Hayrides and tractor pulls are very popular amongst people looking to have fun on a farm. This is especially true during the Halloween season, where people are like to participate in different seasonal events. Some of the seasonal events people commonly enjoy include haunted hayrides, pumpkin picking, and other Fall-related activities.
However, what many fail to realize is hayrides can be particularly dangerous. Florida is no stranger to hayride dangers. The injuries sustained in a hayride accident can be devastating for the victims and their families. If you or a loved one was injured in a hayride accident, Miami-Dade County hayride accident lawyer Prosper Shaked might be able to help. Call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676 today.
Are Hayride and Tractor Ride Accidents Dangerous?
As of today, there are no official government statistics regarding hayride accidents. Furthermore, no federal agencies regulate how hayrides should operate. No federal laws describe necessary safety features for hayride riders. Instead, each state and local municipality is in charge of overseeing hayrides in their jurisdiction.
The lack of rules and regulations have led to devastating accidents in recent years. For instance, in 2017, a child was severely injured when a Halloween ride ran him over in Panama City, Florida. The child had to be airlifted and required immediate medical assistance.
Several serious hazards make riding in a hay-filled wagon dangerous, including the following:
Lack of Tractor Maintenance
Tractor drivers must perform a full inspection of their tractor before attempting to operate it, especially if it will be pulling passengers. However, some negligent drivers put riders’ lives at risk while operating a tractor that could suffer mechanical problems due to lack of maintenance. For instance, an old, worn out tractor could cause dangerous accidents such as a rollover. If these types of accidents happen, riders could suffer from devastating injuries.
Lack of Safety Features
Due to its design, hayrides lack many of the safety features commonly seen in other vehicles, like seat belts or airbags. In the event of an accident, this leaves riders entirely exposed. Hay wagons should have a safe seating area with tall, sturdy walls or railings to prevent people from falling out. However, this is not always the case. Most hay wagons consist of a flat, square metal frame, mounted on four wheels. The flat surface is covered with blocks of hay used as the seating area, potentially with no walls. If there is a bump on the road and the wagon jumps, people are likely to fall.
Lack of Experience
Drivers should have enough experience operating a tractor to understand how to pull a hay wagon safely. However, many people who know how to drive a tractor would automatically assume they can get the job done. The lack of experience from drivers could lead to devastating consequences. When working with a heavy load, drivers should be aware of how to accelerate and stop safely with a wagon attached, how to properly turn to the left and right, and other related duties. Sadly, a lack of experience and training could lead to severe injuries and even death.
Injuries Caused by Hay and Tractor Rides
Injuries caused by hayrides can be devastating, lasting, and life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries people could sustain during a hayride accident include the following:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are some of the most devastating and dangerous injuries a person can face. A heavy blow to the head could lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the extent of the damage, TBI could cause severe neurological problems, concussions, contusions, and other brain-related injuries.
In many cases, TBI could require surgery and an extensive healing period. The costs related to this type of injury can amount to thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. You may be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses by filing a personal injury claim.
Back Injuries
Back injuries can happen as a result of a hayride accident. Normally, a person riding in a hay wagon is sitting four to five feet above ground level. Falling on their back from this height could cause severe damage. Landing on your spine could cause damage to your spinal cord. If you sever your spinal cord, you could lose bodily function from the point of the damage, down. For instance, if you sever your spinal cord in your lower back, you could be paralyzed from the waist down. Spinal cord injuries could require costly medical procedures and continuing medical treatment, which you may be able to seek through a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Crushing Injuries
Tractors and hay wagons are big and heavy, reaching tons of pounds in weight. A person can suffer from crushing injuries if they fall from a hayride and get run over. Healing from a crushing injury could take weeks, months, or years, and you may never recover fully. People suffering from crushing injuries could require multiple surgeries, costly medical treatment, and continuing rehabilitation. A skilled hayride accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation from the responsible parties.
Miami, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Handling Hayride and Tractor Injury Claims
If you or a loved one was injured by the negligent actions of a hayride driver, you could be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit. Call Miami-Dade County hayride accident lawyer Proper Shaked at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today for a free consultation at (305) 694-2676.