Livestock Accidents

Vehicle collisions with loose livestock

One of the most common types of livestock accidents occurs when vehicles collide with animals that have escaped from enclosures or wandered onto roadways.

Risk factors include:

• Lack of proper fencing
• Inadequate signage warning drivers of potential hazards
• Negligence in containing livestock

Trampling or charging incidents

Livestock may trample or charge individuals and cause serious injuries or even fatalities.

Risk factors include:

• Aggressive behavior due to stress
• Improper handling
• Inadequate training of livestock handlers

Handling and loading accidents

Accidents can occur during the handling and loading of livestock onto vehicles or within agricultural facilities. This can lead to injuries to both animals and humans.

Risk factors include:

• Inadequate infrastructure for handling livestock, such as chutes and ramps
• Lack of proper training for personnel
• Overcrowding during transportation

Vehicle accidents involving livestock can occur due to a combination of factors, often related to the behavior of the animals, road conditions, and driver actions. Here are some common causes of vehicle accidents involving livestock:

• Animals on the roadway: Cows, horses, or sheep, may wander onto roadways when gates are left open, fences are damaged, or animals are not properly secured.
• Unpredictable behavior: Livestock animals can behave unpredictably when confronted with the presence of vehicles, noise, or unfamiliar surroundings. They may panic, run erratically, or suddenly change direction.
• Poor visibility: Livestock accidents are more likely to occur during low light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or nighttime when visibility is reduced. This makes it difficult for drivers to see animals on the road.
• Speeding: Drivers who are traveling at high speeds may have limited time to react when they encounter livestock on the road.
• Distracted driving: Texting or using a mobile phone while driving can reduce a driver's ability to respond quickly to wandering livestock.
• Sudden stops or swerving: Drivers who make sudden stops or swerve to avoid hitting animals may cause accidents or lose control of their vehicles.

If you've been involved in a vehicle accident involving livestock and believe that someone else is at fault, you may be able to make a liability claim to seek compensation for your damages. Here are the steps to follow:

• Ensure safety: Prioritize safety and ensure that you and others involved in the accident are safe and out of harm's way.
• Contact authorities: Report the accident to local law enforcement or the appropriate authorities. They will create an official accident report, which can be crucial for your claim.
• Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Document all injuries and medical treatment received.
• Gather evidence: Collect evidence related to the accident, including photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and the position of the livestock.
• Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you believe another party is liable. Provide them with all relevant details and evidence.
• Consult with an attorney: Speak to an attorney who has experience in cases involving livestock accidents. They can assess the strength of your claim and provide legal guidance.
• Document your damages: Keep records of medical bills, vehicle repair costs, towing fees, and any other losses or damages.

If you or a loved one was involved in a livestock accident and sustained injuries, it's crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Injuries from livestock accidents often result in substantial medical bills and long-term consequences. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay for damages, especially when an attorney isn’t present.

When multiple parties are involved in the accident, such as other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians, liability may be complex. A personal injury lawyer with experience in livestock accidents can help assess liability and determine the responsible parties. If liability is disputed or unclear, they can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to establish liability on the part of the livestock owner or other parties.

Also, if you encounter difficulties dealing with insurance companies, such as delays, denials, or low settlement offers, a lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to secure fair compensation. You only have to focus on your recovery.

Finding a Premier Livestock Accident Attorney to handle your claim is easy. Just fill out the contact form below and an attorney in your area will reach out to you and schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about your options for seeking compensation.

Plus, it doesn’t cost any money upfront to hire a livestock accident lawyer. They work on a contingency fee basis, so you can have legal representation without paying any upfront fees.