A collision with a horse can be especially dangerous because of the animal’s size, weight, and height. Unlike smaller livestock, a horse may crash through the windshield or strike the roofline on impact, putting drivers and passengers at serious risk of head, neck, and spinal injuries.
These accidents can happen fast, and often in the dark or on rural roads with limited visibility, leaving little time to react.
On December 19, 2025, John Thomas Lloyd, 52, of Kirbyville, was killed in a collision with a horse in Orange County, Texas. Lloyd was pronounced dead at the scene. The horse was also killed.
How Did the Crash Occur?
KFDM News reported that the collision occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, around 3:20 a.m. According to Texas State Troopers, Lloyd was traveling south on Highway 62 at North Ridge Drive, near Mauriceville, when he struck a horse that entered the roadway.
Lloyd died at the scene. The horse was also killed in the crash.
Authorities have located the horse’s owner but have not released the owner’s name publicly.
Can the Owner of the Horse Be Held Responsible?
Under Texas law, the horse’s owner could potentially be liable for Lloyd’s death. However, liability is not automatic just because the animal was on the roadway.
Texas law generally prohibits an owner from knowingly permitting livestock (including horses) to roam at large, unattended on the right-of-way of a U.S. or state highway. If evidence shows the owner failed to take reasonable steps to contain the horse (e.g., maintaining fencing, securing gates, addressing earlier escape issues), there may be grounds for a negligence-based wrongful death claim.
Texas also operates under an “open range” concept in some areas. But livestock on major highways is treated more like a closed-range safety issue. Many counties have local stock laws that further restrict animals running at large. In practice, that means the legal question often becomes how the horse got loose and whether the owner’s conduct meets the “knowingly permitted” standard.
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Horses and Livestock Loose on Highways Pose Serious Risks
Horses pose a serious hazard on highways, especially when drivers are traveling at higher speeds with limited time to react. Because horses are tall and heavy, a collision can strike higher on a vehicle (often through the windshield or roofline), making these crashes especially violent and difficult to survive.
These accidents are even more dangerous at night or in low-visibility conditions. A horse entering the roadway can be nearly impossible to see until it is too late to stop. Collisions involving horses often result in catastrophic vehicle damage, severe injuries to drivers and passengers, and tragic losses for everyone involved.
Livestock Cases Can Be Complex
Livestock crashes can raise complex legal questions because fault often depends on how and why the animals ended up on the road. In many cases, investigators examine whether fences and gates were in good repair, whether the owner knew the animals had escaped or were often near the highway, and whether another person or event contributed to the animals getting loose.
These claims can also involve multiple insurance policies, disagreements about timing and visibility, and disputes over whether the driver had a fair chance to avoid the collision.
An Experienced Livestock Accident Attorney Can Help
Accidents involving horses in the roadway can cause serious physical, emotional, and property damage. If you’ve totaled a car or been injured in a collision with a horse or other livestock, it’s essential to understand how Texas laws apply.
Silva Injury Law has a practice area dedicated to helping clients injured in livestock accidents. Our team is familiar with various livestock laws across the country and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.
