Court Opinion

ID: 9544681
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:59:26.543207+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:13:25.806571
License: Public Domain

DAVISON, Chief Justice
(concurring specially).
I specially concur in the decision of the court. It is my opinion that the evidence does not reflect any negligence on the part of the defendant. The collision with the horse took place at night by the animal running in front of the defendant’s car. The fact that a preceding car flashed its directional and stop lights, even if seen by the defendant, was not notice that there was a loose horse in the vicinity.
The horse was struck on the highway after dark and these facts alone do not raise a presumption of contributory negligence. Taylor v. Ray, 177 Okl. 18, 56 P.2d 376. The mere fact that the automobile was driven into the horse does not raise a presumption that the speed was excessive. National Tank Co. v. Scott, 191 Okl. 613, 130 P.2d 316. The evidence disclosed that the speed of the car was not excessive. Motorists are not insurers and proof of injury sustained in a collision with an automobile raises no presumption of negligence. Wilson v. Roach, 101 Okl. 30, 222 P. 1000.
It is my opinion that the verdict and judgment was properly reversed. I am of *275the opinion, however, that the opinion should direct the trial court to render judgment for the defendant because of lack of any negligence being shown on the part of the defendant. The demurrer to plaintiff’s evidence should have been sustained.
I am authorized to state that Mr. Justice IRWIN concurs in the foregoing views.