Ohio Car Accidents With Amish Buggies
Over the years, I have seen many accidents involving Amish buggies. Recently, in Medina County’s Homer Township, an Amish man was seriously injured after a FedEx van slammed into his horse-drawn cart. Both the truck driver and the Amish man were taken to a nearby medical facility. The horse, however, was euthanized by a veterinarian at the accident scene. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the accident.
Ohio has a substantial Amish population. Amish communities began to settle in Ohio in 1808. Today, there are more than 70,000 Amish individuals in Ohio. Besides Medina, counties like Ashland, Geauga, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Wayne all have Amish communities. Many Amish communities live and work without using most technology, including motor vehicles. This is why the Amish use horse-drawn carts to get around. Fortunately, there are some safety strategies that you can follow to greatly reduce your risk of ending up in an accident with a buggy.
Amish Accidents are Often Deadly
Because Amish carts use horses and wheels, these carts cannot move at the same speed as other vehicles on the road. Many accidents occur because motor vehicle drivers try to travel too quickly and end up rear-ending buggies. Some of the most common types of accidents I have seen over the years involving Amish buggies include:
- Distracted drivers
- Drivers who follow buggies too closely
- Drivers who pass buggies too closely
Motor vehicle drivers who do not remain observant of nearby Amish vehicles cause a large number of accidents. Not all accidents, however, are the motor vehicle driver’s fault. Serious injuries and fatalities are common after accidents regardless of who is at fault, however, because the Amish buggy occupants are not as well protected as those in motor vehicles.
How to Avoid Accidents with the Amish in Ohio
I recommend following some important safety strategies to reduce the chances of ending up in an accident:
- Leave some space between your vehicle and Amish carts, particularly when stopped at a red light or stop sign. This avoids collisions and gives the Amish driver ample drive to begin moving again.
- When approaching an Amish cart, remember that horses are unpredictable and can spook easily. Try to pass horses slowly and give them an adequate amount of room.
- Limit the number of distractions in your vehicle, as distracted driving commonly leads to accidents. You should avoid calling, eating, texting, playing with the radio, and anything else that can take your attention off of the road.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
No matter how your car accident occurred, if another party is responsible, you should not be required to pay for the resulting damages. I have helped thousands of victims badly injured in car accidents obtain fair compensation. Contact me today by calling 877.944.4373. I’ll meet with you at your convenience for a free initial case evaluation and then review your legal options. And remember, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
