When Americans visit the local grocery store, it’s very likely some of the produce had its roots in Central Valley soil. California’s Department of Agriculture proudly boasts “The Golden State” produces over a third of the nation’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts.
Turlock is in the heart of the state’s fertile farmland. That’s excellent news for the local economy and the hard-working families who rely on farming jobs.
Busy Farms and Traffic Dangers
Evidence of a thriving agricultural industry can be seen every day on local roads. Family vehicles and Farming Trucks and Equipment share the big and small byways around Stanislaus County.
Farm Traffic can be a single, slow tractor or sometimes it can be crop equipment that looks as big as a house. Unfortunately, having all these potentially dangerous vehicles on the road mixed with the family automobiles will sooner or later lead to collisions.
Farm Vehicles and Road Hazards
Farming safety is an issue for everyone who calls the Central Valley home. Those who live in and around Turlock know that sometimes equipment and farm vehicles venture onto the road to reach the next field or deliver the next crop.
The sudden stops, protruding gear, and unstable loads are some of the dangerous obstacles you may have learned to avoid. The threats to your safety come in many forms…
- Tractor Vehicle Accidents
- Harvester/Combine Vehicle Collisions
- Accidents while Attempting to Pass A Farm Vehicle
- Chemical Spills
- Farm Waste Contamination Injuries
What to Do after a Farming Accident
If you live around farms or commute past them, you know farming activity can put you and your family at risk for some of these accidents. You can be cautious, but sometimes a careless driver on a bigger vehicle can force you into a crash.
There are steps to take after a collision to make sure you won’t be blamed or have to pay for an accident you didn’t cause.
- See to Safety First. If possible make sure you’re not in a position to get hit again. Tend to your injuries and anyone else’s.
- Call 911 for an ambulance and police response. A police report will be the best document to prove the accident wasn’t your fault.
- Collect Information- Take photos. Make your own notes on what happened. Get the driver’s information and as much information on the farming company he or she works for.
- Note any 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 injury or made you ill the company could be held responsible.
- Get a Medical Evaluation- Remember that the shock of an accident may numb you to pain. You may be injured and not realize it. Get checked out by EMS and also see your own doctor to document every injury you’ve suffered.
State Statute for Large Farm Vehicles
Other than the exceptions that California has carved out, operators of agricultural equipment on public roadways must comply with state laws and operate their vehicles in a safe and careful manner. Depending on their size, agricultural vehicles might also fall under the purview of California laws governing the use of oversized vehicles. Failure to follow oversized vehicle laws might constitute negligence.
Contact a Turlock Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by the operator of an agricultural vehicle don’t cooperate with the opposing insurance company. You’ll likely make irreparable mistakes that it will use against you in the future. No law in California requires you to help the insurance company with its defense against you.
After an accident involving a serious injury, speak to an experienced Turlock car accident lawyer such as 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. Contact Maison Law today to discuss your legal options.
