Legal Options if You Were in a Car Crash Caused by a Farm Animal 

 Posted on March 02, 2023 in Personal Injury

Springfield, Illinois and the surrounding areas are a unique combination of farmland and cities. Because of this, it is common to see farm animals roaming around the area, sometimes near roads. Unfortunately, these animals can cause severe car accidents if they are not contained properly. If you or a loved one were in a car crash caused by a farm animal, you may be able to take legal action and recover financial compensation for your damages.

Accidents Caused by Cows and Other Livestock

Illinois is ranked fourth in the country for auto collisions involving animals. When they are not contained by a fence or structure, animals like cows, horses, or pigs can wander into the road and cause an accident. Drivers may strike the animal head-on or swerve to avoid missing the animal, only to collide with another vehicle or object. Accidents caused by farm animals often leave vehicle occupants with physical injuries, vehicle damage, and substantial financial losses. In some cases, accidents caused by livestock are fatal.

Who is Legally Responsible if a Farm Animal Causes a Collision?

Generally, the property owner or livestock keeper may be liable for damages resulting from a car accident caused by one of their animals. Farmers and livestock owners are expected to keep their animals contained. The Illinois Domestic Animals Running at Large Act holds property owners and keepers of animals liable for damages resulting from their animals running "at large" or running around freely.

Damages for a Car Crash Caused by Livestock

Victims of a car accident caused by a farm animal may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Surviving family members of a person killed in an accident caused by a farm animal may also be eligible for wrongful death damages.

It can be difficult to prove that a property owner or animal keeper knowingly allowed the animals to roam freely and recovering compensation is often a complex legal challenge. If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash caused by a farm animal, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, determine who is liable for the accident, and pursue a claim or lawsuit to recover damages.

Call Our Springfield Car Accident Injury Attorneys

The Champaign personal injury attorneys at Kanoski Bresney have years of experience helping clients in Illinois receive financial compensation after an auto accident. We are here to provide the knowledgeable counsel and representation you need during this difficult time. Call 888-826-8682 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.wandtv.com/news/state-farm-illinois-drivers-rank-4th-for-number-of-animal-collisions-claims/article_ef55304e-489b-11ed-a10e-3b7c53995128.html