Who Is Liable for Crashes Caused by Livestock Escapes?

 Posted on April 23, 2025 in Car Accidents

Many Illinois residents prefer a rural area to living in a big city like Chicago. Whether you are a resident or just passing through, farms around Springfield, Champaign, and Peoria are a common sight. Most farms use large machinery, like tractors and combines. Many have livestock, such as chickens, cows, and pigs. When that livestock escapes onto the roads, an accident is just waiting to happen.

Few people expect to see cows on the road while driving, even if they live in the area. City people are even more surprised. Even if you do not hit the cow, you may have an accident by trying to avoid a collision. You need an experienced Decatur, IL personal injury attorney to help you hold the livestock owner accountable for your damages.

How Are Farm Animals on the Road Dangerous?

Cows can weigh hundreds of pounds, and they rarely move out of the way when a vehicle approaches. That means you collide with a basically stationary object, and the impact can cause severe injuries and vehicle damage.

It can be difficult to see even large livestock on the road from a distance. Tall crops, curves, and hills can limit visibility.

It is instinctual for drivers to try to avoid hitting anything on the road. You may swerve to keep from hitting a cow or chickens, which could send you into a spin, down an embankment, and into a tree. You could be hurt by a livestock presence on the road, even if you do not hit it.

What Obligations Do Farmers Have to Contain Their Livestock?

The Illinois Domestic Animals Running at Large Act requires livestock owners to restrain their animals, keeping them contained to protect public safety. That means sturdy fencing needs to be kept in good repair. Other restraint methods may also be required. If livestock gets out, the owner needs to contain them again as quickly as possible and make repairs or adjustments to the fence. Failing to uphold those obligations is negligent.

Although the farmer is not directly involved when his livestock causes an accident, he still bears liability. That means you can probably pursue a claim for compensation, like most other kinds of car accidents.

You could be partially responsible for your crash. For example, you may have been speeding or distracted, which prevented you from stopping in time to avoid hitting the free-roaming livestock. As long as your share of the blame is not over 50 percent in Illinois, the livestock owner is responsible for his or her part of your damages.

What Are Common Damages in Livestock Accident Claims?

In personal injury cases, damages are losses you suffered as a direct result of your accident. We will calculate your damages based on your losses, which may include:

• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Other financial and intangible losses

Accident victims who have competent legal representation typically receive substantially more compensation. We know how to build a strong case and fight insurance companies that do not want to pay your claim.

Call Our Knowledgeable Bloomington, IL Farm Animal Accident Lawyers

If you are hurt because of an accident caused by roaming livestock, the skilled Springfield, IL personal injury attorneys at Kanoski Bresney can help to maximize your compensation. Contact us online or by calling 888-826-8682 today to schedule your no-cost case evaluation.