Madison County Tractor Overturn Injury Lawyer

Madison County Tractor Overturn Injury Attorney

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in Illinois and the United States. A significant percentage of workplace accidents take place on farms. Most of the accidents are machinery-related.

Tractor rollover accidents can cause crushing injuries, broken bones, and other injuries.

According to the National Tractor Safety Coalition, about 100 farmers die from tractor overturns every year. If you suffered tractor overturn injuries in Madison County, reach out to an experienced farm accident attorney for help.

Types of Overturns

There are two types of tractor overturns, and these are:

Side Rollovers

A side rollover is the most common type of tractor overturn accident. The tractor rolls onto its side when the center of gravity moves too far off-center, and a centrifugal force pushes the tractor onto its side.

It is possible to prevent side overturns with these simple precautions:

• Braking properly
• Avoiding shear line hazards
• Keep the bucket low, especially during transport
• Do not speed or drive slowly
• Be cautious on sloped areas

Rear Rollovers

When a tractor flips backward and lands the top of the tractor on the ground, this type of rollover is dangerous as it happens very fast. The flip may take less than two seconds to flip over; this leaves the driver with little reaction time.

A tractor overturns in this manner because of the rear-axle torque. Engaging the clutch in a two-wheel tractor creates a twisting force on the rear axle. The rear tires then receive this torque. In normal circumstances, this transfer of torque causes the tractor to move forward. If the rear axle fails to move in response to the torque, the tractor chassis rotates about the axle instead. If enough torque is applied, the whole tractor will flip and rollover.

Four-wheel drive tractors are less likely to rear overturn, but that can still happen.

Tractors are more likely to rear overturn if:

• Pulling on a stuck tractor
• The operator is raising rear-mounted equipment
• Using a front-end loader
• Hitching above the draw bar
• Carrying a heavy load in the back
• It is on an incline

Injuries from Tractor Rollovers

When tractors roll over, they can injure more than the operator; they threaten bystanders too. Even with seat belts and rollover protection structures on the tractor, catastrophic injuries can still occur.

Some of the injuries a rollover can cause include:

Spinal Injury

If the operator falls from the tractor as it rolls over or the tractor falls on him, a spinal injury is likely to happen. A spinal injury can cause a loss of motor function or complete paralysis.

Crushing Injuries

A crushing injury may happen if the tractor lands on you during a rollover. A tractor crushing a person may result in spinal damage, shattered bones, and crushed limbs. Many of the injuries you receive from a crushing accident require surgical correction.

Lacerations

A rollover can create a lot of shattered glass, twisted metal, and damaged plastic. A person can receive deep cuts, which can lead to nerve damage.

Electrocutions

A tractor’s power takeoff system can cause electric shock. Electrocution can cause nerve damage, burns, cardiovascular impairment, and even death.

Brain Injuries

Should the operator receive a severe blow to the head as the tractor rolls over, there is a risk of impaired cognitive impairment, motor function impairment, and sensory processing problems.

What to Do in Case of Tractor Overturn Injuries

The first thing you should do is seek medical attention if you or someone else is involved in a tractor rollover.

You should also contact our team as you may need to claim compensation. The compensation can help cover a portion of lost wages, medical expenses, and disability. You must file the lawsuit within two years of the accident.