Horse Accidents with Vehicles: What Every Driver and Rider Needs to Know

Sharing the road with horses is part of life in rural Pennsylvania; for many people, it’s part of their daily routine. However, these animals can also be hazardous when their owners don’t handle them carefully or allow them to get loose. Let’s explore how to keep both people and horses safe on the road, what can happen when horses cause accidents, and some steps to take if you’re ever involved in a horse-related crash.

What Makes Horses a Roadway Hazard

Horses are sensitive animals that can quickly become frightened by loud sounds, sudden movements, or bright lights, which may cause them to bolt, turn, or kick unexpectedly. Weighing up to 1,500 pounds – almost as much as some compact cars – they’re heavy enough to cause serious injury in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle. In rural areas of Pennsylvania, horse traffic is common near farms and communities where horseback riding and horse-drawn buggies are part of everyday life. Drivers should remember that horses have the right to be on the road and that their safety depends on sharing the road with caution.

How to Safely Share the Road with Horses

To prevent accidents with horses on the road, stay alert while driving in rural areas and slow down as soon as you see a horse to avoid startling it. Keep a safe distance to allow room for unexpected movements and avoid loud noises and bright lights like honking or high beams. Pass slowly and carefully while ensuring the rider or buggy operator is aware of their presence, and stay alert for any hand signals from the rider, which may indicate the horse needs extra space or is feeling nervous.

What to Do if an Accident Happens

If you’re in an accident with a horse, follow these steps:

  • Check for Injuries: Determine if anyone’s hurt and provide medical assistance if you’re able to.
  • Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police and ask for EMS if there are injuries.
  • Exchange Information: Share contact and insurance info with the rider or horse owner.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident, if possible, including the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you’ve suffered.
  • Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help securing fair compensation.

Who Could Be Liable for a Horse-Related Accident?

Just as drivers have an obligation to drive safely around horses, horse riders and buggy drivers must share the road with motor vehicles. Failure to control the animal properly and follow relevant safety laws could make someone liable for an accident.

Depending on the circumstances, liability for a horse-related car accident could lie with any of the following:

  • The car’s driver
  • The person riding or controlling the horse
  • The horse’s owner, if the horse was roaming free
  • Other road users who spooked the horse or swerved around it

Get Help from an Experienced Horse Accident Lawyer

Have you or someone you love been hurt in an accident involving a horse in Western Pennsylvania? If so, get in touch with Ainsman Levine, LLC, right away for a free consultation with a horse vs. car accident lawyer. We want to help you get the money and accountability you deserve. You can reach us by phone at (412) 338-9030 or by filling out our contact form.