Homeowners can be liable if trees, bushes cause traffic accident

Nov 21, 2007 By BILL KACZOR, AP

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Homeowners who let bushes, shrubs and trees extend into the public right of way may be held liable if the foliage contributes to accidents by blocking motorists' view, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.
The high court's 4-3 decision came in the case of a fatal crash in Orlando. It was alleged that foliage from a residential property blocked the view of a dump truck, which broadsided a car, killing the driver.
The justices, though, unanimously agreed the Orlando property owner cannot be held responsible for the crash because her vegetation did not extend beyond her property lines