Accidents involving livestock can occur at any hour, especially in rural regions where cattle graze near public highways. A June 28, 2025, collision in Texas County, Missouri, highlights the risks drivers face when large animals wander onto the road.
What Happened
According to The Houston Herald, a 42-year-old woman from Mountain Grove was injured when her northbound 2015 Chevrolet Equinox struck a cow in the roadway on Highway AH, approximately two miles north of Highway M.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred around 3:50 a.m. The cow was standing in the northbound lane when the vehicle made contact. The driver, who was wearing her seat belt, sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The vehicle suffered minor damage, and the animal’s condition was not reported.
Can the Livestock Owner Be Held Liable?
Under Missouri law, livestock owners are required to keep their animals properly enclosed and off public highways. If cattle escape due to broken fencing, unlocked gates, or negligence in supervision, the owner may be held legally responsible for resulting damages.
In this case, investigators will likely determine ownership of the cow, inspect nearby enclosures, and evaluate whether reasonable measures were taken to prevent animals from entering the roadway. If fencing was damaged or poorly maintained, or if the animal had escaped before without corrective action, the owner could face liability for the driver’s injuries and vehicle damage.
The Dangers of Livestock Collisions
Even minor collisions with large animals can cause serious injury or death. Adult cows often weigh over 1,000 pounds—enough to crush a car’s hood, crack a windshield, and send debris through the cabin. These crashes are especially hazardous at night, when livestock may be difficult to see against dark rural surroundings. Drivers traveling on unlit county highways should exercise caution and reduce speed in areas known for open pastureland or livestock fencing.
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Why These Cases Are Complex
Livestock accidents often involve complex questions about negligence, insurance coverage, and the animal’s ownership. Determining fault can require fence inspections, interviews with nearby property owners, and a review of prior animal-escape incidents. Because multiple parties may share responsibility, victims often need legal guidance to pursue fair compensation for medical costs and property damage.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Collisions between vehicles and livestock can change lives in an instant. For those injured in rural crashes, identifying who is responsible is key to obtaining justice and financial recovery.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a livestock-related accident, contact Silva Injury Law for a free consultation.
