US EditionIndiana Supreme Court Hears Dispute over Bush Obstruction at Rural Intersection
- The Indiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a case over an overgrown bush obscuring a stop sign at a Miami County intersection.
- The dispute arises from a 2023 collision in which Martinez filed a negligence lawsuit against landowner Smith, questioning the established legal principle that landowners are generally not responsible for obstructions located entirely within their property boundaries.
- Martinez's attorney argued the obstruction interfered with public right-of-way, while Smith's lawyer said counties, not private owners, bear responsibility for visibility issues.
- The justices raised concerns about whether financially strapped rural counties can effectively monitor thousands of intersections, especially after the failure of a 2025 legislative proposal designed to make property owners responsible for maintaining clear sightlines.
- The court’s decision will clarify legal liability for private vegetation blocking visibility and could impact traffic safety management statewide.
11 Articles
11 Articles
wibc.com
106.7 WTLCA Bush, a Crash, and a Lawsuit
Source: Dave Bangert / @DaveBangert MIAMI COUNTY, IN — A legal battle over an overgrown bush took place at the Indiana Supreme Court today. A car accident that happened in a rural Indiana intersection; potentially due to an overgrown bush has reached the state’s highest court, pitting a private property owner against a seriously injured driver. The Indiana Supreme Court is now weighing a critical question with statewide implications: When vegeta…
WLFI News 18
Indiana Supreme Court hears dispute over bush obstruction at rural intersection
Tensions ran high Thursday morning at the Indiana Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in a case that could change who has the duty of care — private property owners or county officials — for visual obstructions at rural intersections.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
