Tractor Accident Claims

A recent study released by The Health and Safety Executive shows that in 2015 there was a 23% increase in fatalities among agricultural workers – many of these were the result of a tractor accident. Tractors require maintenance and training to operate properly and when either of these factors are neglected, the chance of an accident increases proportionately. If you have been injured in a tractor trailer accident that wasn’t your fault, Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help you to get the compensation you deserve. We are familiar with the tractor accidents claims process and we know the right steps to be followed in order to increase your chances of success.

Types of Tractor Accident Claims
Every tractor accident is different and each claim must be reviewed to determine the individual circumstances that occurred. Often, some characteristics are common among this type of accident. Below are the most common types of tractor accidents encountered in Scotland.

Tractor Accidents on the Road
Tractor trailer accidents occur frequently on Scotland’s roads and because of the heavy nature of this agricultural equipment, serious injuries can be suffered. Tractor drivers need to be properly licensed to operate their equipment and if the negligence, or misjudgement, of a tractor driver resulted in your injury, then you are entitled to receive compensation.

Tractor Accidents on a Farm
Tractor accidents on a farm are more common and because of this, agricultural employers have a certain level of legal responsibility with regards to the safety of their staff. The Health Safety and Welfare Office provide Workplace Regulations 1992 to guide farmers through the requirements they must satisfy to in order to operate a safe agricultural business. It states; vehicles should be able to move around the working environment safely. Congested and unsafe lanes of traffic increase the chances of a pedestrian or employee being hit. If you have been injured because your employer failed to keep free and open lanes of traffic, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Safety Checks
All vehicles should be checked daily to ensure they are in working order. Special attention should be placed on the safety and braking systems.

Don’t Delay Repairs
If you find there to be an issue that needs to be resolved, take care of it immediately. A failure to do so can result in severe personal injury.

Buckle Up
Did you know not wearing a seatbelt could be considered compulsory negligence? If your injuries are found to be because of your lack of using a seat belt, your compensation can be reduced significantly to account for your misjudgement. Safety belts should always be worn while operating a tractor.

ROPS
Roll Over Protective Structures work to provide the driver extra protection from the weight of the tractor. Tractor overturns are one of the most common types of tractor accidents and when you have the combination of no seat belt plus no ROPS, there is a recipe for serious injury to occur.

Unstable Trailer
Unsafe or unstable loads can increase the chances of a tractor accident occurring. All trailers should be properly counterbalanced and fastened securely. If your trailer is not properly counterbalanced, your risk of rollover will be increased.

How Long Do I Have to Make A Claim?
You generally have three years from the date of your accident to lodge your claim. The general rule of thumb is, the sooner you make your claim the better. There are a myriad of reasons for this, however, this is the general limit that the law provides. From a common sense perspective the sooner you make the claim the better. If you leave it too long, you may find it difficult to gather the supportive evidence required to prove your claim. The other party’s insurer often looks at injuries claimed after leaving the scene of an accident with scepticism and this can cause them to dispute that your injuries are directly connected to the accident itself.

What if The Tractor Drivers Insurance Company Contacts Me Directly?​
In some instances, the other party’s insurer may contact you requesting additional information and offer a settlement agreement. Settlement agreements can seem like a good idea at first but in many cases they do not offer a fair and reasonable amount of compensation. If you accept an offer from the insurance company then it is a “full and final” settlement and you can’t make any further claim against them in the future, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than was initially expected. This is one of the most difficult decisions for a claimant to make. Having a professional opinion during these times can prove to be helpful. The expert team at Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can evaluate your case and give you a transparent overview of the pros and cons you face with each decision that has to be made. We are here for you.

How Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd Can Help You to Maximise Your Compensation​
Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can provide you with access to the expert advice you need to make the smart choice. We know the claims process from start to finish and we have helped thousands of people, like you, get the compensation they deserve. Don’t get bullied by greedy insurance companies.

Start Today​
Contact us today to starts the claims process.