A car driving at unsafe speeds tried to pass a buggy on Cosby Manor Road in Schuyler, ejecting and injuring two men on Friday. The October 3, 2025, crash, which happened just before 8 a.m., led police to issue multiple traffic citations to the motorist.
What Happened
Shortly before 8 a.m. on October 3, New York State Police received reports of a collision on Cosby Manor Road in Schuyler involving a car and an Amish horse-drawn buggy. Troopers say a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta heading west came up behind the buggy and attempted to pass it. The car made contact with the buggy, causing it to overturn and ejecting both men riding inside.
Troopers identified the buggy occupants as 40-year-old Moses J. Swartzentruber and 30-year-old Andy J. Troyer, both from Poland, New York. Troyer suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The horse pulling the buggy was not harmed.
The driver of the Jetta, 45-year-old Matthew L. Walker of Remsen, was not injured. Troopers issued him several citations, including not having a valid license. The investigation is ongoing.
Traffic Violations Issued to the Driver
Following the investigation at the scene, troopers issued Matthew Walker several citations, including:
- No license,
- Aggravated unlicensed operation of vehicle in the 3rd degree,
- Failure to keep right,
- Unsafe passing on the left,
- Unreasonable speed / special hazards, and
- Circumvent the interlock device.
Although receiving traffic citations does not automatically establish civil liability, these violations may serve as evidence in court in a potential legal claim.
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Can the Driver Be Held Liable?
In these cases, troopers review several factors to determine liability: the speed at which the vehicle was traveling, the approximate distance between the car and buggy before the crash, and whether the road conditions allowed for a safe pass.
Ultimately, liability will be determined by the full accident reconstruction and application of New York traffic laws.
Why Accidents With Horse-Drawn Vehicles Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Collisions involving horse-drawn buggies often result in serious injuries because these vehicles provide minimal physical protection. Unlike modern motor vehicles, there are no seatbelts to restrain occupants and no airbags to soften the force of a collision.
When a motor vehicle traveling at typical rural road speeds strikes a buggy, the occupants experience the full force of the crash. The sudden jolt frequently throws riders from the carriage, which exposes them to secondary injuries when they strike the road surface. Ejection commonly leads to head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and other serious harm.
Another factor is the height and positioning of buggies on the roadway. These vehicles sit lower and are far lighter than passenger cars, meaning they cannot withstand even relatively small impacts without collapsing or overturning. Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous because the occupants have no structural barrier between themselves and the striking vehicle.
The design of horse-drawn buggies, combined with the speed difference between buggies and motor vehicles, creates a situation where crashes are far more likely to result in significant or life-threatening injuries.
Get Help After a Horse and Buggy Crash
Crashes involving Amish horse-drawn vehicles often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for buggy occupants. When a driver attempts to pass without proper care, those riding in the buggy may suffer significant harm.
If you or a family member was injured in a crash involving a horse-drawn buggy, contact Silva Injury Law for a free consultation.
