Livestock Accidents in Arkansas, Who Is Liable?

When Cattle or Other Livestock Cause Serious Crashes on Rural Roads, Victims Deserve Answers

In rural parts of Arkansas, livestock on the road isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a deadly threat. Crashes involving cows, horses, goats, and other loose farm animals are more common than many people realize, especially in agricultural regions like Craighead County, Greene County, and Poinsett County. Motorists on highways like I-555, US 49, and Highway 351 can suddenly find themselves face-to-face with a 1,200-pound cow that wandered into the road—and in a matter of seconds, lives can be changed forever.

At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, our Jonesboro attorneys have seen how devastating livestock accidents can be. Drivers and passengers often suffer traumatic injuries or die in collisions involving loose livestock. And while the crash itself may happen in an instant, the legal fight over who is responsible can stretch on much longer—unless you have a legal team that knows how to cut through the noise and hold the right parties accountable after a farm accident.

Arkansas’s Fence Laws and How They Affect Liability

When a car hits a cow or another loose animal on the road, most people assume the livestock owner is automatically responsible. But in Arkansas, the law requires a closer look at when and where the crash happened — and whether the livestock was running at large in violation of state regulations.

Under Arkansas law, livestock owners have a general duty to keep their animals securely fenced in, especially during grazing season, which runs from April 1 to November 1. Allowing animals to roam freely on public roads during this time is not only dangerous — it’s against the law. In many parts of the state, including Craighead County and Greene County, local ordinances treat these areas as “closed range,” meaning livestock must be confined and kept off public roadways year-round.

A livestock owner may be held liable if a vehicle crash occurs because:

The animal escaped through a broken or poorly maintained fence,
A gate was left open or improperly secured,
Or the owner failed to contain the animal in accordance with Arkansas’s fencing and grazing laws.

Authorities have the right to impound livestock found running at large, and owners can face fines or penalties depending on the circumstances. However, proving fault for an accident still requires evidence. The owner might deny liability or claim the incident was unavoidable. That’s why crash victims often need an attorney to investigate, document the scene, and determine whether fencing laws were violated.

Common Causes of Livestock-Related Crashes

Loose livestock crashes usually happen at night, on two-lane highways or poorly lit rural roads. A driver traveling the speed limit comes around a curve and suddenly slams into a dark figure standing in the road. There may be no time to react.

These crashes often stem from:

Broken or inadequate fencing: Barbed wire, electric wire, and wood post fencing can wear down over time. If a livestock owner fails to repair fencing or inspect enclosures, animals may wander freely.
Unsecured gates or latches: Gates left open—or latched incorrectly—can allow cattle, horses, or pigs to get out.
Damaged enclosures after storms: Tornadoes and high winds are common in parts of Arkansas. A landowner has a duty to inspect and repair damage quickly to prevent animal escapes.
Negligent supervision: In some cases, animals are knowingly allowed to roam freely—especially in remote areas where owners don’t expect traffic. This may support a claim of gross negligence or recklessness.
Livestock crossing roads between pastures: Some farms operate on land divided by public roads. If animals are moved across the road regularly without signage or fencing, drivers are put at risk.

Injuries from Livestock Crashes

Collisions involving livestock are not minor fender benders. A full-grown cow or horse can weigh 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. When struck at 55 mph or more, the result is often a violent impact that sends the animal into the windshield or over the roof of the vehicle.

Injuries we often see in these cases include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Multiple bone fractures
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Wrongful death

The physical and financial costs are staggering. Emergency surgeries, ICU stays, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation are common. And insurance companies are rarely quick to offer fair compensation.

Who Pays After a Livestock Collision?

If the livestock owner violated Arkansas’s fencing laws—or acted negligently in allowing the animal to escape—they may be held legally responsible for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages and future earnings
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)

The livestock owner’s farm insurance policy may cover some or all of these damages. But in many cases, the insurance company denies liability or claims the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to brake in time. That’s why immediate investigation is critical. Skid marks, eyewitness accounts, and local security camera footage may all be key in proving fault.

If the livestock owner is uninsured or underinsured, you may also be able to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage. An attorney can walk you through your options and ensure every source of compensation is pursued.

What To Do After a Crash Involving Livestock

If you hit a cow, horse, or other animal on a public road in Arkansas, here’s what you should do:

Call 911 and report the crash. Request emergency medical help if needed.
Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage, the road conditions, the animal (if possible), and any nearby fencing or property signs.
Do not remove or touch the animal unless it’s necessary for safety. Law enforcement will need to document the animal’s condition and attempt to identify the owner.
Ask for the crash report. The Arkansas State Police or local county sheriff will typically write a report, which can help your case.
Contact a lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjusters or property owners.

We Hold Negligent Livestock Owners Accountable

At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we know the roads of Northeast Arkansas—and we know how to build strong, localized claims against negligent livestock owners. Whether your crash happened outside Jonesboro, along Highway 1 near Harrisburg, or on a rural stretch of US 412, we’re ready to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We don’t treat your case like a number. We take the time to understand what you’re going through and how this crash has impacted your life. And we won’t stop until we’ve done everything possible to hold the right party accountable.

Injured in a livestock-related crash? Let’s talk.

Schedule a free consultation with McDaniel Law Firm, PLC. We serve clients in Craighead County, Greene County, and communities across Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee. Contact us today.