The sad news that an 8-year-old girl had to be airlifted to hospital following a road traffic collision hit the headlines last week.

Reports say that the girl had been riding her horse in the village of Altarnun in Cornwall, near Launceston when she, her horse, another girl of 12-years-old who was leading the horse were involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit van.

The 8-year-old girl suffered injuries requiring her to be airlifted to hospital while the horse sadly had to be put to sleep at the scene by vets because of its injuries. The girl leading the horse was fortunately uninjured.

The police report that a man has since been charged with multiple driving offences including driving without due care, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a road accident, and criminal damage.

Expert View of a Horse-Riding Injuries Solicitor

This case highlights the dangers of horse riders using roads to exercise their horses.  As a parent of horse riders, we often use parts of the highway when venturing out on horseback and this story, like many others, brings to the forefront the dangers of the same.

All road users owe each other a duty of care, whether that be on foot, car, motorbike, bicycle, or horse.

At Farleys we have acted for many adults and children who have found themselves injured in these circumstances. As part of the claim, other specials damages can also be recovered such as vet bills, and the cost of the horse.

As not only a specialist in this area, but also a horse lover myself, I understand that this process can be very upsetting but have found that being able to appreciate and understand the additional grief losing an animal can bring, my clients feel they are fully supported throughout their claim.

If you’d like to discuss the possibility of making a personal injury claim following a horse riding accident, please get in touch on 0845 287 0939, by email, or using our online chat below.