A collision with a large animal like a cow or horse can happen instantly, but the consequences can last for months or years. After the crash, one of the most important things you can do is document the livestock accident scene thoroughly and carefully.
Evidence can disappear quickly. Someone will remove the animal, or it will wander away. Ranch owners or farmers will repair the fence. Without photos, witness details, or an accurate police report, you could struggle to prove your version of the events.
This guide walks you through how to protect your case by documenting everything from the start.
Why Documentation Matters in Livestock Collisions
In many California livestock collisions, liability hinges on whether the animal was secured correctly. If a rancher fails to fix a broken fence or allows their animals to roam near a highway, they may be responsible for your injuries and property damage.
However, your word isn’t enough to prove that a collision happened. Insurers, property owners, and their lawyers will find ways to deny fault. That’s why good documentation can make or break your claim.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety First
Before pulling out your phone or walking around the scene:
- Move your vehicle to the side of the road (if possible),
- Turn on your hazard lights,
- Watch for traffic, and
- Do not approach the animal, which can be dangerous if injured.
Don’t worry about documenting immediately if you’re seriously hurt or in shock. Get medical attention and let the police gather information when conducting an investigation.
Step 2: Call 911 to Request Police and Medical Help
Always report the collision to emergency services. Make sure to specifically mention that the accident involved livestock. This additional information helps dispatch alert the right authorities, including animal control, if needed.
When officers arrive:
- Give a calm, factual account of what happened;
- Do not admit fault or make guesses about the animal’s ownership; and
- Ask for a copy of the police report number or instructions on how to get it later.
The police report will become a key piece of evidence for your claim. You’ll need to submit a copy to the insurance companies when making a property damage or injury claim.
Step 3: Take Photos from Multiple Angles
If it’s safe and you’re physically able, photograph the entire scene using your phone. Don’t just snap a few quick shots—take a full set.
Focus on:
- Your vehicle—all visible damage, with both close-up and wide-angle shots;
- The animal—if still present, take photos from a distance but never approach;
- The road—skid marks, debris, blood, or hair from the animal;
- Surroundings—fences, broken gates, damaged posts, nearby open fields; and
- Weather and lighting—capture the overall environment and driving conditions.
If possible, make sure the images have time stamps or GPS locations turned on. These help verify the scene and timeline.
Step 4: Record a Video Walkthrough
A short video can show the full context of the accident in a way still images can’t. Narrate what you’re seeing as you walk around the scene. For example: “This is the fence next to the road. There’s a gap here with barbed wire hanging. It is about 20 feet from where I hit the animal.”
Keep your voice steady and avoid placing blame. Focus on showing the facts.
Step 5: Identify Witnesses
Did anyone else see the crash, such as other drivers, nearby residents, or pedestrians? If so, try to speak with them while you’re still on the scene.
Ask for:
- Their name,
- Phone number or email address, and
- A brief summary of what they saw.
Witnesses can later confirm important details, like your driving behavior, the existence of poor fencing, or whether the animal was running loose. Their accounts may become critical if liability is contested.
Step 6: Keep a File of Everything
Start a digital or physical folder to keep all your documentation in one place. Use it to gather:
- The police report with the incident number,
- Photos and videos,
- Witness info and personal notes,
- Medical records and bills,
- Vehicle repair estimates, and
- Any communication with insurance companies.
This folder makes it easier to share critical information with a personal injury lawyer who can use it to help build your case.
Step 7: Talk to a Lawyer Before Evidence Disappears
In livestock collisions, evidence can fade fast. Broken fences get patched. Animals are moved. Landowners may try to deny responsibility or claim you were speeding or distracted.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. At Silva Injury Law, we know how to move quickly to preserve evidence, investigate ownership, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Call Silva Injury Law to Protect Your Case
You’ve taken the right step by learning how to document a livestock accident scene. However, insurance companies still have one goal: to pay as little as possible.
Michael Joe Silva is a former prosecutor who has tried cases in courtrooms across California. Today, he uses that experience to help people injured in serious accidents, including livestock collisions in the Central Valley and beyond.
If you were hurt in a crash with a large animal, let us take the legal pressure off your shoulders. Call Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
