Grass clippings can and do cause motorcycle accidents. When someone mows grass near the roadway, these clippings can end up in the street, creating an unstable, slippery surface on which motorcycle riders can more easily lose their balance.
An Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can explain more about how motorcycle crashes happen and what you can do to get compensation for your collision.
Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Grass Clippings?
The at-fault party—that is, the party you can sue for your injuries—in your case depends on who is responsible for cleaning the property where the accident occurred.
Motorcycle Accidents on Public Property
Part of the local government’s job is to make sure that public streets and sidewalks are kept in good repair. That means regularly clearing potentially dangerous debris from areas where people walk, drive, or ride. Failure to do so puts everyone in harm’s way.
If the government is responsible for your crash, you may have less time than usual to begin a case, depending on where you live and what level of government is involved. The sooner you talk to a personal injury attorney about your rights, the better.
Motorcycle Accidents on Private Property
What if your crash occurred not on a public roadway but on a private stretch of road or a parking lot owned by an individual or business? In this case, the property owner bears ultimate responsibility for keeping their property clean and safe for visitors.
If the property owner hired a third-party contractor to mow the grass, you can sue that third party instead of or in addition to the owner.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Grass Clippings
The way to stop this kind of accident seems straightforward: anyone who mows grass by the road should clean up after themselves. This could mean using a leaf blower to clear the road or bagging clippings for disposal elsewhere.
Unfortunately, you cannot count on others to always be so diligent. You can protect yourself by remaining vigilant whenever you ride your bike. If you see clippings in the road, slow down and, if possible, ride around them rather than through them.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Proving That Grass Clippings Caused Your Motorcycle Accident
Once you and your lawyer have found who is responsible for your motorcycle accident, it is time to get in touch with their insurance company and ask for compensation. There is a good chance that the insurer will fight back against your claim or lawsuit, so you should:
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The number-one cause of motorcycle crashes is driver error, and the insurer may try to “prove” this happened in your case. For example, they may say that you could have avoided the grass clippings if you had not allowed yourself to get distracted.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you by disproving false claims of negligence made against you and fighting hard for the money you need to rebuild your life.
Collect Evidence That the Clippings Caused the Crash
It is an established fact that grass clippings do cause motorcycle accidents, but how can you prove that this is what happened in your specific case? Your motorcycle accident law firm can collect evidence like:
- Photos or video footage that show the accident and/or the state of the roadway around the time of the accident
- Testimony from witnesses who remember seeing grass clippings in the road
- The police report, which should include mention of grass clippings and other crucial information about the collision’s likely causes
Negotiate Hard for Fair Motorcycle Accident Compensation
If the insurer offers a settlement, do not take it right away. Instead, let your legal representative examine the offer and make sure it matches what you need. Your lawyer can also:
- Run calculations to identify a fair value for your case and compare that number to what the insurer offers
- Meet with the insurer’s representatives and negotiate for the amount you and your family need
- Suggest taking your case to court in the hopes that this will prompt a recalcitrant insurer to start negotiating in good faith
- Represent you in the courtroom, if that proves to be the more efficient way of seeking damages
What Liable Parties Owe to Victims of Accidents Caused by Grass Clippings
When someone is careless enough to leave dangerous objects like grass clippings in the roadway, the people they harm deserve financial compensation to help them recover. This compensation takes two main forms:
Non-economic Damages for Motorcycle Accidents
Your collision has caused no small amount of physical and emotional pain—all of which could have been avoided if the liable party had exercised caution. Your attorney can calculate how much you should ask for your:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Temporary disabilities
- Permanent disabilities
- Scar tissue or disfigurement
Economic Damages for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries can cost a lot to treat and address. You might need medication, physical therapy, and even hospitalization and surgery.
Depending on the nature of your injury and of your job, you might have to miss work entirely or accept light-duty assignments as you recover. When combined with the additional costs of medical care or bike repair, you could be facing serious financial hardship unless the liable party agrees to reimburse you.
Calculating Your Motorcycle Accident Damages
Do you know how much your case is worth? How much will you have to spend on medical care in the future? How can you express your physical and psychological distress in financial terms?
These are all vital questions that you will need to answer before suing whoever left the grass clippings in the road. A motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and make sure you ask for everything you deserve.
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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Grass Clippings
Kaine Law offers compassionate, 24/7 support to our clients. We are eager to hear from you about how grass clippings caused your motorcycle accident, so call us today. A member of our team will educate you about your rights and assess your case’s merits at no charge. Act quickly, as O.C.G.A § 9-3-33 generally only gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
