Now that the weather is finally warming up, the Missouri Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to begin its roadside mowing routines. Drivers in St. Joseph should be on the lookout for mowing crews, as their presence can alter the proper precautions that drivers need to take on the roadways, and can impact car accident cases.
Missouri Department of Transportation Set to Begin Mowing
The state of Missouri is responsible for maintaining the grass and underbrush on the sides of the roads in Missouri. The task is nearly Herculean: There are an estimated 400,000 acres of grass to be cut every year. The Missouri DOT aims to cut all of it three times – in May, July, and September.
While much of the work is meant to make the roadside look nicer, there are numerous areas that can become dangerous if the undergrowth gets out of control.
Mowers Can Be a Factor in Car Accident Claims
If you are involved in a car accident, determining who caused the crash can be a huge part of any lawsuit that develops from the incident. Who was responsible, after all, will determine who will be held liable for the costs of the accident.
A key question in determining responsibility boils down to an important question: Were the drivers operating their vehicles in a way that was reasonably safe for the conditions they faced?
Needless to say, there are numerous factors that help or hurt your cause. Everything from your speed to the road conditions will play a part.
Another factor can be the presence of state mowers on the side of the road. This is especially true if the crash happens on a state highway that does not have a median. In these cases, mowers often take up the shoulder of the roadway and congest traffic.
Because drivers are expected to drive reasonably safely for the conditions they face, the presence of mowers on the side of the road often heightens the need to take precaution. With heavy machinery and workers so close to the road, drivers can be expected to reduce their speed, eliminate distractions, and drive conservatively. Even if they are not legally required to do so, not taking those precautions can work as evidence against a driver if they end up in a car accident.
St. Joseph Car Accident Attorneys at the Smith Law Office
Determining who was at fault for a car crash is one of the most important parts of the aftermath of the collision. Proving that you were not the one responsible for the accident – or showing that your role in the crash was far smaller than the other people involved – can ensure you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
The personal injury and car accident lawyers at the Smith Law Office in St. Joseph can help. Contact them online or call their office at (816) 875-9373 for legal help and representation.