Boerth v. West Side Railroad

Cassoday, J. The evidence on the part of the plaintiff is to the effect that the wagon in question was covered [290] with wood on the top and on both sides; that the only-person on the wagon at the time of the injury was the plaintiff’s driver; that in driving he sat about two feet back from the front of such covering, where he could not see out on either side; that about 8 o’clock on the morning in question he drove north on Eighth street until he came to Grand avenue; that while in the act of crossing that avenue, with the horses on a walk, the defendant’s electric car came from the west on the avenue, and struck the hind end of the wagon, and caused th’e damage complained of. The driver frankly admits that he did not see the car until after the collision; and that he could not see it by reason of his being seated so far back behind the side covering; and that he heard no bell or alarm of any kind. If such evidence was true, then the defendant was guilty of negligence, and the plaintiff, by his driver, was guilty of contributory negligence which would bar a recovery. The evidence on the part of the defendant is to the effect that the wagon in question was at the time being driven on the southerly'- side of the avenue, from Ninth street to Eighth street, by the side of the car, or a little ahead of it; that upon reaching Eighth street the plaintiff’s team suddenly turned north on Eighth street, immediately in front of the car, and had nearly crossed the railroad track when the wagon was struck, as mentioned. The evidence seems to be overwhelming that the bell was repeatedly sounded while the car was going from Ninth to Eighth street. If such were the facts, then there was no negligence on the part of the defendant, but there was gross negligence and carelessness on the part of the plaintiff. Upon the admitted facts, there is no view of the case which would authorize a recovery. By the Court.— The judgment of the circuit court is affirmed.