wheel. But not all accidents are caused by driver error. Sometimes, the root of the problem lies in poor road maintenance—like a hidden stop sign obscured by overgrown bushes. In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, this kind of negligence can raise an important legal question: Can the city be held liable for your crash? Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys at Mainor Ellis can help answer this legal question for you.
Poor Signage Isn’t Just Inconvenient—It’s Dangerous
Traffic signs play a vital role in keeping drivers safe. A clearly visible stop sign alerts drivers to slow down and yield the right of way. But when those signs are blocked by untrimmed vegetation, poorly placed, or not properly illuminated, drivers may not see them until it’s too late. The result? T-bone collisions, rollovers, or pedestrian injuries—often at intersections where clear signage could have prevented tragedy.
Who’s Responsible for Maintaining Road Safety?
In Nevada, the responsibility for maintaining roads—including signs, lights, and vegetation around public streets—usually falls on city or county government agencies. These entities are expected to routinely inspect intersections, trim vegetation, and ensure visibility for all traffic control devices.
When they fail to meet these responsibilities, and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held liable for negligence. But filing a claim against a government entity is more complex than suing a private individual.
Proving Municipal Liability in a Visibility-Related Crash
To hold a city or municipality liable, your attorney must prove that:
- A hazardous condition existed—for example, a stop sign was hidden by overgrown bushes or trees.
- The city knew—or should have known—about the condition.
This could be through prior complaints, inspection records, or a longstanding lack of maintenance. - The city failed to correct the hazard within a reasonable time.
- That failure directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
Photos, witness statements, crash reports, and city maintenance logs can all serve as evidence in building your case.
What Makes Government Claims Unique?
Claims against public entities in Nevada fall under the Nevada Tort Claims Act. This law allows individuals to seek compensation from government agencies for negligence—but with a few key differences:
- You typically must file a notice of claim within two years of the incident.
- Some cities or counties have specific claim procedures that must be followed exactly.
- Damages may be capped depending on the circumstances.
Because of these limitations and technical requirements, having an experienced personal injury attorney is critical if you suspect poor signage played a role in your crash.
Don’t Assume It Was Just “Bad Luck”
If you or a loved one were injured at an intersection where visibility was compromised, you may be entitled to compensation—not just from another driver, but from the city that failed to maintain safe road conditions. At Mainor Ellis, we investigate all possible causes of your accident and pursue every responsible party—including negligent government entities.
Call our Las Vegas office today for a free consultation. If poor road maintenance caused your crash, we’ll help uncover the truth—and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nac/NAC-041.html
