Oklahoma’s rural highways often wind through farmland and open grazing areas, creating dangerous conditions when livestock stray onto the road. A recent crash near Hugo serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by drivers—especially motorcyclists—when large animals suddenly appear in their path.
What Happened
According to The Hugo News, a Hugo man was injured after his motorcycle struck a cow in Choctaw County. The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 70 around 1:30 a.m., near South 8th Street, when the motorcyclist collided with a cow that had wandered onto the highway. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified the injured rider as Cory Soto, 39, of Hugo. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision. Officials did not report any other vehicles involved, and the cow died as a result of the crash.
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation, and it is not yet clear how the animal escaped its enclosure or whether the livestock owner may face penalties.
Can the Livestock Owner Be Held Liable?
Liability in Oklahoma livestock accidents depends on whether the area is designated as “open range” or covered by a local stock law requiring livestock owners to confine their animals. In most of Choctaw County, livestock owners are obligated to fence in their cattle and prevent them from entering public roads. If investigators find that the cow escaped because of a broken fence, neglected maintenance, or general carelessness, the owner could be held liable for the accident.
At the same time, Oklahoma law requires motorists to drive with reasonable care, taking into account the possibility of livestock crossings on rural roads. If the evidence shows that Cory Soto was operating safely and had no reasonable way to avoid the collision, the majority of the fault could rest with the livestock owner.
The Dangers of Livestock Collisions for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders face extreme risk in collisions with livestock. Without the protection of a car’s structure, airbags, or seat belts, riders are fully exposed to impact forces. Cows can weigh over 1,000 pounds, and even a low-speed crash can eject a rider, leading to broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding. In this case, Soto was fortunate to survive, but the long-term recovery process from such injuries can be painful and costly.
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Insurance Challenges After a Livestock Crash
Collisions involving livestock often create complicated insurance disputes. The motorcyclist’s own insurance may cover some medical expenses, but if the livestock owner is found negligent, their farm or homeowner’s insurance could also come into play. Unfortunately, insurers may dispute liability, each side attempting to shift blame to the other. This can delay compensation for victims who urgently need help with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
A knowledgeable attorney can help by reviewing police reports, investigating ownership records, examining fencing conditions, and identifying which insurance carriers may be responsible.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Livestock accident cases in Oklahoma involve overlapping laws governing property maintenance, fencing requirements, and negligence. Determining responsibility requires examining whether the area falls under open-range or closed-range jurisdiction, assessing the livestock owner’s actions, and reviewing all available evidence. When serious injuries occur—like those sustained by Cory Soto—it’s vital to conduct a full investigation to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Accidents like this highlight the devastating consequences when animals and vehicles collide. For families facing medical bills, lost income, or the loss of a loved one, understanding legal rights is essential.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a livestock-related accident, contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
