Eastern Michigan Hit-and-Run Injures Buggy Driver
Eastern Michigan Hit-and-Run Injures Buggy Driver. A 35-year-old man was seriously hurt after his horse-drawn buggy was struck from behind by a fleeing motorist in Sanilac County Friday evening.
According to the Michigan State Police, the collision occurred around 6:22 p.m. at the intersection of Peck and Isles roads in Flynn Township. The buggy driver, transported to a nearby hospital with significant injuries, remains in critical condition, while the horse also sustained serious wounds and was taken for emergency veterinary care.
Troopers report that the buggy was traveling westbound on Peck Road when a white or light-colored 2010–2014 Ford Fusion crashed into it from behind. Witnesses noted that the Fusion failed to stop after impact, leaving the scene immediately.
Responding officers from the MSP Caro Post have urged anyone with information—especially those who may have dashcam or cellphone footage—to contact them at 989-673-2156, or to reach out to Sanilac County Central Dispatch at 810-648-2000. Physical evidence indicates the front end of the suspect vehicle is heavily damaged, with visible dents and scratches consistent with colliding into a wooden buggy.
In this rural region, horse-drawn buggies are a common sight, particularly among the local Amish and Mennonite communities, who rely on them for daily transportation. The inherent vulnerability of a buggy compared to a motor vehicle makes rear-end collisions particularly devastating.
Although state law requires motorists to share the road responsibly, hit-and-run crashes continue to pose serious risks. The injured driver’s family has expressed deep concern not only for his recovery but also for the well-being of the horse, which plays a central role in the family’s livelihood. At this time, the horse’s prognosis remains guarded; veterinarians continue to evaluate internal injuries.
Victims of hit-and-run incidents face a host of losses: emergency medical treatment, extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and potential lifelong disabilities. In addition, when an animal is injured—especially one as integral to a family’s way of life as a buggy horse—veterinary bills, specialized care, and even permanent loss of the horse compound financial and emotional strain.
That is why compensation in such cases can cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, funeral or replacement costs if the animal cannot be saved, and punitive damages when the at-fault driver intentionally fled the scene.
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the profound impact that such accidents have on both human and animal victims. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have been hurt in rural traffic accidents, including those involving horse-drawn conveyances. We immediately begin by gathering evidence: securing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining any available photos or video footage of the suspect vehicle.
If the at-fault driver remains unidentified, we explore options for uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance benefits. Should the responsible party be located, we work to hold them fully accountable under Michigan law, pursuing maximum compensation for injuries, lost income, and veterinary costs. Our goal is to alleviate the financial burden, allowing victims to focus on recovery and healing.
Troopers continue their investigation, appealing to residents in eastern Michigan to check home security systems, trail cameras, or dashcams from Friday evening for any leads. Even minor details—such as partial license plate numbers or distinct damage patterns on the Fusion—could prove crucial.
If you witnessed the crash or have information, please call MSP Caro Post at 989-673-2156 or Sanilac County Central Dispatch at 810-648-2000. Your assistance may help bring justice to the injured buggy driver and ensure the responsible driver faces consequences.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source: CBS
