In many areas where farming and agriculture are ways that a significant number of individuals make a living, it is not uncommon for tractors and other machinery to be seen on the roadways. However, there are precautions that drivers of agricultural machinery should take in order to ensure their safety and the safety of other drivers, such as having flashing lights or flags on the vehicle. Unfortunately, there are situations in which these vehicles can be involved in a car accident.
It was recently reported that a fatal accident took place in Illinois when a van and a farming combine collided on the roadway. It was reported that the combine was taking up space in both lanes of the road when the van collided with it. It was noted that the driver of the van was traveling into the sunlight when the crash took place, which could have impaired the driver’s visibility.
The crash led to the van driver suffering fatal injuries, and the driver was declared dead on the site of the accident. The report did not indicate whether the driver of the combine was injured in the collision. As with all fatal accidents, authorities are conducting an investigation.
Though the circumstances of the car accident are somewhat unusual, the fatal event should still be taken as seriously as any other crash. The family of the victim may wonder whether the driver of the combine, the combine’s owner or other parties may be held liable for their loved one’s death. Finding out such information could be helpful if the family would like to pursue a wrongful death claim in order to pursue compensation for damages permissible under Illinois law.
Source: stltoday.com, “Driver of a van killed in Jersey County in crash with combine“, Margaret Gillerman, Nov. 9, 2014