Horse-drawn carriage tours operate in parts of downtown Charleston and may involve passengers, drivers, horses, pedestrians, and nearby vehicle traffic. If someone is injured during a carriage tour, responsibility may depend on what caused the incident, who controlled the carriage or equipment, and whether another person or company contributed to the unsafe condition.
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What Can Cause a Carriage Tour Injury
Carriage tour accidents may happen because of:
- A horse spooked by traffic, noise, or another animal
- A driver operating too quickly for the surrounding traffic, pedestrian, or road conditions
- Poorly maintained equipment, such as a broken harness or carriage part
- A driver who isn't properly trained or licensed to operate the carriage
- A passenger falling or being thrown from the carriage during a sudden stop or turn
Who May Be Held Responsible
Depending on the facts, potential responsible parties could include:
- The carriage company, if a driver's actions or a lack of maintenance contributed to the accident
- The driver individually
- A third party, such as another driver whose vehicle startled the horse or collided with the carriage
- An equipment manufacturer, if a defective harness or carriage part failed
Local rules, company policies, training requirements, and maintenance records may also become relevant when evaluating how the incident happened.
What You Can Do After the Accident
If you're able to safely do so, it may help to:
- Get the name of the carriage company and the driver
- Take photos of the carriage, the horse, and the surrounding area
- Get contact information from other passengers or bystanders who witnessed the accident
- Seek medical attention promptly, even for injuries that seem minor at first
- Keep any tour receipt, ticket, or liability waiver you were given
- Talk with a lawyer before signing anything or accepting a settlement
Related Links:
- Charleston Personal Injury
- What Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Case
- Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Were You Hurt on a Charleston Carriage Tour?
If you were hurt while on a horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options. Please contact us online or call us directly at 843.248.7486 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Columbia, Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, Florence, North Myrtle Beach, Greenville or North Charleston office locations.
