Indiana Accident Attorneys Advocate for Injured Riders
Lake County, Indiana Motorcycle Injury Law Firm
According to AAA, between 2011 and 2014, road debris was a factor in more than 200,000 reported traffic accidents, including those involving motorcycles, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. Debris-related crashes are more likely to occur on interstate highways, and one in three deaths in these types of accidents occurred because the driver swerved to avoid hitting an object on the roadway.
Forms of Road Debris
Some of the most common forms of road debris include:
- Loose gravel
- Garbage
- Unsecured cargo
- Blown tires
- Detached auto parts
- Trees, branches, and leaves
- Grass clippings
Blowing lawn clippings onto the road creates a particularly dangerous situation for motorcyclists. The practice can clog drainage ditches and cause roadways to flood, making road surfaces extremely slippery. Akin to riding over a sheet of ice, wet grass clippings can cause riders to lose traction and control of their motorcycle, leading to serious accidents and injuries.
While no Indiana state law exists that directly prohibits dumping grass clippings onto public roadways, cities and counties can cite a person for inappropriate disposal of lawn trimmings. In Indianapolis, for example, it is illegal to blow leaves and grass clippings onto streets and roadways, and in Terre Haute, individuals can incur fines of up to $300 for committing the offense.
Contact a Lake County, Indiana Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today
Lawsuits have been filed against property owners who covered the roadway with grass clippings and created a dangerous situation for motorcyclists. Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Lake County, Indiana? If road debris was the cause, contact the personal injury attorneys at Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to schedule your free initial consultation today.