A 16-year-old boy was killed Wednesday morning after a hit-and-run driver struck his horse-drawn buggy on R15 in rural Clarke County.
What Happened
Investigators say the crash happened Wednesday morning, as Elmer Borntrager, 16, from Murray, was driving a horse-drawn buggy on R15 just south of town. A northbound car approached from behind and hit the buggy, which turned over and threw Elmer into a ditch. He died at the scene.
The driver did not stop after the crash. Deputies are asking the public to help locate a silver or gray GM or Chevrolet sedan with significant front and windshield damage. By the next afternoon, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had located the car and taken it for testing.
Detectives are now speaking with people involved. No further details about the driver are available while the investigation is ongoing.
Can the Driver Be Held Liable?
Hit-and-run crashes involving horse-drawn buggies present serious legal questions, particularly when the collision results in a fatality. Iowa law requires motorists involved in any crash causing injury or death to stop immediately, render aid if possible, and contact law enforcement.
Investigators will examine the vehicle’s speed, its distance from the buggy, and whether the driver could have avoided the collision. They will also analyze damage, roadway evidence, and witness statements to reconstruct the crash.
Ultimately, responsibility will be determined by the results of the comprehensive investigation, which will include forensic analysis of the vehicle and interviews with individuals connected to the case.
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Why Rear-End Collisions Involving Buggies Are Often Deadly
Horse-drawn buggies operate at speeds far below those of passing motor vehicles. When a faster-moving vehicle strikes a buggy from behind, the occupants absorb the full force of the impact with no protective structure to shield them.
Buggies are typically made of lightweight wood and lack seatbelts, airbags, and reinforced frames. Even a moderate-speed collision can cause the carriage to collapse or overturn, leading to ejection. Once thrown from the buggy, riders may suffer catastrophic injuries upon impact with the roadway or surrounding terrain.
Get Help After a Horse and Buggy Crash
Crashes involving horse-drawn buggies can result in devastating losses. Families coping with the sudden death of a loved one often need answers about how the crash occurred and what responsibilities the driver may have had.
If you or your family has been affected by a collision involving a buggy, contact Silva Injury Law for a free consultation.
