Two people were seriously injured Friday evening when a car struck a horse-drawn Amish buggy on County Road 24 near Bertha, Minnesota.
Details on the Crash
The Todd County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash happened around 7 p.m. A car was traveling west on County Road 24 when it rear-ended a horse-drawn buggy that was also heading west.
A man and a boy in the buggy were seriously hurt. The man was taken to Astera Hospital in Wadena. The boy was first taken by ambulance to the Bertha-Hewitt School parking lot, then flown by North Memorial Air Care to a medical facility for further treatment. The car’s driver was evaluated by medical personnel and released.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the crash.
Why Horse-Buggy Collisions Are So Dangerous
Horse-drawn buggies provide little protection during a collision. They move at slow speeds, have open sides, and rely on horses that can be injured or thrown off balance by impact. When struck from behind, riders can be ejected, and the carriage may collapse under the force.
County Road 24 near Bertha runs through open farmland with few shoulders and no streetlights. Reduced visibility and long, straight stretches can make it difficult for drivers to recognize slower traffic ahead. Even at moderate speeds, a motor vehicle’s weight and force can cause severe injury to riders and serious harm to the horse pulling the buggy.
These conditions make horse-drawn travel vulnerable wherever buggies and faster vehicles share the same narrow county roads.
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Determining Fault: What Evidence Do Investigators Need?
Collisions between horse-drawn buggies and motor vehicles tend to happen at dawn or dusk, when changing light makes it harder for drivers to judge distance. In rural areas, distraction and misjudged braking distance contribute to many of these crashes.
Deputies reviewing the Bertha crash will likely examine several factors: the car’s speed, visibility at the time, and whether the horse buggy displayed the lamps and reflective materials required by Minnesota law. They may also review the design of the roadway, the behavior of the horse, and accounts from witnesses to understand how the impact occurred.
A complete investigation helps establish whether the motorist failed to adjust speed for visibility or whether the buggy lacked adequate lighting. These findings will determine how responsibility is divided under state law.
Injured in a Horse Buggy Accident? We Can Help
Crashes involving horse-drawn vehicles can result in severe injuries and complicated liability questions. Our firm reviews the available evidence to identify who is legally responsible and to help injured clients pursue compensation for medical care and losses.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a horse-drawn buggy collision, contact Silva Injury Law for a free consultation.
