Farm Equipment Crashes Are Devastatingly Common in Illinois

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

It happens every year: as spring morphs into summer and the growing season begins, tractors and other large farm machinery take to the fields. They also take to the roads. Unfortunately, auto accidents involving farm machinery also increases during this time of year. Learn more about how to avoid such accidents, and what your options might be if one does occur, with help from the following information.

Sharing the Road with Farm Machinery

There is little more frustrating than being late for work or an appointment and finding yourself stuck behind slow-moving farm machinery. As your stress mounts, you may be tempted to go around. Be careful! This is one of the most common ways that accidents involving farm machinery occur. Hills, curves, stress, and limited vision all contribute to this devastating type of accident.

If you need to pass, take a deep breath, turn on your blinker, and look at the driver of the farm equipment to see if they notice that you plan to pass. Oftentimes, they will wave you past if it is safe. Alternatively, they may pull over toward the shoulder and let you by.

If you do not get a signal or pass from the farm machinery driver, slow down and place more distance between your vehicle and theirs. This should give you a little better line of sight. Avoid passing on curves, hills, or in no-pass zones. If all else fails and you cannot see, do not pass. Even as late as you might be, it is better to arrive late than experience an accident.

Another thing to watch for is the risk of machinery when you come over a hill. In rural areas, be prepared to see farm equipment. In residential areas and throughout cities, they may be less common, but they do still make an appearance. Either way, keep your eyes out for potential farm equipment while out and about this spring and summer.

When an Accident Occurs

Unfortunately, even the safest of drivers can experience an accident with farm machinery. Sometimes, this is because the equipment owner failed to take certain precautions. For example, they might have failed to see your vehicle and then pulled out in front of you. Alternatively, they may not have the appropriate light or reflectors on their vehicle to ensure proper visibility. In such situations, victims may be owed compensation.

While you can pursue a claim on your own, there are risks involved with doing so. For example, the insurance company may attempt to deny, delay, or reduce your settlement amount. Thankfully, victims who have an attorney often see improved recovery. Aggressive and experienced, Salvi & Maher, LLP will protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible for your case. Schedule your consultation with a seasoned Lake County traffic accident lawyer by calling 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/04/17/several-hurt-in-motor-vehicle-accident-involving-tractor-trailer-in-queens/

http://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/gpcah/center-projects/farm-equipment-crash-study/