In Louisiana, determining liability after an accident involving livestock depends on the specific “Open Range” or “Closed Range” laws governing the roadway where the crash occurred. If you collide with a cow, horse, or other farm animal, you should hire a lawyer immediately to investigate whether the animal owner was negligent in maintaining their fences or gates. These cases are unique because the burden of proof shifts depending on whether the accident happened on a major highway or a local rural road. In areas like Lake Charles and Cameron, Louisiana, where agriculture and high-speed travel often intersect, these collisions can cause catastrophic vehicle damage and life-altering physical injuries. A dedicated attorney with experience in Louisiana injury law will quickly identify the owner of the livestock and determine if they violated local ordinances or state statutes regarding animal containment, ensuring you are not left to pay for medical bills and property repairs out of your own pocket.
Who Is Liable for a Crash With Livestock?
Liability in an animal-vehicle collision is rarely straightforward and often hinges on the legal classification of the road. Louisiana law distinguishes between “Closed Range” highways, where owners are strictly prohibited from allowing livestock to roam, and “Open Range” areas, where the rules are more favorable to the animal owners. When you are involved in a collision, your lawyer must first establish which rules apply to the specific stretch of road in Metairie or Cameron where the accident took place.
In a closed range area, the livestock owner is generally responsible for the damages if they cannot prove they took all reasonable precautions to keep the animal off the road. This usually involves an inspection of the fencing, gate latches, and historical records of previous escapes. If the fence was in disrepair or a gate was left unsecured, the owner may be held liable for your injuries. Conversely, in open range areas, the burden on the driver is much higher, which is why having an aggressive legal team is vital to uncover any potential negligence that might still exist.
What Evidence Is Needed After an Animal Collision?
Because livestock can be moved or fences can be repaired quickly after an accident, gathering evidence at the scene is paramount. When you hire a lawyer for a livestock-related crash, they will immediately begin a professional investigation to document the conditions that allowed the animal to enter the roadway. This process involves more than just looking at the damaged vehicle; it requires a deep dive into the property management of the nearby farm or ranch.
- Fencing Inspections: Checking for rot in wooden posts, rusted wire, or sections of the fence that are below the legal height requirements.
- Gate Security: Documenting whether gates were equipped with proper locks or if they were left open by employees or contractors.
- Livestock Identification: Identifying the specific animal involved through ear tags, brands, or markings to confirm ownership.
- Previous Incident Reports: Researching if the same owner has had animals escape in the past, which establishes a pattern of negligence.
- Expert Testimony: Utilizing agricultural experts to testify about standard industry practices for animal containment in Louisiana.
Promptly documenting the state of the owner’s fencing is often the deciding factor in successfully securing compensation for a livestock collision. Do not wait!
How Do Injuries From Livestock Collisions Differ From Other Crashes?
Colliding with a large animal like a bull or a horse is often more dangerous than hitting another vehicle. Due to the height of many livestock animals, the primary impact often occurs at the level of the windshield or the roof of the car, rather than the bumper. This can lead to severe head, neck, and facial injuries for the driver and passengers. In rural parts of Lake Charles, Louisiana, these accidents often happen at night when visibility is low, giving the driver almost no time to react or brake.
Common injuries in these cases include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ trauma. Because these injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and multiple surgeries, the financial stakes are incredibly high. A lawyer with experience in Louisiana injury law will work with medical professionals to calculate the total cost of your future care, ensuring that any settlement covers your needs for years to come.
Secure Your Rights With Badon Law
As a family-owned and family-run firm, Badon Law brings over 52 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. We offer strategic, aggressive, and compassionate representation to injury victims in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Metairie, Louisiana, Cameron, Louisiana, and nearby areas.
We understand the complexities of Louisiana’s rural road laws and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve after a livestock collision.
Give us a call today at (337) 433-4608 to discuss your case with a team that treats you like family.