Imagine driving through Louisiana’s backroads, enjoying the open scenery, when suddenly an animal runs into the road. Whether it’s livestock that wandered from a pasture or a pet that got loose, these situations can be dangerous. A sudden collision can leave you with serious injuries, costly car repairs, and a lot of questions about what to do next.
Figuring out who is responsible isn’t always simple. Louisiana has specific laws about animals on the road, but liability depends on many factors, such as whether the owner took proper precautions to keep the animal contained. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or argue that you were at fault. Having an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer on your side can make a big difference.
At LJBLegal, we understand how stressful these situations can be. Our attorneys help clients across Louisiana find answers, recover compensation, and move forward with confidence. You don’t have to face the insurance company or legal system alone—our team is ready to help.
How Can LJBLegal Help After a Livestock or Animal Collision?
Collisions involving animals can raise complicated questions about fault, property rights, and insurance coverage. Our attorneys handle every step of your case personally and thoroughly, with compassion and clear communication at every stage.
- Investigating the accident: We gather photos, witness statements, and accident reports to understand exactly what happened and identify who may be responsible.
- Determining liability: We look at fencing laws, local ordinances, and owner responsibility to establish who is legally at fault.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle communication with insurers to protect your rights and push for a fair settlement.
- Building your case: We prepare every claim as if it may go to trial, ensuring it’s strong from the start.
- Providing constant support: You can reach your attorney or case manager anytime through our client portal app, which allows 24/7 access to your case status, document uploads, secure messaging, and answers to your questions.
Our team has handled numerous livestock collision cases across Louisiana, including accidents involving cattle, horses, and other large animals. This experience helps us understand the unique challenges these cases present and how to prove responsibility under Louisiana’s animal and livestock laws.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773Who Is Responsible for a Livestock or Animal Collision in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s mix of rural and suburban roads means accidents with livestock and pets happen more often than most expect.
In Louisiana, responsibility for a livestock or animal collision depends on location and negligence. In open-range areas, owners may not be liable if animals roam legally. However, in fenced areas, owners must contain animals and can be held liable if they escape due to poor maintenance. Negligent third parties may also share fault.
Determining who is at fault depends on whether the area follows “open-range” laws and whether the animal’s owner acted responsibly.
- Open-range areas: In certain rural parishes, livestock may roam freely. If the area is considered open range, the owner might not be automatically responsible.
- Fenced or restricted areas: In most parts of Louisiana, owners must secure their livestock. If an owner fails to maintain fencing or lets animals escape, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.
- Negligence by others: In some cases, contractors, property owners, or drivers who acted carelessly may share fault. We investigate every angle to ensure accountability.
Our attorneys know Louisiana law and how to apply it effectively to your situation. We use evidence, expert insight, and thorough case-building to show who was at fault and to recover what you’re owed.
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The correct choice – always – is to do the right thing.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Louisiana Laws Apply to Livestock Collisions?
Louisiana law holds livestock owners liable if their animals escape due to lack of reasonable care and cause a crash. Key laws include Civil Code article 2321 and R.S. 3:3003, which prohibit livestock from roaming on highways in stock law areas. Liability often depends on location, local ordinances, and proof of owner negligence.
Key State Laws
- Civil Code article 2321, Damage Caused By Animals: A livestock owner can be liable when animals escape an enclosure and reasonable care would have prevented the escape. There are exceptions, including a fortuitous event, no owner fault, or third person provocation. (See La. C.C. art. 2321.)
- R.S. 3:3003, Livestock At Large On Highways Unlawful: In parishes or wards that have adopted a stock law, an owner may not knowingly, willfully, or negligently let livestock run at large on public highways. (See La. R.S. 3:3003.)
- R.S. 3:3002, Definitions: Defines terms such as “livestock” and “public highway” for this set of laws. (See La. R.S. 3:3002.)
- R.S. 3:3004 and R.S. 3:2804, Impoundment: Law enforcement can take livestock found at large on Louisiana highways into custody and impound them. (See La. R.S. 3:3004 and La. R.S. 3:2804.)
How These Laws Work in Real Cases
- Enclosure and reasonable care matter: If a fence was broken for days or gates were left open, the owner may be responsible. If a storm knocked a tree onto a fence shortly before the crash, an exception may apply.
- Local stock laws control highways: Many parishes or wards have stock laws that prohibit roaming on roads. Liability often turns on whether the crash happened in one of these areas.
- Parish ordinances can add rules: Some parishes adopt ordinances that reinforce fencing and roaming limits, so it helps to check the local code where the wreck occurred.
What This Means for Your Claim
- Proof of escape and prevention: Photos of downed fencing, open gates, tracks, and nearby pastures help show how the animals entered the roadway.
- Location details matter: Note the parish, the specific highway, and any posted fencing or livestock signs, since stock laws vary by area.
- Police and impound records help: Reports and impound logs can confirm where animals were found and who owned them.
LJBLegal’s team investigates the scene, checks local stock laws, and gathers the records needed to prove responsibility. We keep you updated through our client portal app, which gives 24/7 access to your case status, secure messaging with your attorney or dedicated case manager, and an easy way to upload documents and get answers to your questions.
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We don’t play games and we don’t hide the ball.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Should You Do After an Animal Collision in Louisiana?
After an animal collision in Louisiana, first check for injuries and call for medical help if needed. Report the crash to law enforcement, document the scene with photos, gather witness info, and notify your insurer. Avoid recorded statements until speaking with an attorney to protect your legal rights.
These steps can protect your safety and strengthen your case:
- Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed.
- Report the accident to local law enforcement so it’s documented.
- Take photos of the accident scene, the animal, and your vehicle.
- Get contact information from any witnesses and note the location and time.
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken with your attorney.
Our team can guide you through these steps and help preserve key evidence while you focus on recovery.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Compensation Can You Receive After a Livestock or Animal Collision?
After a livestock or animal collision, you may receive compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These cover emergency care, car repairs, time off work, and emotional distress. Each case varies, but victims are typically eligible for financial recovery tied to the extent of their losses.
We help ensure every part of your loss is considered:
- Medical expenses: Covers emergency care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for injuries caused by the collision.
- Property damage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
- Lost income: Compensates for time missed from work while you recover.
- Pain and suffering: Acknowledges the physical pain, emotional stress, and disruption to your daily life.
Every case is different, but our goal is always the same: to help you recover fully, both financially and emotionally.
Why Choose LJBLegal for Your Livestock Collision Case?
At LJBLegal, we take pride in treating every client like family. When you work with us, you’ll have a team that listens, explains your options clearly, and keeps you updated every step of the way through our client portal app. We combine compassion with strength, ensuring your case receives the attention and care it deserves.
What Is LJBLegal’s Contingency Fee Promise?
At LJBLegal, cost should never be the reason you hesitate to get help. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- No upfront costs: You do not pay anything to hire us.
- No fee unless we win: We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
- No surprises: Our fee stays the same even if we need to file a lawsuit or take your case to trial.
We believe in fairness and transparency. You’ll always know what to expect, and we’ll never pressure you into a decision that isn’t right for you.
When Should You Contact a Louisiana Animal Collision Lawyer?
If you were hurt in an accident involving livestock or an animal on Louisiana roads, you don’t have to handle it alone. The attorneys at LJBLegal are here to guide you with compassion and proven experience. We’ve helped countless Louisiana residents get the support and compensation they need after unexpected injuries.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can call, message through our client portal app, or visit our offices in Metairie or Luling. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery with confidence and peace of mind.
