A tragic crash in Parkman Township claimed the life of a Burton woman and left another man seriously injured after a commercial truck struck their horse-drawn buggy on a busy Sunday morning.
What Happened
According to Cleveland 19 News, 60-year-old Mary A. Byler of Burton died at the scene after a 2019 Volvo commercial truck rear-ended the buggy she was riding in on U.S. 422 near Route 528. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred around 7:39 a.m. Both Byler and the 62-year-old man controlling the buggy were ejected. The man was flown to University Hospitals Medical Center in Cleveland with serious injuries. The truck’s driver, a 31-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, was not hurt.
Can the Truck Driver Be Held Liable?
Ohio law requires drivers to operate safely around slow-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn buggies commonly used by Amish residents in Geauga County. Commercial drivers, in particular, are held to a higher standard of care. If investigators determine that the truck driver was following too closely, distracted, or traveling at an unsafe speed, he could be held liable for the fatal collision. Even if alcohol or drugs were not factors, civil liability can still arise if negligence caused the crash.
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The Vulnerability of Buggy Passengers
Horse-drawn buggies offer little protection in collisions with modern vehicles. Without seat belts, airbags, or reinforced structures, occupants are fully exposed to impact forces. In this case, the rear impact ejected both riders, causing fatal injuries to Mary Byler and serious harm to her companion. These tragedies often devastate close-knit Amish communities, where buggies remain a primary mode of transportation.
Wrongful Death and Injury Claims
The family of Mary A. Byler may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver or the trucking company that employed him. Wrongful death claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering of surviving loved ones. The injured buggy driver may also have grounds to file a personal injury claim to recover for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Because this crash involved a commercial vehicle, multiple insurance carriers may become involved—one covering the driver and another covering the trucking company. Each insurer may attempt to minimize its responsibility, making legal representation essential for ensuring fair compensation.
Community and Roadway Safety
Geauga County has seen numerous collisions between motor vehicles and horse-drawn buggies. Local officials continue to urge drivers to remain vigilant on rural roads, especially during early morning and evening hours when buggies may be difficult to see. Motorists are advised to slow down, keep a safe following distance, and treat horse-drawn vehicles with the same respect as any other motorist.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Crashes involving commercial trucks and buggies require detailed investigation. Police reports, skid mark analysis, vehicle data, and witness statements all play a role in determining liability. Trucking companies often dispatch their own investigators immediately after such accidents, which can put victims’ families at a disadvantage. Having an attorney gather evidence and protect the rights of victims ensures that accountability is pursued from the beginning.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Accidents like this highlight the devastating consequences when animals and vehicles collide. For families facing medical bills, lost income, or the loss of a loved one, understanding legal rights is essential.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a livestock-related accident, contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
