Lafayette Tractor Accident Lawyer

When operated recklessly, large, powerful tractors can cause tremendous damage, including serious injuries and death. If you or a loved one have been injured in a tractor accident, you deserve compensation.  Medical bills can pile up quickly when you are hurt. You may not be able to work, and your family may be suffering. You need assistance. A Lafayette tractor accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and recover the money you need to get your life back on track.  At Vaughan & Vaughan, our firm has fought for the rights of injured victims since 1913. Contact our Lafayette personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We want to hear your story. 

Should You Take a Settlement After a Tractor Accident?

After your accident, an insurance company may contact you regarding a settlement offer. It can be tempting to take the money when your bills are mounting, and you just want to put the event behind you. However, it usually isn’t wise to take a settlement until you speak with a lawyer.  In most cases, an initial settlement offered by an insurance company will be much lower than the actual compensation you deserve. Your tractor accident attorney in Lafayette can assess your damages and come up with a fair settlement amount.  Usually, taking a settlement means waiving your rights to future compensation. Your attorney can make sure you get what you deserve so you can pay your bills and take care of your family during this difficult time.

Farm Tractor Accidents

Without tractors, it is hard to imagine how the farmers we depend on for our food would get their jobs done. However, farm tractors are large, powerful machines, and when they are involved in accidents, horrible injuries can occur.  Farm tractors can tip or roll on uneven surfaces or steep inclines. When pedestrians act recklessly, or the operator is unaware of their presence, people can be run over. When people become entangled in moving parts, they can lose limbs or suffer horrific injuries.  The tractor operator is often to blame, but it is important to realize that isn’t always the case. For example, in circumstances where workers are forced to work long hours with little rest, the business owner may be liable. An attorney can advise you on liability in your specific accident. 

Lawn Tractor Accidents

Homeowners and landscapers use lawn and garden tractors to mow large areas of lawn faster and easier. Although they are much smaller than the average farm tractor, they can still cause severe injuries when accidents occur.  Accidents often happen when operators misjudge the terrain or overestimate the tractor's stability. Tipovers and rollovers can cause broken bones, internal injuries, and even death. The operator is often liable in these cases, but not always. Another common lawn tractor accident involves the moving blades beneath the cutting deck. People can be injured if they reach under and attempt to dislodge debris. Although this seems like an operator error, the manufacturer could be held liable if safety devices aren’t in place. 

Tractor Accidents With Cars and Tracks

Tractor collisions can cause serious injuries. Moving tractors may collide with buildings, landscaping, or natural features in the environment. In some cases, they may collide with moving cars. In Indiana, farm tractors are allowed to travel on certain roadways as long as they follow appropriate safety precautions. Because tractors are much slower, accidents can happen when reckless motorists encounter them unexpectedly while speeding. Liability may be on the driver in such a situation, and Indiana’s laws for determining fault in car accidents may come into play. Lawn tractors may collide with cars when careless operators enter roadways or mow too close to the side of the road. Either party could be liable in these situations. Your attorney will advise you on how to proceed if you are involved in a tractor accident with a car or truck. 

How Much Is a Tractor Accident Worth in Indiana?

It is impossible to estimate how much your tractor accident might be worth without a thorough examination of your situation and the specifics of your accident. A Lafayette tractor accident attorney will understand how to calculate the value of your damages. These may include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are easiest to assess because they are attached to a specific dollar amount. For example, if your tractor was destroyed in the accident, you can find out how much it was worth and the cost of replacing it. Typical economic damages include:

• The costs associated with your medical care
• The cost of your continuing and future medical care
• The value of your lost wages
• The predicted value of future lost earnings and/or the expenses associated with job retraining
• The cost of property damage, such as your tractor, car, or truck

Non-Economic Damages

It is harder to evaluate non-economic damages, and they are not available in all situations. These are damages associated with the psychological, social, and emotional impact of your accident. While they are not as quantifiable as your medical bills, they are every bit as real. Common non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement

Your attorney can review your case and determine whether pain and suffering and other non-economic damages may be part of your compensation package. 

Get Help From a Tractor Accident Lawyer in Lafayette

If you have been in a tractor accident, you know how destructive they can be. You may have endured physical injuries that have caused tremendous hardship for you and your family. You may not be able to work, or your employer may be the reason you were injured.  A Lafayette tractor accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing and taking care of your loved ones.  Since 1913, Vaughan & Vaughan has fought for the rights of Indiana citizens like you. Our attorneys and staff are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.