Farming truck accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, may of whom are themselves farmers, ranchers, and other people who live rurally.
These accidents involve vehicles used for agricultural purposes, such as semi trucks and trailers, tractors, combines, manure spreaders, and other over-sized farming equipment. Unfortunately, collisions involving a farm vehicle are more likely to result in a greater fatality rate than other vehicle crashes, and the non-farm vehicle occupants are more likely to be injured than the farming truck drivers.
The consequences can include serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. The emotional distress and financial strain for the victims and their families can also quickly pile up, making it difficult for victims to recover and move on from the accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a farming truck accident, an experienced attorney can help you recover total compensation for your injuries and losses.
In the following sections, we will explore the leading causes and effects of farming truck accidents, the legal process of recovering compensation for damages, and the benefits of having an experienced attorney on your side.
Common Causes and Consequences of Farming Truck Accidents
Understanding the common causes of these accidents and their typical consequences can help prevent them from happening and provide support to those affected.
Driver Error
One of the most common causes of farming truck accidents is driver error. This can include driving while distracted, speeding, driving while legally over-loaded, failure to secure loads correctly, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Inexperience or inadequate training can also contribute to driver error, primarily when operating heavy or specialized equipment.
While farm related exemptions from normal commercial motor vehicle requirements exist for farm equipment and trucks, often this contributes to a lackadaisical attitude toward safety because there is little risk of fines and tickets. There are still rules and regulations about how wide loads can be, how they must be marked, how loads must be secured, and the speed at which implements can be drawn. Likewise, highway warnings/markers are often required, as are safety chains, lighting, and reflectors at the widest point of implements.
Equipment Malfunction
Malfunctioning brakes, steering systems, or other components can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in collisions or rollovers. Other times tires are neglected for years, and burst at the worst possible time. Failure to properly maintain equipment can also lead to malfunctions, making routine inspections and repairs critical for preventing accidents.
Often, farm trucks and farm equipment is dirty from normal field use. And, while that might seem an insignificant issue as long as these pieces of equipment stay off-road, when slow-moving signs, conspicuity tape, and reflectors are mud or manure covered, it can make implements nearly invisible after dark, even with headlights shining directly on them which makes after-dark roadway use extremely hazardous to other traffic. Staying off the road after dark with over sized, poorly lit roads is critical.
At other times faulty wiring and burnt out bulbs can make a normal left-turn from the right-hand lane hazardous. What looks like a slow moving vehicle directly in front of you might be a farm implement or farm truck turning into a field to the left with a bad blinker or brake lights. And, the unaware passerby that attempts to over-take a slow moving vehicle in a passing lane could inadvertently crash directly into the side of a large piece of equipment.
At Turbak Law Office, P.C., we’ve represented farmers who were hurt by other farmer’s negligence. And, while it ends up being a question of how much the insurance company should pay, we still have to prove that the other party was negligent. In one instance, an equipment manufacturer had a weld and hitch break, leaving a 56,000lb piece of equipment on the highway, cross-ways, after dark.
Consequences of Farming Truck Accidents
The consequences can be severe.
Physical injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, are common and can be life altering. Emotional distress can also result from accidents, particularly in cases where individuals have lost loved ones or sustained severe injuries. Even a back or neck injury can be life long and life altering. Property damage is often substantial and may include damage to the vehicle, crops, and other farm structures.
Importance of Hiring an Agricultural & Farming Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a farming truck accident or an accident involving a piece of farm machinery, hiring an experienced agricultural and farming vehicle accident lawyer can be helpto protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the benefits of working with a skilled attorney:
Useful Knowledge
First, an experienced lawyer will have knowledge of the complex agriculture and farming regulations and laws. This includes regulations specific to farming equipment, vehicles, rules, and guidelines for the safe operation of such equipment. This knowledge can be invaluable when building a case and pursuing compensation for damages and injuries resulting from a farming truck accident from the other person or company’s insurance company.
In-depth Investigation and Establishing a Solid Case
Additionally, a qualified lawyer will have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. This may include consulting with experts in fields such as engineering or accident reconstruction, as well as reviewing police reports and medical records to establish the cause and extent of damages and injuries.
How To Choose A Lawyer
Several key factors must be considered when choosing a farming vehicle accident lawyer.
First, it is important to look for an attorney with experience handling cases similar to yours, as well as having relevant credentials and a strong reputation within the legal community. Additionally, finding a lawyer who is responsive to your needs, communicates clearly and effectively, and can commit to fighting for your rights and interests is also important.
If you are located in Watertown, it is crucial to find a lawyer familiar with the unique challenges and regulations specific to farming and agriculture in the area. Fortunately, you have experienced farming trucking accident lawyers available in Watertown and the surrounding areas who can provide the guidance and representation you need.
Let us Defend Your Rights
If you have been involved in a farming truck accident, seeking legal representation is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced agricultural and farming vehicle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
When choosing a lawyer, considering their experience, credentials, and reputation is important. Look for an attorney with experience handling farming truck accidents and who is knowledgeable about industry regulations.
For residents of Watertown or the surrounding area, getting in touch with farming vehicle accident lawyers in Watertown should be your first step. Don’t hesitate to take action and seek legal representation as soon as possible after an accident.
Our team is here to help you increase your chances of a successful recovery and confidently move forward. Contact us today and let’s work together to make things right.