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Jan 27, 2026
Imagine driving down a country road at night. The only light for miles is coming from your car’s headlights. Suddenly, you see a large figure in the middle of the road. Frightened and shocked, you try to swerve, but it’s too late. This is how livestock and open-range vehicle accidents in Siskiyou County can happen. Cows and other animals can wander onto roadways because they aren’t required to be fenced in, leading to tragic accidents.
When an accident like this occurs, you need a Siskiyou County vehicle & livestock accident lawyer who understands vehicle accident laws. Open range counties, like Siskiyou, make it harder to prove liability on the part of the animal’s owner for livestock accident claims. Barr and Mudford have knowledge and experience in this type of case. We know the appropriate legal strategy to aggressively pursue your case and secure justice.
Siskiyou County Livestock Production and Roadways
In the 2023 Crop and Livestock Report for Siskiyou County, livestock made up 25% of the overall agricultural production per year. The total livestock production was $114,617,301, with the majority from the cattle industry. Acres and acres of land in Siskiyou County are dedicated to raising cows, and they’re allowed to graze without the restriction of fences.
The same report highlighted that there are 1,398 miles of county roads and 325 miles of state highways. This includes Interstate 5, State 3, and State 96. With the number of animals in open ranges, vehicle and livestock accidents are bound to happen.
Open Range Laws in Siskiyou County
In the California Food and Agricultural Code, Sections 17121 through 17128, the law allows some areas and counties to allow open-range grazing for livestock. Siskiyou County is named in Section 17128, but the statute also states that goats and pigs are not included. These animals need to be secured by fences to stay on their owner’s property. If you hit a goat or pig, it may be easier to prove the owner was negligent.
These open-range areas don’t require farmers to keep their large animals in fenced areas. This land is in very rural areas with few houses, people, and roads. Accidents can still happen. Cattle and horses don’t know where their owner’s land ends and a public roadway begins.
Livestock owners in open range areas need to have control of their animals, even if they don’t have fences. To hold them accountable, your attorney must build a compelling case that establishes negligence under California law, which can involve their history of animal control and the specific conditions at the time of your crash. In rural areas, there aren’t any streetlights to guide motorists. An overcast sky at night can block the moon’s glow, which provides some additional light. Between a negligent owner and the timing of the crash, it can be a recipe for disaster, causing you painful injuries and mental anguish.
In other counties in Northern California, fencing is required. If livestock escape from a fence and onto a highway, the owner is liable for the accident. A claim can be filed to get compensation for medical bills, damages, and emotional suffering. Open range laws complicate this, which is why you need a Siskiyou County vehicle and livestock accident attorney who’s skilled in complex personal injury cases.
The statute of limitations in California for personal injury cases, such as a livestock and vehicle accident, is two years. After that, you can’t file a claim for compensation. It’s important to contact an attorney to see if the open range laws affect your ability to seek payment for damages.
FAQs
What Should I Do if I Hit a Cow in Open Range in Siskiyou County?
The first thing you should do if you hit a cow in open range is seek medical attention and call 911. When you hit an animal that big with your vehicle, there could be extensive damage. Document the scene by taking pictures of everything: your car, your injuries, the animal, any signs or mile markers. Note the conditions at the time of the accident, such as the weather and visibility. This thorough approach to evidence collection is a cornerstone of building any strong accident claim in Siskiyou County. All of this information can be used in your case.
How Do I Know Who Owns the Animal I Hit?
To find the owner of the animal you hit, check for animal identification, like a brand with the ranch’s logo or name. Some animals may have a tattoo or tag on their ear. When you call 911 about the accident, the police officer may know the owner or be familiar with nearby ranches and farms. A description of the animal and any identification is included in the police report, which can be very helpful in your case.
Who Is at Fault if You Hit a Cow?
In open range areas, the question of who’s at fault is more complicated. Since the owner of the cow isn’t required to fence in their larger animals, the liability in the case isn’t automatic. You can hire a vehicle and livestock accident lawyer to help you build a case. This is particularly important because insurance companies often vigorously dispute complex liability claims, and having skilled representation is key to protecting your rights.
Do I Need to File a Claim if I Hit a Deer?
When you hit a deer on the road, you can contact your car insurance company and file a claim with them. In California, deer are considered wild animals without owners, meaning no one is liable for them. Cows and other livestock are domesticated animals with owners. If you hit a cow, especially in an area without open range laws, you can seek compensation from the owner of the animal.
Hire a Vehicle and Livestock Accident Lawyer
Barr and Mudford have gotten results in livestock cases in the past. We’re ready to help you with yours. Open-range legal claims can be more complex. We work with professionals who have experience investigating the accident and the causes. Our client-centered approach can give you peace of mind while guiding you through the legal process. Because of the statute of limitations on personal injury cases, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
