Even on rural roads in Illinois, the presence of horse-drawn buggies and other slow-moving agricultural vehicles can lead to serious collisions with motor vehicles. A recent crash near Jacksonville, Illinois underscores how quickly these incidents can escalate when visibility is reduced and traditional vehicle traffic mingles with horse-powered conveyances.
What Happened
According to Journal Courier, deputies responded at about 6:35 p.m. on October 16th to the intersection of Strawn Crossing Road and Rainbow Lane when a car driven by a 54-year-old man collided with a horse-drawn buggy operated by a 53-year-old man with a 40-year-old passenger. Both buggy occupants were hospitalized. Deputies noted the buggy lacked reflective placards or lights, and the car driver reportedly “was driving into the sunset” and did not see the buggy.
Who Is Potentially Liable?
In Illinois, under the Illinois Domestic Animals Running At Large Act, codified at 510 ILCS 55/1, no person or owner of livestock shall allow livestock to run at large in the State. Owners of livestock must provide necessary restraints and are liable in civil action for damages caused by their animals running at large, unless they lacked knowledge of the escape and exercised reasonable care.
While this statute typically addresses livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats, equidae) escaping confinement and wandering onto roadways, the principles may extend by analogy to situations where a horse-drawn buggy is involved, even if not strictly “livestock running at large.” An injured motorist could argue the buggy operator (or owner of the horse/livestock) failed to adequately warn or display lights, contributing to the crash.
However, liability is not guaranteed. Legal consideration would involve whether:
- the buggy driver had appropriate lighting or signage given twilight conditions;
- the horse or buggy owner/operator met their duty of care under local traffic or agrarian regulations;
- the motorist’s visibility impairment (sunset glare) or failure to observe the buggy constituted contributory factors.
Because this incident involves a horse-drawn buggy on a public roadway, legal responsibility may also intersect with state traffic codes or local ordinances governing slow-moving vehicles, reflective markers, and equine traffic. Fact-specific investigation of the buggy’s equipment, lighting, horse supervision, and signage will matter in any liability determination.
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The Dangers of Collisions Involving Horse-Drawn Buggies
Collisions between motor vehicles and horse-drawn buggies carry unique hazards. Firstly, the buggy and horse offer virtually no protection in a high-speed impact; the horse may bolt or collapse and the buggy may overturn, ejecting occupants. Common injuries from these crashes include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, internal organ trauma, and soft tissue injuries. Additionally, these types of crashes often occur at dusk/dawn on rural roads without adequate lighting or signage, increasing risk of a motorist failing to see the buggy until it’s too late.
Insurance Challenges After a Buggy Collision
Insurance disputes are common after crashes involving horse-drawn vehicles. The motorist’s auto insurance typically covers medical expenses and vehicle damage under Illinois fault-based laws, but determining who pays for additional damages can be complex. The buggy owner may have separate farm, equine, or homeowner’s insurance that applies, but these policies often exclude roadway incidents. Insurers also tend to contest liability, especially when visibility issues or lack of reflective equipment are involved. Establishing who was responsible for the crash, and to what extent, requires careful investigation. Having an attorney who understands both motor vehicle and agricultural liability law can make a major difference in resolving these claims and ensuring fair compensation.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Buggy-vehicle collisions are inherently more complex than typical car accidents. Investigators must evaluate whether the buggy was equipped with proper lighting and reflectors and whether the horse was under control. Rural road conditions, including narrow lanes, poor lighting, and sun glare, can complicate visibility and affect how liability is assessed. In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility—the buggy operator, horse owner, farm operator, or even local authorities responsible for signage or lighting near intersections. Establishing causation often depends on expert analysis, site photographs, and witness statements. Because these cases fall outside standard motor vehicle frameworks, insurers may dispute coverage or deny fault altogether, prolonging recovery for the injured.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Collisions like this show how easily rural travel can turn dangerous when horse-drawn buggies and modern vehicles share the same roads. For injured victims, the financial and physical toll can be overwhelming.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision involving a horse-drawn buggy or other livestock-related accident, contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
