Farm tractors have become integral to farm operations. The agricultural industry has come to depend on tractors to increase farm output as well as to increase efficiency and reduce costs. However, farm tractors are large pieces of machinery and can pose significant dangers when not safely operated. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a serious tractor accident, all of which can lead to many injuries each year.
While critical to farm operations, tractors can be a danger to farm workers and others. The dedicated team of North Dakota tractor accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad have handled many such cases. We know how our local farming communities depend on tractor usage and we have seen the tragedies that occur when tractor safety is not taken seriously. If you have been injured in a tractor accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our farm accident attorney for assistance.
Common Kinds of Tractor Accidents
While technological advances have created a number of measures that minimize the dangers of farming equipment, such as tractors, there are still safety risks to consider. This is partly due to the fact that the threat to safety posed by tractors cannot be completely eliminated and that many farmers do not implement such safety measures that have been proven effective at keeping others safe.
There are certain safety threats that commonly cause tractor accidents. For instance, one of the biggest causes of tractor accidents is the fact that many farmers continue to use outdated tractor models that lack basic safety features. Outdated tractor models are, in fact, most commonly involved in accidents. Other common causes of tractor accidents include:
- Overturning tractors: Even modern tractors are at risk of overturning, but older models are even more so. Tractors involved in crashes with motor vehicles can commonly result in the tractor overturning. Unlike newer models, older tractors have a higher center of gravity, which makes it easier for a tractor to lose its balance and rollover. Tractor rollovers are one of the most common causes of tractor-related injuries.
- Driver inexperience: Not just anyone can jump on a tractor and expect to safely operate it. Specialized training and experience is required. The size and weight of a tractor can be difficult to get used to and there is certainly a learning curve involved. When a person tries to operate a tractor without sufficient preparation, they can sustain serious injuries and others can be injured as well in a resulting crash.
- Poor equipment maintenance: Tractors that are not maintained can greatly increase the chance of an accident occurring. In order to function properly and safely, a tractor must be properly maintained. Failure to do so can result in an accident occurring.
- Inclement weather: Just as it is with other vehicles, tractors are at greater risk of an accident in poor weather conditions. Bad weather can mean low visibility and reduced road traction. It can be difficult to safely operate a tractor under such conditions leading to injury-causing accidents.
Tractor accidents are, unfortunately, commonly caused by driving errors. Tractors can be exceedingly dangerous under the best of circumstances. When a person operating a tractor is careless or exercised poor judgment, then people can be gravely injured as a result. It is also not uncommon for tractor operators to be fatigued or, in some cases, intoxicated. Resulting accidents can have lasting impacts on all involved.
Injuries Sustained in A Tractor Accident
Considering the size and force of tractors, you may be able to imagine some of the serious injuries that are sustained in tractor accidents. Some of these injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
Because tractors do not have seatbelts, drivers can easily be ejected from the tractor in the event of an accident. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and broken bones, can be the result of such ejection.
Compensation After a Tractor Accident
If you have been injured in a tractor accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to bring a claim against the responsible party. Compensable damages may include:
- Cost of present and future medical treatment
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life:
Contact Our North Dakota Tractor Accident Lawyer Today
There is no need to go it alone after a tractor accident when our team has committed itself to North Dakota injury victims for decades. We step in to help accident victims recover the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. Do not try to take on the legal fight on your own. Get the benefit of experience by your side. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.
