Court Opinion

ID: 6411069
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-06-25 11:52:44.02918+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:51:22.613339
License: Public Domain

Dewey, J.
This case, although differing in its facts, present *105substantially the same question considered in the case of Rowell v. Lowell, decided at the present term, ante, 100. That question is, whether if the injury results from the combined effect of a defect in the highway, and the carelessness or negligence of some third person, the town is responsible.
The alleged defect in the highway here was the neglect to remove the snow therefrom, and the injury is alleged to have arisen by the upsetting of the sleigh in which the plaintiff was travelling upon the road. It appears by the facts stated that the plaintiff", while thus travelling on the road, met Ward Coburn, driving a one horse sled with stakes on the sides; and, as Co-burn testifies, he believes that, as he drove forward, the stakes in his sled struck the top of the back part of the sleigh of the plaintiff and overturned it; he having turned to the right as far as he could do safely on account of the snow in the road.
The defendant however contended that the injury was caused wholly, or in part, by the carelessness or negligence of Coburn, and asked the court to instruct the jury that, if such wTas the case, the plaintiff could not recover. This prayer for instruction was refused. The case stated by the defendant was one of injury resulting from the combined effect of two distinct causes, and one of those proceeding from a third person, who would be responsible for any injuries he might unlawfully occasion.
The court are of opinion that if this injury was caused wholly by Coburn, or was the combined result of a defect in the highway, and carelessness and negligence on the part of Coburn in driving his vehicle, whereby the stakes in his sled struck the sleigh of the plaintiff and overturned it, the defendants are not chargeable therefor. New trial ordered.