Farming Equipment and Large Tractor Accident Lawyer

Farming is a big industry in Arkansas. There are farms of all sizes spread out through the state, growing rice, soybeans, corn, wheat, vegetables, and many other crops. Large tractors and other farming equipment are a common sight in the fields and even on the roads. When there’s an accident involving this equipment, it can result in serious personal injury and even death.

At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we handle cases involving tractors and large farming equipment. We understand the impact that injuries can have on your life, as well as the obstacles you face when trying to recover financial compensation. We put our decades of knowledge and experience to work for you to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Accidents involving farming equipment can involve different factors.

Manufacturing negligence

Farming uses many different types of large and dangerous machines that are designed to help with various tasks, made by companies such as John Deere, AGCO, Case IH, and others. These include tractors, combine harvesters, balers, sprayers, seed drills, tillage equipment, spreaders, plows, and cultivators. Many weigh several tons, have sharp rotating parts, and are often operated at high speed.

When there is an accident involving one of these types of equipment, people can suffer serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Manufacturers of farming equipment have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe when used properly. A defect can cause an accident that results in someone getting hurt. A defect may involve:

• Design – The design of the equipment makes it unsafe to use as intended – for example, it lacked safeguards to protect users.
• Manufacturing – While the equipment was being made, a defective part was used, or the equipment was not assembled properly, and the result is mechanical failure.
• Instructions or warnings – The user was not given specific information about the use of the equipment that could have prevented injury.

But cases involving manufacturing negligence can be complicated. Proving manufacturers are accountable for injuries and wrongful death is difficult. Companies hire high-priced lawyers who will deny liability and may even try to blame victims. We know how to fight back by investigating accidents and building strong cases that can’t be ignored.

Large agricultural vehicle accidents

Tractors, large trucks, harvesters, combines, balers, and certain other agricultural vehicles are allowed to be driven on the roads of Arkansas. These vehicles must be registered with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles and bear a special license plate.

In addition, agricultural vehicles must be equipped with certain safety features such as headlights, taillights and turn signals. Owners must keep vehicles properly maintained and in good working condition. Repairs must be made as needed.

Drivers are responsible for following the rules of the road when operating agricultural vehicles. Operators who are texting behind the wheel, operating recklessly, or driving while impaired can cause an accident with another vehicle that leaves people seriously hurt. While “speeding” as such is rarely an issue with farm vehicles, it’s still possible to drive too fast for the road conditions or to maneuver carelessly at lower speeds. An owner can also be responsible for failing to properly maintain or repair the agricultural vehicle.

Because these vehicles are so heavy and contain sharp rotating parts, they can cause very serious injuries in a collision – especially with passenger cars. But negligent drivers of these vehicles may deny doing anything wrong, putting victims in the position of having to prove negligence in order to recover compensation.

Highway accidents

Large farming equipment is often transported via truck on highways such as I-555, US 63, US 49, and AR 1. These are oversized loads that pose a significant risk to other drivers if there is negligence.

Trucks carrying an oversized load must have a permit to do so from the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The truck carrying the equipment must be the proper size and have the proper type of tires for an oversized load. The equipment itself must be properly secured and tied down so it doesn’t shift. Special lights and signs must also be used to warn approaching motorists.

There are many causes of truck accidents that also apply to oversized loads. These include:

• Driver distraction (for example, a driver was texting)
• Improperly secured cargo
• Excessive speed for conditions
• Fatigued driving
• Poorly maintained trucks
• Failure to plan a safe route (for example, using a road that has low bridges)

Trucks carrying oversized loads of agricultural equipment are extremely large and can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. An accident involving a smaller vehicle can cause devastating damage and leave people with severe injuries.

Can I sue for injuries caused by an accident involving farming equipment?

You have the right to seek financial compensation if a negligent party caused an accident that left you injured. Depending on the circumstances of your case, those parties could include:

• A manufacturer of defective equipment
• A distributor of defective equipment
• The owner of farming equipment
• The operator of a tractor or other agricultural vehicle
• A truck driver carrying an oversized load
• A trucking company carrying an oversized load

However, you can face many obstacles when trying to recover compensation. The party may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept any responsibility. Their insurance companies may deny liability or try to minimize your claim so they can pay you as little as possible.

Get the right attorney to move your case forward

Big companies have significant resources and can afford to hire a team of lawyers who work to minimize your claim. The experienced attorneys McDaniel Law Firm, PLC can help you fight back.

Our firm investigates your accident to get the facts. We carefully review accident reports and medical records, interview witnesses, and consult experts as needed. We take steps to preserve evidence owned by manufacturers and trucking companies. And we build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously.

If you were injured in an accident involving a tractor or other farming equipment, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can review the details of your accident, discuss your legal options for recovering compensation, and answer any questions you have. Serving Jonesboro and all of Northeast Arkansas, as well as Southeast Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee.