Cars hitting Horses, Cows and Livestock. Provo, UT

Vehicle Collisions with Livestock / Animals in Provo, UT

Accidents involving vehicles and stray livestock such as horses, cows, and other domesticated animals can lead to serious injuries and property damage. There are also passenger claims when drivers hit wild animals. These incidents often create complex legal scenarios that involve determining liability and seeking compensation. In Provo, Utah, it is crucial for drivers and passengers to understand their rights when a vehicle collides with livestock.

Common Scenarios of Livestock-Related Accidents

Accidents involving animals are more common than one might think, especially in rural areas. Here are the most frequent scenarios:

Horses Escaping and Colliding with Cars

Horse owners are responsible for ensuring their animals are housed and secured properly. Horses, often weighing over 1,000 pounds, pose a significant risk to motorists when they escape their enclosures.

Example: A driver traveling on I-15 suddenly encounters a horse that escaped from a neighboring ranch, leading to a severe collision. Both the driver and passengers may have claims against the horse owner’s insurance.

Livestock Collisions

Cows, sheep, and other farm animals are not supposed to roam free. If a collision occurs, the livestock owner’s insurance is generally responsible for covering damages and injuries caused by negligence.

There are state, county and local ordinances that control livestock getting loose.

Legal Responsibilities of Livestock Owners

Livestock owners have a legal duty to ensure their animals are properly contained. Under Utah law, failing to do so could result in liability for injuries and property damage caused by escaped animals.

Fence Laws: Proper fencing is critical. If a horse or cow escapes due to faulty fencing, the livestock owner can be held liable.
Negligence: If an owner fails to inspect or repair fences, this can be a determining factor in legal claims.

Understanding Liability Insurance Coverage

Insurance plays a significant role in livestock collision claims. Two primary types of insurance are often involved:

Homeowners’ Insurance

Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover incidents involving domesticated animals like horses or cattle.

Example: If a horse escapes from private property and causes an accident, the homeowner’s insurance will likely cover damages.

Commercial Ranch Liability Policies

For accidents caused by livestock escaping from ranch operations, commercial liability insurance comes into play. Ranch owners are required to carry specific policies to cover these types of incidents.

Passenger Claims in Livestock Accidents

Passengers have the right to seek compensation for injuries resulting from livestock collisions.

Example: Deer Collision on I-70

Consider a scenario where a car speeding on I-70 strikes a deer, causing the vehicle to roll over. In this case:

Passengers may have a claim against the driver for negligent speeding.
Compensation could include medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Example: Escaped Horse Collision on I-15

If a horse escapes onto I-15 and causes an accident:

Both the driver and passengers can file claims against the horse owner.
Passengers may also have claims against the driver for contributory negligence (e.g., speeding).

Determining Negligence in Livestock Collisions

In livestock-related accidents, establishing negligence is key. Factors influencing negligence include:

Poorly maintained fencing.
Lack of warning signs in areas with known livestock crossings.
Driver behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving.

Compensation for Livestock Accident Injuries

Victims of livestock collisions may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Bills: Immediate and ongoing treatment.
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of the vehicle.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress.

FAQs About Livestock and Vehicle Collisions

1. What Should I Do if I Hit a Horse on the Road?
Ensure safety first, call law enforcement, document the scene, and seek medical assistance.

2. Can I Sue the Livestock Owner?
Yes, if the owner was negligent in securing their animals.

3. Is Homeowners’ Insurance Always Involved?
Homeowners’ insurance often covers accidents involving domesticated animals.

4. Who Pays for My Damages in a Livestock Accident?
The livestock owner’s insurance or the ranch’s commercial policy typically covers damages.

5. What If the Driver Was Partially at Fault?
Utah follows comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation may still be available.

6. Do I Need a Lawyer for a Livestock Collision Claim?
Consulting an attorney ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Provo Car Accident Attorney

For personalized guidance, contact Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation. Whether through Zoom, phone, or in-person meetings, Jake Gunter can help you navigate your claim.

Common Two Car Accident Issues.

Insurance company processing times.

Common car collision issues can be waiting and waiting on the insurance carriers to complete their investigation. Insurance companies can take some time to locate witnesses, conduct adjuster interviews, talk to the police and gather the police report.

Hang in there as your Utah car accident attorney processes through the various insurance companies. Insurance companies have thousands of claims and yours is just one of them.

Rental cars.

Rental cars can be provided by the at-fault insurance company if they want to, but they don’t have to volunteer a rental car and can refuse your request for a rental car. If your own first party UIM/PIP insurance company has rental car coverage, that may be a good option to get a rental car, even if you have to pay your deductible first. Deductibles and the cost of rental cars can be reimbursed through the at-fault insurance company settlement.

Property damage valuations.

Getting your car fixed after a car accident is an entire blog post in itself. You have to deal with the frustration of waiting.

Hire a Utah Car Accident Attorney Early in the Process to Avoid Frustration

Cut Down Processing Time.There are investigation processing times that can be cut down when you hire an experienced personal injury attorney who knows what to do.
Avoid Frustration. Hiring a Utah car accident law firm that has been through the process hundreds of times is critical in getting the best results, but also speeding up the process and avoiding unnecessary frustration.
Concentrate on Getting Better. When you hire a Utah car accident lawyer you can avoid much of the frustration and concentrate on getting better, which is the most important part of the process.
Avoid Common Car Accident Mistakes. Hiring a Utah car accident lawyer help you avoid making common mistakes that devalue the true compensation you are entitled to. A good attorney helps you avoid gaps in medical treatment, avoids seeing the wrong doctors who can’t give the correct medical care or diagnosis. Proper and timely radiology is another area where attorneys can really help when hired early.

NO FEE UNLESS YOU RECOVER COMPENSATION FOR YOU CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Lastly, you don’t owe Utah car accident attorney Jake Gunter unless you receive compensation for your injuries. If you don’t win your case, you don’t owe Jake anything.

TXT/CALL car accident lawyer Jake Gunter (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation. Via Zoom, Phone or In-Person. Let his team help you.