On January 5, 2026, Mariah Rhodes, 40, of West Mansfield, was injured in a collision with a cow on State Route 292 in Logan County, Ohio. The crash caused Rhodes possible injuries and heavy damage to her SUV, and the cow died at the scene.
How Did the Crash Occur?
According to the Peak of Ohio News, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office reported that a collision happened shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening on State Route 292. Deputies stated that Rhodes was traveling northbound in a 2019 Jeep Renegade when her vehicle struck a cow that was in the roadway.
Rhodes’ SUV sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene. She was transported to Memorial Hospital in Marysville for treatment of possible injuries. Authorities reported that Rhodes was not issued a citation. The cow was killed in the crash.
Can the Cow’s Owner Be Held Responsible?
In Ohio, the owner of the cow may be held responsible for a crash like this, but liability depends on the facts. Ohio law generally prohibits livestock owners from allowing animals to run at large on public roadways. A violation of that law can support a negligence claim if the loose animal caused a collision.
An investigation will typically focus on how the cow got into the roadway, who owned or controlled the animal, and whether reasonable steps were taken to keep it contained. If negligence is established, an injured driver may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other related losses.
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Cows on Rural Roadways Can Cause Serious Damage
Crashes involving livestock can be especially dangerous on rural roads. Drivers on dark country roads through small towns and farmland often have limited visibility and very little time to react. Hitting a large animal like a cow can cause serious vehicle damage and lead to painful injuries for the driver and passengers.
Even with modern safety features, cars are not designed for impacts with livestock, which can result in severe damage and life-threatening consequences.
Livestock Collision Cases Can Be Complex
Livestock crash cases can be complicated because they often involve questions about ownership, control, and containment of the cattle. Insurance coverage can also be disputed, especially when there is limited information about how long the animal was loose or who was responsible for securing the property.
These cases may require evidence like photos of the scene, witness statements, and documentation of where the animal came from to determine whether liability applies.
Get Help for Your Livestock Collision
Crashes involving loose cattle can leave drivers dealing with painful injuries, major vehicle damage, and unexpected medical bills. When an animal ends up in the roadway because a livestock owner failed to keep it properly contained, the injured driver may have options to pursue compensation.
If you were hurt or your vehicle was damaged in a livestock-related crash, Silva Injury Law can help you understand your rights and next steps. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
Wishing the Injured Driver Well
We hope Mariah Rhodes recovers quickly and is able to heal fully after this frightening crash.
