Do we have to watch out where the Amish go? (La Plata: insurance, attorneys)

[Versatile]

My reason for this thread is after reading the comments section of this article i wonder if the Amish overall do carry insurance?

Buggy struck by motorcycle, two ejected : News : HeartlandConnection.com


KellyO said: 2 hours, 5 minutes ago
It wasnt the horses fault, no , but it was the owner of the horses fault. Not any different then any other vehicle being on the hiway owner/driver is responsible . But is that owner required to have insurance on that buggy/horse?? NO !!! So with that being said George good luck getting any money or help from the responsible party. Im speaking from expierence since back in Feb. my wife and I were slammed into by a horse and buggy, filed a police report and were told at first the amish guy had insurance. But to our surprise he didnt so my insurance co. paid for the repairs to my truck and told me i had to pay the deductible. Now the guy that hit us has since move outa the state and my (ex) insurance co. said that i would never get my money back and if I attempted to contact the amish guy he could sue me for harrasment. Anyone of you guys could have this happen to you as many of these buggies that are on the roads , and I think its crap they dont have to have any kind of insurance to pay for accidents like this.

[brushrunner]

I would say they could be Sued but will be settled before it goes to court.

brushrunner

[Versatile]

Insurance not required for Amish : News : HeartlandConnection.com


Insurance not required for Amish

n both Iowa and Missouri, Amish are not required to carry insurance on horse-drawn carts or buggies because they are not motor vehicles.

[lifelongMOgal]

I'm still trying to figure out how a horse and buggy "slammed" into your vehicle. Was it a runaway out of control? Do you have photos from the accident?

Maybe it is just me but since I do drive from time to time in an area with horse/buggy vehicles I keep an eye out for them and always give them a wide birth. If I'm at a stop light or sign I give the horse
at least 3-4 car lengths. YMMV

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by lifelongMOgal

I'm still trying to figure out how a horse and buggy "slammed" into your vehicle. Was it a runaway out of control? Do you have photos from the accident?

Maybe it is just me but since I do drive from time to time in an area with horse/buggy vehicles I keep an eye out for them and always give them a wide birth. If I'm at a stop light or sign I give the horse
at least 3-4 car lengths. YMMV

Wasn't me. You will just have to interpolate.

[Curmudgeon]

I certainly would, for your safety and theirs!

[cyrano]

The article says that the horse wandered into the opposite lane, where the motorcycle hit it (and the buggy too, I guess). I guess the motorcyclist could end up owning the buggy driver's farm if he owns one if he winds up suing.

I know there are warning signs to be careful for buggies in southern Iowa on US 63-- I forgot whether they're on the MIssouri side. Anybody who lives and drives in the area around La Plata knows there are Amish in the area, so there'd be buggies. They have a right to the roads just like the rest of us, unless it's a freeway with a minimum speed (or if the horses can pull the buggy at over 40 mph).

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by cyrano

The article says that the horse wandered into the opposite lane, where the motorcycle hit it (and the buggy too, I guess). I guess the motorcyclist could end up owning the buggy driver's farm if he owns one if he winds up suing.

I know there are warning signs to be careful for buggies in southern Iowa on US 63-- I forgot whether they're on the MIssouri side. Anybody who lives and drives in the area around La Plata knows there are Amish in the area, so there'd be buggies. They have a right to the roads just like the rest of us, unless it's a freeway with a minimum speed (or if the horses can pull the buggy at over 40 mph).

Hi! Ho! Trigger AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dusky_beauty]

Amish will not "sue", it's against their religious principles. They will defend themselves in court only if they are sued by Englishers or facing a criminal charge. If they are accused they employ the best non Amish attorneys they can afford as they do not believe in further education. (They believe that higher education would elevate a community members status and lead to the negative sort of pride) but they do believe in quality in services.

As I don't work for the Missouri DMV or the State Patrol, I can only presume that buggy drivers have similar right of way and protection laws as cyclists and pedestrians. If that is true motorists must watch for them, and they ALWAYS have the right of way in the eyes of the law. Keep in mind that unusual noises like engine revving, squeaky belts and breaks, loud stereos or horns are not "normal" sounds to an animal and prey animals like horses can and do spook easily sometimes. You're just as likely to be driving past a young teen boy trying to control a buggy and 1200-2000 lb animal as you are his father,and if the driver happens to be inexperienced and nervous the horse will be too.

TDLR, in buggy country, drive carefully and use common sense.

[adysmom]

Originally Posted by dusky_beauty

Amish will not "sue", it's against their religious principles. They will defend themselves in court only if they are sued by Englishers or facing a criminal charge. If they are accused they employ the best non Amish attorneys they can afford as they do not believe in further education. (They believe that higher education would elevate a community members status and lead to the negative sort of pride) but they do believe in quality in services.

As I don't work for the Missouri DMV or the State Patrol, I can only presume that buggy drivers have similar right of way and protection laws as cyclists and pedestrians. If that is true motorists must watch for them, and they ALWAYS have the right of way in the eyes of the law. Keep in mind that unusual noises like engine revving, squeaky belts and breaks, loud stereos or horns are not "normal" sounds to an animal and prey animals like horses can and do spook easily sometimes. You're just as likely to be driving past a young teen boy trying to control a buggy and 1200-2000 lb animal as you are his father,and if the driver happens to be inexperienced and nervous the horse will be too.

TDLR, in buggy country, drive carefully and use common sense.

The Amish need to use common sense just like the rest of us do.