According to a report from KMBC News, a truck carrying cattle had a bad crash on Interstate-70. Thankfully, all motorists avoided serious injuries. However, the highway was closed for several hours. In this case, the truck was carrying the cattle. Though loose livestock are sometimes a factor in crashes in agricultural areas of Missouri and Kansas. Our Kansas City car accident attorney provides a more detailed overview of the crash and how liability works in these cases.
Two Large Commercial Trucks Collide on Interstate-70
A crash involving two semi-trucks, including one hauling cattle, shut down Interstate 70 in Oak Grove, Missouri. The good news is that no drivers were injured. However, several cattle escaped after the impact. Crews worked for hours to clear the scene and recover the animals. At least one cow was later roped and secured after resting in the median on the highway. The tractor-trailer wreck is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement.
An Overview of Liability for Loose Livestock Crashes in Missouri
Missouri follows a modified approach to livestock liability. State law blends statutory duties with common-law principles. Liability depends on where the crash occurred, how the livestock escaped, and whether the owner failed to exercise reasonable care. Missouri treats many rural areas as “open range,” but most counties have adopted local stock ordinances that impose a duty on livestock owners to fence in their animals. When a county adopts a stock law, an owner becomes responsible for preventing animals from entering public roadways. The failure to maintain adequate fencing or the inability to control known dangerous escape points can establish negligence.
In motor-vehicle collisions involving loose cattle or other livestock, the injured driver carries the burden of proving that the owner breached a legal duty. In Missouri, courts examine whether the livestock owner knew about prior escapes, whether the fencing was properly maintained, whether gates were left open, and whether the owner failed to inspect the property after storms or disturbances. Evidence of repeated escapes often strengthens a negligence claim because it shows the owner had notice of a recurring hazard. Every crash involving loose livestock should be carefully investigated by an experienced Kansas City auto accident attorney.
Note: The law for loose livestock liability in Kansas is similar to that in Missouri. If you were hurt in a loose livestock crash in Kansas, a top-rated attorney can protect your rights and your interests.
Call Our Kansas City Car Crash Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City car accident attorney is knowledgeable, experienced, and solutions-focused. If you were involved in a crash with loose livestock, our firm can help. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation case review. It is our mission to help injured victims fight for justice and the absolute maximum financial compensation. With a legal office in Kansas City, we fight for justice for car accident victims in Missouri and Kansas.
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