Tractors are heavy, powerful machines capable of causing serious injuries when there is an accident. Even the small garden tractors we use to mow our lawns can be deadly in the wrong situation. If you have been injured in a tractor accident, you know this all too well.
You may have serious damages that have led to extensive bills, and you may not be able to work. Your family may be going through tremendous pain and suffering. A South Bend tractor accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our firm has fought for injured victims for over 110 years. Our South Bend personal injury lawyers are ready to hear your story. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
Types of Tractor Accidents
Tractor accidents can occur in an infinite number of ways. If you have been hurt in an incident involving a tractor, it is important to speak with an attorney, no matter how the accident occurred. We can help you understand your rights and let you know if you have a case.
Some of the most common types of tractor accidents include:
- Rollovers and tipovers
- Collisions
- Runovers
- Equipment entanglements
It is also important to realize that tractor accidents don’t occur only on farms and in industrial situations. Tractors are everywhere—even in suburban neighborhoods—and there is always the potential for accidents and injuries.
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Farm Tractor Accidents
Our food production systems depend on farmers, and farmers depend on tractors. Today’s farm tractors are powerful machines that utilize cutting-edge technology. They are tremendous assets on working farms, but when things go wrong, horrible injuries can occur.
Farm tractor accidents can happen when tractors roll over or tip, collide with natural obstacles or vehicles, or crush the driver or another person. In some cases, farm equipment associated with the tractor could entangle hands, feet, or clothing.
Often, the tractor operator is the at-fault party in farm tractor accidents, but not always. If you are a farm worker injured in a tractor accident, your employer or the property owner may share some responsibility.
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Lawn Tractor Accidents
In many rural and suburban areas, homeowners use a lawn tractor to mow their grass and work in their yards. These are typically smaller machines, but like farm tractors, they can cause serious injury when they roll over or tip. Unaware operators may run over dangerous obstacles or drive recklessly.
The moving blade beneath the cutting deck can be a major issue with lawn tractors. Operators may reach under to dislodge debris while the blades are still moving. In some cases, the blade can kick out rocks or other debris at high speeds, causing injuries.
Operator error is often to blame, but there are also safety mechanisms in place that should offer some protection. When they fail, the manufacturer could be liable. If a homeowner employs a third party for maintenance, that third party could be liable in certain situations.
Tractor Collisions With Cars
Several situations can pit cars and tractors against each other with disastrous outcomes. Some farm tractors may use public roadways to travel between fields or other locations. This is legal, but tractor operators must follow safety guidelines, such as displaying a slow-moving-vehicle sign.
Collisions can occur when an unsuspecting driver rounds a corner and encounters a slow-moving tractor. Establishing blame is difficult in these situations. However, motorists who behave impatiently or drive recklessly may be at fault for collisions with tractors.
Lawn tractors pose a danger to motorists when operated negligently. They can be operated too close to roadways or enter roadways without proper driver awareness, causing accidents.
How a Tractor Accident Lawyer Can Help
It can be frustrating trying to decide how to find the best personal injury lawyer. Our South Bend tractor accident attorneys can determine whether you have a case. If you do, and if we agree to work together, we will begin the process of recovering maximum compensation for your damages.
While every case is different, some of the actions we may take include:
Offer Legal Advice
When we meet for the first time, we will ask you many questions. We need to understand what happened so we can offer you the best legal advice. We want you to know your rights under the law and your options for pursuing your case.
Investigate Your Case
Our South Bend tractor accident attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine what happened. We may review police reports, interview witnesses, or visit the accident scenes. We need to identify the responsible parties so we can proceed with your compensation claim.
Research Your Damages
Once we know who was at fault for your accident, we’ll assess your damages and determine a fair compensation amount. We’ll consider economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages. In some cases, we may be able to include pain and suffering.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. They may offer a lower settlement amount, but we will negotiate for the compensatory damage you need to make a difference in your recovery.
Represent You in Court
Ideally, it would be best for all parties to reach an agreement at the negotiating table. However, if the insurance companies aren’t willing to offer a fair amount, we aren’t afraid to take things to the next level. If you are agreeable, we will file a civil suit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Contact a Tractor Accident Lawyer in South Bend
A tractor accident can cause serious injuries, long-term health issues, or even death. Large farm tractors can roll or tip, and cars can collide with them with horrible consequences. Even a small lawn tractor can cause damage in the wrong situation.
If you have been in a tractor accident and you are struggling to pay your medical bills and take care of your family, there is help. Reach out to a tractor accident attorney in South Bend to learn more about your rights and options.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our attorneys and staff have recovered over $25 million in settlements and awards for people like you. Tell us your story today. We’re ready to help.
