In rural Illinois, it is not uncommon for motorists to encounter farm equipment traveling on or near roadways. While sharing the road with these massive machines is not rare, it is a situation that comes with risks and safety concerns.
In both urban and rural areas, automobile collisions involving farm equipment can occur. Because these crashes can result in severe injuries and significant damage, it is both important to understand how these collisions occur and how to prevent them. Nonetheless, it remains imperative that those harmed in a farm accident understand their rights when it comes to legal actions and addressing their losses suffered.
Passing behavior
In recent academic research supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a specific factor was examined when establishing farm equipment crash prevention strategies. In this study, researchers focused on a driver’s farm equipment passing behaviors. Additionally, it also explored the driver’s perceptions of the passing behaviors of other motorists.
Understanding these behaviors was the focal point for this study because a prior study found that farm equipment accidents are often caused by a vehicle striking the farm equipment from behind, or, when attempting to pass the farm equipment, colliding with oncoming traffic.
Legal rights
In collisions involving farm equipment, the fatality rate is nearly five times more than the average fatality for all car accidents. As such, those involved in a farm equipment crash are likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries. This can leave individuals and their loved ones suffering significant harms and damages, and if another party or parties are to blame, a legal action could help hold them liable for the accident and resulting losses and damages.
A personal injury action or wrongful death claim could help an accident victim, or the loved ones of a deceased victim, seek legal recourses for the accident. These civil suits seek to prove cause and liability and provide compensation for the damages suffered.
If you or a loved one were involved in a farm equipment accident, it is important to understand your rights and legal options. A legal professional can help you better understand your situation, your rights and what steps to take to ensure your rights and interests are protected.