Southworth v. Stamping Ground Turnpike Co.
Southworth v. Stamping Ground Turnpike Co.
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion op the court.
The appellant was injured while driving on the turnpike of the appellee, his horse becoming frightened, and going over an embankment that bordered on the road, carrying with him both buggy and driver, and now claims damages because, he. says, the accident would not have happened but for the unsafe condition of the road for travel at the place where it occurred.
There being no conflict in the testimony as to the injury, and the manner in which it happened, the court told the jury, “that if the plaintiff knew and saw at the time and place of the accident the condition of the road, and negligently and carelessly drove his horse thereon so that but for his carelessness the accident would not have happened, they must find for the defendant.” This instruction should not have been given. It is evident that the appellant saw the condition of the road, and may have known as much about it as the directors, still he had the right to travel over it, and if the declivity below was of such a character as required railing or protection to prevent such accidents as the one complained of, the company is liable. This condition of the road may have existed since it was constructed, yet if the ordinary shying of the horse would likely produce such danger to the traveler by reason of the precipice, it was the
The judgment below is reversed, and cause remanded with directions to grant a new trial, and for proceedings consistent with this opinion,
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.