West Virginia has a booming agricultural industry, with over 20 thousand farms spread across the state. While agricultural vehicles and cars are often separate, there are occasions when it is impossible for them to avoid one another. 

Tractors and trailers are significantly larger and heavier than regular vehicles, which means they typically travel at much lower speeds. However, in an accident, it is nearly always the driver of the smaller vehicle who comes off worse. 

Tractor-trailer accidents do happen and the consequences of such incidents can be devastating. Outlined below are some of the more common causes of this type of accident. 

Improper loads 

It is beneficial for farmers to carry as much as possible in their loads, but this must be done safely. Loads must be securely attached to the trailer or there is a risk that they detach and hit a nearby vehicle, causing them to crash. It’s also vital that operators ensure the load is balanced. If the weight on the back is too heavy then the trailer could overpower the tractor, meaning that the driver has lost control. 

Poor maintenance 

If agricultural vehicles are to operate on or near public roadways, then they must be roadworthy. Users have a duty to ensure that the vehicle components are routinely maintained and working as intended. If a trailer is not properly hitched when the vehicle is in motion, then it could detach and cause a catastrophic crash. 

If you’ve been injured in a crash with an agricultural vehicle and it was caused by negligence, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. Seeking some legal guidance will help to let you know where you stand.