Farming tractors usually do not pose much of a threat to other traffic. They are generally visible from far away, slow-moving, and are operated by safe and courteous drivers. However, this is not always the case, as everyone makes mistakes and there are good drivers and bad drivers of these vehicles, like all others on the road. The outcome can be deadly when large farm vehicles are operated by a careless or aggressive driver. Due to their size, and sometimes hazardous protrusions, farm tractors can cause serious injuries and property damage when the driver makes an error. If you were injured in a crash involving a farming tractor, either as a pedestrian, driver, cyclist, motorcyclist, or passenger, you have the option to work with a Kansas City attorney and file a personal injury claim for financial compensation.
Missouri Laws for Farm Tractors
Farm vehicles are legally allowed on rural roads and highways, but may only do so by driving on the shoulder when other traffic is present. In order for the vehicle to be legal, it must be equipped with a Slow Moving Vehicle emblem, such as an orange triangular reflector. Tractors also must be equipped with at least one white light visible from 500 feet to the front, and a red light visible from 500 feet to the rear, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In addition, farm vehicles are only allowed to be on the roads from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Farm vehicle drivers are required to give hand signals for turns, obey traffic laws, and pull off the road when traffic lines up behind them.
How Car Crashes Occur
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatigue, alcohol, and speeding are the three leading factors in all types of collisions. This may be true for the average type of crash, though some would point out that distraction is also a leading cause of crashes, these three factors are not typically present in collisions caused by farm vehicles. First of all, farm tractors typically move slower than the speed limit. Operators are usually only on the road for a short period of time, and, as such, do not suffer from driving fatigue. And, lastly, driving a farm vehicle while drunk is not all that common. Farm tractor crashes are typically caused by inattention or unlawful operation, such as one or more of the following:
- The operator failed to signal;
- The operator did not comprehend the width of the tractor and hits the side of another vehicle while passing;
- The farm vehicle was not equipped with lights or reflectors;
- The farm vehicle was being driven at dark; and
- The driver failed to see a vehicle, bike, or pedestrian behind or to the side.
A Kansas City Car Accident Attorney Is Ready to Take Your Call
Any type of traffic collision can be a traumatic event. When the other vehicle is large, the injuries the victims face are usually even more substantial. If you were involved in a collision with a farm vehicle, you need experienced legal assistance to help prove that you were not at fault and that the other party should be held liable for your damages. The Kansas City car accident attorneys at the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm can help. Call us today at 816-399-3356 to schedule a free consultation.
