Who Is Liable in Illinois Crashes Involving Farm Animals?

 Posted on March 28, 2024 in Car Accidents

Many cities in Illinois are situated right next to farmland. Farm animals are a common sight along Illinois’s roads, and unfortunately, they sometimes cause serious car crashes if they manage to get out of their enclosures. If you were in a car accident caused by a farm animal, speak with a qualified Springfield, IL, personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Car Accidents Caused by Livestock

Accidents in which animals are involved happen more often than you might think, and Illinois ranks 11th in the country for car accidents with animals. Proper fencing is very important for anyone who has livestock on their property. Otherwise, strong animals like pigs, horses, and cows can mistakenly wander into areas where they should not be, including roads. If you are driving and suddenly see an animal on the road, you might swerve to avoid hitting it, which could cause a collision with another car or something else on the road. You might also only notice the animal once it is too late for you to do anything about it. Head-on collisions with large farm animals can result in personal injury, significant car damage, or even death.

If an Animal Caused My Crash, Who Is Legally Responsible?

As in all areas of the law, every case will need to be reviewed in depth. There might be extenuating circumstances that set your accident apart from others. However, in most cases, livestock is considered the responsibility of the livestock owner or farmer. Animals are required to be contained within an area that would not cause harm to drivers and others. When animals run around freely, the property owners and animal keepers can be held liable for any resulting damages under the Illinois Domestic Animals Running at Large Act.

Claiming Damages for a Livestock-Caused Car Accident

People who suffer physical injury or property damage as a result of an accident that a farm animal caused can seek damages to recover the following:

• Medical expenses
• Car repairs and replacement costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bloomington, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

These kinds of cases can be complicated because proving that the animal keeper or property owner was aware that the animals were running around freely can be challenging. An experienced Peoria, IL car accident injury attorney can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf for proper compensation. At Kanoski Bresney, we have years of experience with similar cases, and we offer free consultations to help you understand how we will fight for your rights. Call 888-826-8682 to schedule yours.