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Yes, believe it or not, grass clippings cause motorcycle riders to lose control of their bike and wreck. Of all the contributions to motorcycle accidents, wet grass clippings are perhaps the most unexpected, but with plenty of green lawns in our city, it’s actually one of the most common causes of road-condition-related crashes.
The presence of fresh-cut grass clippings on the road may not pose a danger to a car, truck, or SUV. Motorcycles, though, because they require focused balance to operate and have fewer tires for stability than other vehicles, are more likely to lose control if they hit a patch of yard waste in the street.
So, if you get into a crash because you hit a pile of slippery grass clippings, what are your options? Are you eligible for compensation, even if no other vehicles were involved in the wreck? Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Why do yard clippings cause motorcycle accidents?
So what makes freshly cut grass so dangerous? The high water content of fresh grass makes the roads slippery, even on a sunny day. Unexpectedly slick surfaces pose a greater danger to vehicles with only two wheels. Even at slow speeds, that lack of traction is dangerous and can cause even the most experienced rider to crash.
Wet grass clippings aren’t just a problem in neighborhoods like Grandview Heights or Flamingo Park. Landscapers and others who haul yard waste in trucks or trailers can accidentally spill clippings onto the road. If that waste isn’t properly secured, it can create a serious hazard for motorcycle riders passing by.
Who is liable for motorcycle accidents involving yard waste?
Determining liability in this type of motorcycle accident is more complicated than in other types of cases, like those in which a distracted driver strikes a biker. However, there often is an element of claimed negligence in these situations. The negligent party, the one responsible for leaving grass clippings on the road, should be held liable, but proving liability can be tricky.
In some cases, more than one party may be liable for your crash, or the grass clippings could be a secondary cause for the wreck. For example, a motorcyclist could swerve to avoid a large pile of clippings but sideswipe the car next to them. Or, the biker may try to avoid a car merging into their lane and be unable to avoid a hazardous pile of clippings on the road.
Liable parties could include:
- The property owner (residential or commercial) whose grass produced the clippings
- The property manager or landlord a leader responsible for the upkeep of the property’s landscape
- A landscaper or landscaping company
If the presence of grass clippings was the sole reason for your accident, proving causation can be complicated and may require the deft legal touch of an experienced attorney.
If you were in a wreck and the party whose grass clippings you skidded on was a government entity, like the city of West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County, your case may be a little more complicated. While the municipality (or the landscaping company it employed) may be negligent due to a failure to secure the yard waste or clean it up, filing a suit is more difficult due to government immunity laws. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer may be your best bet for securing compensation.
Don’t overlook the role of road conditions
Motorcycle accidents aren’t always caused by reckless riding or other drivers. Sometimes, hidden hazards like wet grass clippings can be just as dangerous. These cases often involve complex questions of liability, especially when homeowners, landscapers, or even government agencies may be responsible.
You may have legal options if you’ve been injured because someone failed to clean up yard debris or maintain safe road conditions. An experienced attorney can help you investigate the cause, identify the liable party, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Were you hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by poor road conditions? Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys.