Amish woman killed in Sanilac County buggy crash

A 22-year-old Amish woman was killed Thursday when a driver hit the horse-drawn buggy she was riding in.

The crash happened about 4:43 p.m. Oct. 8 on Peck Road near Maple Valley Road in Sanilac County, according to Michigan State Police Third District.

The driver, a 55-year-old North Branch man, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel before hitting the buggy, according to the preliminary investigation. The woman and the horse were pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers were assisted by the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office, Brown City Police Department, Aspire EMS, Tri Hospital EMS and Brown City Fire Department.

Michigan drivers’ duties around horse-drawn buggies

People driving horse-drawn buggies on a roadway generally have the same traffic rights and duties as other drivers under MCL 257.604, except for rules that cannot apply because of the vehicle’s nature.

Motorists must also drive at a speed that is reasonable for traffic and road conditions and allows them to stop within the clear distance ahead. Michigan’s basic speed law can require slowing below the posted limit when approaching slower traffic.

Can a drowsy driver be liable for a fatal crash?

Yes, if the driver failed to use reasonable care and that failure caused the death. In Manser v. Eder, the Michigan Supreme Court recognized that driving while overcome by extreme fatigue or sleep can constitute negligence. Falling asleep doesn't automatically excuse a driver from responsibility.

When negligent driving supports a wrongful death claim, MCL 600.2922 requires the deceased person’s estate to pursue it through a personal representative. Recoverable losses may include reasonable funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable and loss of society and companionship. Michigan Legal Center explains who can bring a claim and the timing issues in its discussion of Michigan wrongful death claims and filing deadlines.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motor vehicle accident and wrongful death claims.

Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about a case review and possible legal help if someone in your family died in a collision involving a horse-drawn buggy.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

Michigan Legal Center also provides information about Michigan car accident claims.