When you are cut off while driving your truck and trailer do you swerve to avoid an accident? I know I do. It seems like people figure all that extra space I leave in front of me for ‘sufficient breaking distance’ is viewed by many drivers as open lane that they can pull into.
Earlier today I posted the following question that was emailed to me by Tiffany. 
“In 2012 my husband and I were hauling our horses back to the trainer when someone pulled out in front of us. My husband avoided hitting the other driver, but my horse got hurt really bad in the process. His back leg got caught under a partition gate and tore all the ligaments off the bone. It has been a long process, but I saved him and his life. He had to have immediate surgery, which I paid for. Now, the other guys insurance is refusing to pay because there was no collision so therefore there shouldn’t be any damages. Obviously, we are going to court, but we are looking for evidence to help us in court. Documentation of this happening before or something that can help our case. I know you can reach and know many people and maybe someone could offer something. I have been fighting for my horse and refuse to give up on him. I am his voice. I have a whole album of pictures on my Facebook of the whole surgery and all. I was in with him during surgery. I appreciate anything that you can offer to help my Whiskey Dent!!!”
If you have ever heard of a situation like this feel free to leave a comment and I will make sure Tiffany sees this post.
The following are comments from my Facebook page after posting Tiffany’s question, the comments raise even more questions;
- Did you get a police report by any chance? Always make a police report. If the other driver was cited you may have a chance. Their auto collision and liability insurance probably won’t pay, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sue him.
- Unfortunately a lot of times you don’t stand a chance unless you take the paint of the other vehicle with you.
- Just went on an accident last night where a motorcycle rider had to lay his bike down because someone pulled out in front of him. There was no collision between the two but the cops still cited the driver that pulled out for failure to yield. His insurance will still have to pay for the riders injuries. Not sure if the same rules apply in your state or to horses but maybe?
- Get a lawyer… I wish that we would have gotten the plate number of the guy that did that to us… Our old boy fell and did the splits, our vet bill was $1,100…
- Next time hit them. If you don’t have enough time to brake to avoid hitting them, that’s their problem. Pulling out in front of a trailer is like pulling out in front of a semi, except more lives are involved with the trailer.
- I didn’t read all answers in depth, but I will say that I am appalled that anyone would consider HITTING another vehicle while towing! Not only do you put that driver and occupants in jeopardy, but you also put yourself, your vehicle occupants AND your horses, rig, contents in jeopardy!
- Same thing happened to a customer of mine but her truck and trailer WAS hit by an on coming car. The insurance paid for the trailer damage (new trailer) but would not cover any of the horses costs. It is almost like the don’t recognize what is IN the trailer … only people and vehicles. I wish you the best!
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oh and to Tiffany!
thumbs up to not giving up and being your horses voice. It is sad, how irresponsible People are. I believe you wont come out of it or Change anything without a lawyer. FB and spreading the word, can surely help you so in finding the right Person and the right Thing to do.
I ll Keep my fingers crossed for you, that everything will turn out positive plus plus!
Big hugs from overseas!
Luckyly so far I dindt have to manay horrible things. Sure the usual, where People get into your free roaming area and break in front of you or BIG Hauler Trucks, almost crawling into your Trailer.
Trailer Driving is for me a very sweaty Matter. I am not a big friend of it, but in order to get around with your horse you have to do it.
My Mate was such a good Little Trailerhorse the first 7 times. No Problem getting in, closing and he is the best Trailer Passenger in the world. I sitll dont know what happend, but one day without warning, he would not get in and if i had him in, he shot out.
Then it started where he would do the Limbo… he would tilt his hip about 50 cms and just shoot out underneath the closed bar, tearing his back oben.
there was nothing I could do….. 🙁 that was the most horrible experience in life and even so I am able to load him again ( he just does that for me not because he chooses to or is healed ) I am still not at ease and actually quite nervous evertime we have to go anywhere.
I can send him from the ramp, next to the ramp, seated on the tieres, hiding next to the side and i even drive him into the Trailer….he stays until i tell him to go out…. we have another bar underneath the regular bar, just in case.
So toi toi toi…. I hope it will stay that way, so Mate never has to quesition that again…..
As for driving, we just have to drive forsighted/ providently…. cause other People just dont care!
To all of you – have a save save journey where ever it takes you.
Ps. what amazes me, that many horses, which did have accidents, just move as soon as they are freed, gat back into another Trailer to go home or the the vet clinic.
Sorry about the typos, but english is not my mother tongue!
I think she needs separate travel insurance for her horse
>
I was sideswiped by a truck while driving my horses {mama & her yearling, who already had a fractured elbow!} to the vet for x-rays – it took a month before the state police even gave the man a ticket! (our vehicle wasn’t damaged, I swerved onto the shoulder, he knocked his passenger mirror off)
Tiffany, I am glad you are able to and choose to be your horses voice. of course go to court and do what you can. if the other drivers auto insurance won’t pay the damage, you can get a lawyer and sue him personally. ask the veterinarian,who did the surgery, if they have any ideas or things to add. I’m sure he/ she will help you in anyway you need if you need more proof. goodluck!
& (to the previous comments) if someone pulls out in front of me, or cuts me off when I’m pulling my trailer, I personally think they deserve to be hit. it’s plain ignorant! but I wouldn’t put my horse through that purposely.
Curious; what happens to dogs and cats when they’re injured in a car accident?