Accidents Involving Cows
If you are driving along a country road and hit a cow with your car there are steps you must take to ensure the proper legal process is followed. If you are injured in the collision you may be eligible for compensation. It is therefore best practice to be aware of how to react if you accidentally hit a cow driving in regional (or other) areas.
Who is Responsible for Damage Caused by a Cow?
In most cases involving an accident between a motor vehicle and a cow, the owner of the cow will be responsible for any injuries or damage sustained as a result of the incident. If the owner failed to take responsible care of their animal, for example, leaving a gate unlocked or failing to repair a broken fence, then they are at fault and can be sued for compensation. In this regard, attribution of responsibility varies. It may, for instance, be negligible for the owner of cattle to keep them on unfenced land near a highway, but not necessarily negligible for them to keep the same herd on unfenced land near a rarely-used road.
What do I do if I Hit a Cow?
If you hit an animal other than a bird with your car you are required by law to do what you can to ease its pain. This may require taking it to a local vet or trying to locate the owner. If the animal is not a wild animal you also have an obligation to file a report at the local police station. Police will help identify the owner of the animal and will take notes which may be useful if you are later suing for compensation. Take a photograph of the ear tag and any markings identifying the beast. You never know, the beast may be removed before you can come back or the Police attend.
On that note, take plenty of photos of the scene before you make a police report. Photos should include photos of the vehicle, of the injured or dead animal, it’s ear tag and the location where it was standing. Take photos of the nearby fencing and paddocks. Similarly, keep records of all expenses related to the incident including doctor’s fees, mechanic’s fees, time off work, travel costs and accommodation costs if these are involved in processing the accident. These can help your local compensation lawyer file a compensation claim for you.
Call Tony Love Lawyers Today
For all of your animal liability claims and queries, get in touch with Tony Love Lawyers. We are a team of lawyers you can trust, with over 25 years of experience in injury litigation.