Alabama Law: When You Crash into a Cow

Allen Ritchie • June 20, 2021

 

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

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

By Steele Ritchie June 26, 2025
Slip and Fall Accidents in Alabama: Your Questions Answered
By Steele Ritchie June 26, 2025
Estate Planning in Alabama: Your Questions Answered
A termite is crawling on a rock in the water.
By Steele Ritchie June 20, 2025
Termite Damage in Alabama: What You Need to Know (Q&A)
A judge 's gavel is sitting on top of a black table.
By Jason Steele March 28, 2025
Injured? Why a limited amount of time to sue in Alabama? Learn more from Jason Steele from Steele Ritchie LLC.
A man is writing on a piece of paper with a pen.
By Allen A. Ritchie March 21, 2025
Live In Alabama? 3 Essential Legal Papers … or Regret It Later. Learn more from Allen Ritchie with Steele Ritchie LLC.
A woman is sitting on a window sill with her head in her hands.
By Jason Steele March 17, 2025
Injured, Do I Have to Hand Over My Clothes? Learn more with Jason Steele from Steele Ritchie LLC.
A bunch of termites are crawling on a wooden surface.
By Allen Ritchie March 7, 2025
You cannot live in the Mobile area and not know about termites. Every year, they come, and they stay here all year long. Why? They like what we like – our warm summers and mild winters. In fact, the area around here is perfect … and I mean perfect … for termites. Those dangerous, destructive […] The post Termites Coming to Mobile and Baldwin Counties first appeared on Steele Ritchie.
A woman is driving a car on a highway.
By Allen Ritchie March 3, 2025
Question: An Uber or Lyft accident. Is it like being a passenger in a friend’s car? JASON: Not in Alabama. Plus, getting you paid can be complex, and you may need a lawyer to figure it out. Here is the big difference: You are dealing with a business, not an individual. The good news is […] The post Suing the Uber Driver After a Wreck first appeared on Steele Ritchie.
A woman is laying on a couch blowing her nose with a napkin.
By Allen Ritchie February 21, 2025
Here, in and around Mobile, we can work in some dangerous situations and with some very dangerous chemicals. Not feeling well? Don’t think your illness is just part of getting older. It could be that your job is literally killing you. This happens more often than most people think. In Alabama, it is estimated that […] The post AL Law: Work Is Making Me Sick first appeared on Steele Ritchie.
A young girl in a purple jacket is sitting on a couch with her hands on her chin.
By Allen Ritchie February 17, 2025
Question: If a Moon Pie injures me, can I sue? JASON: Really, you want to tell a jury in Mobile that a pastry hurt you? Well, happy Mardi Gras. Seriously, the question is not, can you sue, but rather, can you win? I am going to guess that you were hit by a Moon Pie […] The post Injured by Moon Pie. Can I Sue? first appeared on Steele Ritchie.
Show More