Rear-end collisions involving horse-drawn buggies often result in serious injuries and the loss of animals, particularly when road conditions limit visibility and maneuverability. A February 1, 2026, crash in Calloway County, Kentucky, left two buggy occupants injured and killed the horse pulling their buggy after a pickup truck struck them from behind.
What Happened on Crabtree Road
According to The Murray Ledger, deputies with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8 a.m. Sunday to a collision with injuries at the intersection of KY 80 East and Crabtree Road.
Investigators said both the buggy and a 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck were traveling eastbound when the truck rear-ended the horse-drawn buggy. The pickup driver, 33-year-old Benjamin Robertson of Dexter, told deputies that he became distracted and was unsure what occurred at the time of impact.
The buggy was operated by Moses and Lena Gingerich, both of Murray. They reported that they were traveling in the right lane because the shoulder was filled with snow and ice, limiting their ability to move farther from traffic. Both buggy occupants were transported by ambulance to Murray-Calloway County EMS with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities confirmed that the horse pulling the buggy died as a result of the collision.
Can the Truck Driver Be Held Liable?
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.290, drivers are required to operate their vehicles in a careful manner and maintain proper control at all times. Distracted driving, even without the involvement of alcohol or drugs can constitute negligence if it leads to a collision.
In rear-end crashes, investigators typically examine whether the driver was following too closely, distracted, or failed to adjust speed for roadway conditions. If the pickup driver’s distraction caused the collision, he could face civil liability for the injuries suffered by the buggy occupants and the loss of the horse.
Have questions about potential livestock accident claim?
Get an Immediate Consultation
The Vulnerability of Horse-Drawn Buggy Travelers
Horse-drawn buggies provide little protection in traffic. Without reinforced frames, airbags, or seat belts, occupants are fully exposed when struck by motor vehicles. Rear-end impacts are especially dangerous, often throwing riders forward or collapsing the buggy structure. Winter road conditions, such as snow-covered shoulders, further reduce safe travel options for buggy operators..
Why These Cases Are Complex
Buggy crashes often raise multiple legal questions, including issues of roadway use, driver attentiveness, and environmental factors such as weather and road maintenance. Investigators must evaluate vehicle positioning, visibility, and whether drivers exercised reasonable care under the conditions. Insurance disputes may also arise when both personal injury and property loss, including livestock, are involved.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
This crash highlights the dangers Amish and other buggy travelers face when sharing roads with motor vehicles, especially during winter conditions. Understanding legal rights is essential for those injured or affected by such incidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a livestock- or buggy-related crash, contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
Well Wishes to the Injured Parties
My thoughts are with Moses and Lena Gingerich, and I wish them a full recovery.
