Bus accident lawsuit heads to court

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - A judge has ruled that a Hatfield hay ride operator's lawsuit will go forward against the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority over injuries the man says he suffered after a bus frightened his horses.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that a Hampshire Superior Court judge says there are enough questions to warrant a trial.

Alfred Tetrault says he was injured in October 2006 while operating his wagon in West Springfield.

Court documents say the 68-year-old Tetrault is seeking damages of at least $116,000 in medical costs from the PVTA. He claims broken ribs, a broken collarbone, cuts and bruises and a head injury.

A lawyer for the bus agency says the driver has not been identified and there is no evidence the PVTA operated a bus at that area at the time.