Collisions involving loose horses can quickly escalate into multi-vehicle crashes, especially on dark rural highways where drivers have little time to react. A December 30, 2025, early-morning crash in Orangeburg, South Carolina, left one driver injured and resulted in the deaths of three horses after a chain-reaction collision on Highway 178.
What Happened on Highway 178
According to WIS News, the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 178 in Orangeburg.
Investigators said a 2020 Dodge Ram pickup and a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado were both traveling westbound when the Ram struck a horse that was standing in the roadway. The impact caused the pickup to sideswipe the Chevrolet before continuing down the highway, where it struck two additional horses. All three horses died as a result of the crash.
Authorities reported that the driver of the Ram pickup was transported to the hospital for treatment, while the driver of the Chevrolet was not injured. No further details have been released regarding the condition of the injured driver. The investigation into how the horses entered the roadway remains ongoing.
Can the Horse Owner Be Held Liable?
South Carolina livestock owners are generally prohibited from allowing animals to run at large on public highways. If horses escape due to inadequate fencing, unsecured gates, or other forms of negligence, the owner may be held liable for injuries and property damage resulting from a collision.
Investigators will likely work to identify the horses’ owner, inspect nearby enclosures, and determine whether reasonable measures were taken to prevent the animals from wandering onto Highway 178. Establishing whether this stretch of roadway falls within a fenced district will also be an essential factor in determining liability.
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The Dangers of Horse Collisions on Rural Highways
Horses pose a significant hazard to motorists due to their size, height, and unpredictability. Weighing up to 1,200 pounds, horses often strike the windshield or upper portion of a vehicle, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. On rural highways, low visibility before sunrise makes it difficult for drivers to see dark-colored animals in time to stop safely.
When a driver strikes one animal, secondary collisions often follow, as seen in this crash, placing other motorists at risk and compounding the severity of the incident.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Livestock-related crashes frequently involve multiple vehicles, multiple animals, and questions about ownership and containment. Determining fault may require coordination between highway patrol, animal control, and insurance carriers. When multiple drivers are involved, liability assessments can become particularly complex, necessitating thorough legal and factual analysis.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Crashes involving loose livestock can result in serious injuries, vehicle damage, and lasting trauma. Understanding how state livestock laws apply is essential after these incidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a horse or livestock-related crash, contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
