Rural highways in Arkansas often cross open fields and farmland, creating the potential for dangerous collisions with livestock. A recent tragedy in Union County underscores how devastating these crashes can be when large animals suddenly appear in the roadway.
What Happened
According to Arkadelphian, Dustin Lloyd Rowland, from El Dorado was killed after his car struck a cow late at night. The collision happened along an Arkansas highway when the animal wandered into the roadway. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the victim did not survive. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about how the cow escaped or whether the livestock owner may face penalties.
Can the Driver Be Held Liable?
Arkansas law requires livestock owners to prevent their animals from roaming onto public roads in certain counties, while others follow traditional “open range” rules. Whether the livestock owner can be held liable depends on local regulations and the circumstances of the escape. If the cow got loose due to inadequate fencing, broken gates, or general neglect, the owner may bear responsibility. However, investigators will also consider whether the driver was speeding, impaired, or otherwise negligent.
The Fatal Risks of Livestock Collisions
Cows can weigh more than 1,200 pounds, and a crash involving a full-sized animal can be as destructive as hitting another vehicle. In many cases, the animal’s body strikes the windshield, leading to severe or fatal injuries for the driver. Unlike smaller wildlife collisions, livestock crashes often cause complete destruction of the vehicle and leave families facing sudden, life-altering losses.
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The Role of Wrongful Death Claims
When a livestock collision results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. In Arkansas, such claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. While no legal action can erase the grief of losing a loved one, pursuing accountability can help families manage the financial burden left behind.
Insurance Challenges in Livestock Accidents
Insurance disputes are common in cases involving livestock. Auto insurance providers may attempt to deny or reduce payouts, arguing that the livestock owner should be responsible. At the same time, the owner’s insurer may claim the accident was unforeseeable. With both sides pointing fingers, grieving families may face frustrating delays in receiving compensation. Legal representation is often necessary to ensure that insurers honor their obligations.
Why These Cases Are Complex
Livestock accidents require detailed investigation into fencing conditions, ownership records, and local stock laws. Witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and veterinary reports may all be used to determine liability. These cases also involve sensitive negotiations with multiple insurance carriers, each of which may resist paying fair compensation. Because of these complications, families benefit from having an attorney guide them through the process.
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.
