What Happens If You Hit a Cow with Your Car in Alabama?
You might assume the farmer’s insurance will cover the damage — but in Alabama, that’s not how it works.
Alabama Livestock Collision Laws: Who’s Really Liable?
Under Alabama law, if you hit a cow (or bull, donkey, or any livestock), you generally
cannot sue the animal’s owner unless you can prove the owner
intentionally placed the animal in the road.
Here’s the legal reference from Alabama Code section 3-5-3:
"... the owner of any stock or animal shall
not be liable for any damages to any motor vehicle or any occupant thereof suffered, caused by or resulting from a collision with such stock or other animal..."
That means even if a cow wanders out of its enclosure and into the road,
you are likely on your own when it comes to vehicle damage and injuries.
Landscaping Matters More Than Your Vehicle?
Interestingly, Alabama law
does allow property owners to be held accountable for damage to
crops, ornamental plants, or landscaping. If livestock cause damage to a flower bed, that may be actionable — but your busted bumper might not be.
Why Livestock Collisions Are So Common in Alabama
Alabama’s rural roads, lack of lighting, and livestock fencing issues all contribute to the danger. Many roads don’t have shoulders or reflective fencing. It’s especially risky at night — animals like cows and deer can be nearly invisible until you’re right on top of them.
A state trooper once told us that
hitting a cow at full speed is like hitting a brick wall — and it's more common than you'd think.
Even though deer collisions are more widely tracked, Alabama drivers also hit livestock with alarming frequency — causing
millions of dollars in damage each year.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Cow in Alabama?
If you’ve been in an accident involving livestock, take the following steps:
1.
Call Law Enforcement
Always report the crash. A police report will document the scene and any damage — this will be essential if you try to file a claim later.
2.
Take Photos
Get clear pictures of:
- Your vehicle damage
- The road conditions
- The animal (if possible)
- Any broken fencing or signs of negligence
3.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, internal injuries are possible after such a high-impact crash.
4.
Contact an Attorney
Even though the law is not in your favor, there are
exceptions and nuances. A personal injury lawyer can help determine:
- If the fence was in poor condition
- If the farmer has a history of allowing animals to escape
- If you might recover damages through other legal channels (such as auto insurance or property owner negligence)
Can You Sue the Farmer After a Livestock Accident?
It’s very difficult — but not impossible. You must prove the farmer:
- Knowingly allowed the animal to roam free, or
- Negligently failed to repair fencing, or
- Placed the animal in the road (intentionally)
That’s a high legal bar. In most cases,
you’ll be responsible for covering your own vehicle repairs and any associated costs.
Don’t Let Livestock Accidents Ruin Your Finances
If you suffer a personal injury from a livestock collision, auto accident, or slip and fall, you still have legal options. Our team at
Steele Ritchie LLC can evaluate your case
for free and help you understand your rights.
We’re proud to represent clients across Mobile and Baldwin Counties and offer experienced, compassionate legal help when you need it most.
Give us a call at (251) 666-1212. We’re honored to be called the “personal injury lawyers near me” by so many Alabama families.
Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall, the live legal call-in TV show airing every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We’ll take your calls live.
Allen Ritchie
Personal Injury Lawyer
