Our Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps Families of Farmers Killed in Equipment Crashes Fight for Justice and Fair Damages
Farmers feed the nation, and this critical job sometimes requires them to drive large, slow-moving pieces of agricultural equipment on public streets. Unfortunately, thousands of collisions between motor vehicles and farm machinery occur on rural roads each year. These crashes are often fatal for farmers—especially when driving tractors and other equipment that offer no exterior protection—leaving their families mourning and concerned for the future. If another motorist’s negligence caused an accident that killed your loved one, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop can help you explore your options to hold them accountable. We have extensive experience resolving wrongful death cases throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Discover how we could assist your family during this difficult time.
Crashes involving farm equipment happen regularly in rural areas, and sadly, these accidents have a higher-than-average fatality rate. If your family has experienced the unimaginable loss of a loved one in a rural road farm vehicle collision, understanding your rights and options is essential. Wrongful death lawyer Matt Lathrop is here to help. Based in Omaha, Matt represents clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa, providing skilled representation and compassionate, attentive support for every stage of the legal process. Here’s what you should know about farm machinery crashes, wrongful death litigation, and why you can trust your case to the experienced and empathetic team at the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop.
Common Accidents Involving Agricultural Vehicles
Motorists often fail to share the road safely with farmers and their equipment, leading to the following types of crashes.
- Rear-end accidents. Motorists who approach farm equipment from behind can misjudge the speed of the slow-moving vehicle, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Left-turn crashes. These common crashes occur when a motorist tries to pass a farm vehicle as it’s preparing to make a wide left turn.
- Passing wrecks. Motorists following farm machinery can also miscalculate the width and length of these vehicles, which can cause accidents when they attempt to pass.
- Crossroads crashes. Agricultural equipment accidents are also common at intersections, especially those where the cross traffic moves at high speeds.
- Oncoming collisions. Motorists who try to pass oncoming farm machinery can inaccurately gauge the vehicle’s speed, length, and width, increasing the risk of deadly head-on accidents.
What to Know About Wrongful Death Claims
When another party's negligence or misconduct causes an agricultural accident that results in your loved one's death, filing a wrongful death claim could help you hold them financially accountable for your loss.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Nebraska and Iowa law restricts the right to file a wrongful death claim to the representative or executor of the decedent's estate. If the decedent died intestate or didn't name an executor, the court can appoint someone. Adult family members can file applications or petitions asking the court to consider them for the role. Settlements or financial awards from successful cases benefit the estate, surviving spouse, or next of kin.
The Importance of Prompt Legal Action
A spouse or other close family member’s death can be emotionally and financially devastating. Though litigation may be the last thing on your mind while grieving, you don’t have much time to act. Nebraska and Iowa law only give estate executors or personal representatives two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this crucial deadline could negate your right to have the court hear your case.
How Our Nebraska and Iowa Rural Roads Crash Attorney Could Assist You
Don’t brave complex litigation alone. Get step-by-step guidance from experienced farm crash lawyer Matt Lathrop. Matt and his team can handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on your family and farm’s well-being. We:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to determine the cause and identify the liability party
- Gather vital evidence to support your claim
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and other parties
- Analyze and negotiate settlement offers
- Prepare your case for trial
- Guide you through the court process
Depending on the unique facts and evidence in your wrongful death claim, your recovery might include compensation for:
- Your loved one’s final medical bills
- The physical pain and suffering they experienced
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of your family member’s financial contributions
- Lost value of the household services they performed
- Loss of the decedent’s care, companionship, and comfort
Matt Lathrop fights tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome in every wrongful death case. Though a settlement or financial award could never truly replace what you’ve lost, it can hold parties accountable for carelessness and help ensure that you and your family are cared for in the way your loved one intended.