Redding Vehicle & Livestock Accident Lawyer

Redding Vehicle & Livestock Accident Attorney

A collision with livestock on a rural Shasta County road can happen in seconds, yet the consequences may last a lifetime. A Redding vehicle & livestock accident lawyer understands the physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial burdens that follow these crashes.

As one of Northern California’s most experienced personal injury law firms, Barr and Mudford has served Redding and the surrounding Shasta County communities since 1967.

We understand how California livestock laws, rural roadway conditions, and local property issues intersect in these cases. When we take on a case, our focus is on protecting your rights and fighting for the recovery you deserve.

What Makes Livestock Claims Different From Wildlife Claims in Redding?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 68% of 2023 animal-involved traffic fatalities resulted from collisions where the animal itself was the most harmful event.

Livestock are heavier, slower to move, and owned by someone. This means vehicle and livestock accident laws require examining the facts rather than treating the crash as an unavoidable wildlife event.

The California Food and Agricultural Code explains that no automatic presumption of negligence is applied to the livestock owner after a collision. To recover compensation, investigators need to analyze a number of factors, including the:

• Location of the collision
• Ownership status
• Containment history
• Condition of fencing

Accidents involving livestock in Redding are complicated legal processes that usually require experienced representation. A successful claim hinges on a detailed investigation to prove negligence, much like in other complex accident cases. When you hire a vehicle and livestock accident lawyer with Barr and Mudford, your case receives the attention and knowledge necessary to ensure you are protected.

How Open-Range Areas Affect Your Right to Recover Compensation in California

In California, open-range areas are regions where livestock are legally permitted to roam freely on unfenced land, and motorists are generally expected to watch for and avoid animals on the roadway. In these designated zones, a livestock owner is not automatically considered negligent simply because their animal was on the road.

Open range areas are rural grazing lands managed by public agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). They might also be located on agricultural private property where fencing is not required by law.

The Bureau of Land Management reports that California contains roughly 655 active grazing allotments used by around 553 permit holders. These allotments cover approximately 6.1 million acres of public land.

Livestock in these areas are permitted to graze. Determining liability in a vehicle and livestock accident claim depends on whether negligence, fencing failures, or repeated escapes occurred.

These areas are unique and often require the help of an experienced vehicle and livestock attorney. With help from a lawyer at Barr and Mudford, you can receive compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages from missed work
• Vehicle repair or replacement due to damage
• Long-term care or disability costs

California vehicle and livestock accident laws determine responsibility based on facts like what safety measures were taken and whether the livestock had escaped before. Many Redding drivers choose to hire a vehicle & livestock accident lawyer who understands the complex legal standards surrounding open-range property rules.

Why You Should Hire a Vehicle & Livestock Accident Lawyer in Redding

Livestock collisions involve legal issues that are rarely straightforward, including “shared fault,” fence-law violations, local ranching practices, and open-range provisions. When questions arise about who bears responsibility, an experienced Redding vehicle and livestock accident attorney can make a difference.

Barr and Mudford have been trusted by Northern California residents for nearly 60 years. We know the law and the roads, and we have successfully tried high-stakes cases involving complex roadway liability issues. When you choose our award-winning team, you gain advocates who handle the legal details while you focus on healing. This is crucial if an insurer improperly denies your claim or engages in bad faith practices.

FAQs

What Is the “Shared Fault” Law in California?

The shared fault law in Redding, California is what is known as a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, though the amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. Fault percentages can be divided between the driver, livestock owner, or property owner, and are determined by reviewing physical evidence. These findings directly influence compensation.

What Evidence Is Important to Collect at the Scene of a Livestock-Related Accident?

It is important to collect photos of damage, livestock, or fencing conditions at the scene of a livestock-related accident. Make sure to observe the current state of the road along with any nearby properties you can see. Witness statements and contact information often strengthen a case. Medical records and repair estimates help establish personal damages when seeking recovery.

How Do Insurance Claims Work When an Accident Involves Animals Instead of Another Vehicle?

When an accident involves animals instead of another vehicle, the subsequent insurance claims work differently from vehicle accidents. Animal ownership issues may determine who is at fault. Insurance adjusters usually perform an investigation of physical evidence, like fencing, signage, and roadway conditions, before deciding who is responsible. It is not uncommon for your claim to involve both your vehicle policy and the livestock owner’s coverage. Understanding the general steps to file a strong injury claim in California can help you navigate this unique process.

Does California Require Livestock Owners to Properly Fence or Contain Their Animals?

It depends on where you live in California when determining whether livestock owners are required to properly fence or contain their animals. Requirements vary by region, and in open-range areas, owners are not presumed negligent just because an animal is loose. In fenced areas, owners must maintain barriers to prevent livestock from entering the roadway. If you are unsure of whether your situation meets these standards, contact Barr and Mudford to take control of your case.

Contact a Redding Vehicle & Livestock Accident Lawyer Today

Since 1967, Barr and Mudford have represented injured clients throughout Northern California with compassion and proven trial experience. Our attorneys understand California’s livestock and roadway laws and know how to guide injured drivers through the claims process. If you’ve been hurt, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.