Promoting safety for horses & riders on UK roads

£15,829 compensation for a client injured in a road traffic accident

Mrs H and her horse were injured on a quiet country lane when a car, that was traveling too fast for the circumstances, veered in to her path.A letter of claim was sent on 14 March 2012 alleging fault on the part of the third party who had driven contrary to the Highway Code, failed to drive slowly past our client and her horse, failed to allow plenty of room, was too close and consequently struck our client at force. The Highway Code is clear in relation to how one should pass a horse and rider when it states that they should be given plenty of room and that the driver should be ready to stop. Liability was admitted in full. Sadly the horse was unable to be used as a ridden horse again but Mrs H made a full recovery after a course of physiotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Mrs H received £15,829 compensation for her physical injuries and financial losses.

Horse Riding Accident Claim Success

HorseSolicitor was instructed to claim damages in connection with a road traffic accident. The circumstances of the accident were that a young rider was riding her pony along a country lane when a motorcyclist came around a bend and lost control of his vehicle. The motorcycle went down on to its side, slide across the lane and in to the pony’s legs causing injury. Luckily the rider sustained no injuries. Liability was initially denied. The third party claimed that the pony was out of control prior to the accident, presented a hazard and was the cause of the accident. HorseSolicitor alleged fault against the third party on the basis that he was traveling too fast for the road conditions towards a sharp bend. On seeing the pony and rider he negligently failed to keep control of his vehicle. Court proceedings were commenced by HorseSolicitor and liability was admitted in full by the third party prior to trial. The claim was settled outside of court. Veterinary evidence was used to support a claim for a new competition pony. The pony that had been involved in the accident was no longer fit for purpose. Whilst it could be ridden as a hacking horse it was no longer safe enough in traffic for a young rider. It was also physically unable to perform as a competition pony. The following heads of claim were included: (i) Veterinary bills (ii) Cost of a new competition pony (iii) Policy excess (iv) Additional hay and straw (v) Travel (vi) Additional mucking out and care (vii) Loss of use