The Central Valley is prime farm country and that’s a source of pride for the region, but it can also lead to dangerous encounters for everyday drivers when farm vehicles take to the road.
Farm Vehicles on the Road Hazards
Farm vehicles and tractors can be smaller, like a normal vehicle, or they can sometimes be the biggest thing on the road. They are often constructed with stronger metals than the average car or SUV too. With forks and other protrusions coming off their bodies, they can make for an unavoidable hazard for drivers.
It’s a common obstacle for Fresno County motorists. Either coming up suddenly on a slow-moving machine or trying to get around that tractor and getting into an accident. Drivers can be forced into an impact with a tractor and suffer serious injuries. Drivers may also wonder who can be held liable for an accident that wasn’t their fault
Truck Collides with Tractor Near Caruthers
A man was taken to hospital after his pick-up truck struck a farm tractor early Tuesday morning. KFSN-TV reported on the accident in Fresno County on August 4, 2020.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene on Conejo Avenue outside of Caruthers just before 5 am. They determined the driver of the small pick-up didn’t see the tractor and crashed into it.
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital after reporting being in pain. The tractor’s driver was not injured.
Filing a Claim after a Farm Vehicle Accident
These kinds of accidents are, unfortunately, common around Central Valley. Farmers often take their tractors out on the road to get to the next field or to return to the barn. Sometimes this happens before the sun comes up and visibility becomes a factor. A study from the University of Iowa College of Public Health has found that traffic accidents involving farm vehicles would decrease by more than 50 percent if state policies required more lighting and reflection on those vehicles.
Poor visibility is just one of the hazards. If a driver gets into an accident with a farm vehicle the injuries can be severe due to the extra weight and construction of a tractor. The victim may face a long recovery and find themselves with lost wages from not being able to go to work and a pile of hospital bills. It is often necessary to file a claim against the farmworker and the company he or she works for to get help with these bills.
What to do after a Collision with a Tractor
Tractor accidents can be caused by carelessness on many fronts. If you’re in a collision with a tractor or any other piece of farm equipment there are a few things to remember:
See to your safety first, of course. Make sure your vehicle doesn’t end up in a position that could cause you to get hit again. Then call 911 if you’re able and make a full report to the responding officer. Get your wounds treated and have all injuries documented. Take photos of the scene, collect information, and talk to any witnesses. It’s also important to note any possible Third Party Company Negligence. The driver or local farm may use a third-party corporation’s products or vehicles. If there was a malfunction or defect that caused your accident, the company could be held responsible.
Contact a Central Valley Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a traffic accident involving a farm vehicle in Fresno County, California Law allows you up to two years to file a claim against the at-fault driver and their employer. The attorneys at the Maison Law Firm do not recommend that you wait the full two years. They recommend filing a claim as soon as possible to make it easier to collect evidence and documents to build a strong case.
Your recovery should be your number one concern. Allow a local attorney to handle insurance companies and their lawyers to get you the maximum compensation possible for the physical and emotional hardships you’ve been through.
After an accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
