A car wreck can affect non-motorized traffic, too

When we think about motor vehicle accidents, we most often think of single- or multiple-car crashes – we may not think about the other vehicles that occupy the road. In many Tennessee counties, though, car accidents can affect agricultural equipment, bicyclists and even horse buggies. Sharing the road in a rural area can mean being aware of a variety of vehicles.

Take, for instance, the Amish family’s buggy that was demolished in a car crash in mid-March in Michigan. Although this incident did not occur in Tennessee, it still demonstrates the dangers that speeding and other violations can have on non-motorized road traffic. Authorities say that a pickup truck driver crashed into the buggy during the morning hours on March 17. The driver’s windshield was apparently obscured by frost, and he experienced difficulty seeing the road because of the angle of the sun.

The 26-year-old caused serious personal injury in connection with the crash. Reports show that all seven family members who were riding in that buggy were transported for medical treatment and the buggy itself is a total loss. The family’s horse was also harmed. The human victims ranged in age from 1 to 71 years old.

Traveling in the rural areas of Tennessee and other agricultural states requires an additional measure of awareness – precluding, for instance, using a cellphone while driving. Vehicle operators need to be alert and responsible to avoid causing car accidents between personal vehicles and agricultural equipment. Victims who have been injured by a motorized car while operating agricultural or non-motorized vehicles may be entitled to financial compensation for their lost wages, personal injury costs and a variety of other claims.

Source: WZZM 13, “Amish family’s buggy ‘completely destroyed’ after crash, multiple people injured,” April Stevens, March 17, 2017