Livestock Truck Accidents

Over 230 accidents involving farm animal transport occurred across the U.S. between 01/01/2000 and 05/15/2006, according to a report by Farm Sanctuary, America’s leading protection organization for farm animals. Six of these accidents were on Alabama roads.

Livestock transportation is essential to many farms and factories involved in the food supply chain in the U.S. Many regulations exist to ensure safety in the transport of farm animals, for the animals and the motorists sharing the road. Unfortunately, even in a regulated industry, a livestock truck accident can occur, and often lead to severe damages.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a livestock transportation vehicle, you may have legal grounds to pursue compensation. Citrin Law understands the physical, emotional and financial damages that can occur after a large truck accident.

Find out if you have a case with a 100% Free, 100% Confidential evaluation. Simply fill out the form to your right to be contacted.

How Live Animals are Transported

Livestock transportation is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), whether animals are travelling domestically or internationally. The regulations concerning this type of transport concern efficiency in travel time and safety of the animals.

The safety and comfort of the animals is important during the shipping process, in order to avoid any harm coming to them prior to delivery. Five different types of trucks are used in the transportation of livestock, each used according to the species being carried and requirements of the shipment.

The 5 Vehicles Used to Transport Livestock:

• Straight truck
• Straight trailer
• Pup trailer
• Gooseneck trailer
• Possum belly trailer

Livestock trucks must follow the same regulations as commercial trucks, as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Some of the items regulated include hours traveled, required rest periods, and others. The treatment of the livestock, however, falls under regulation through the USDA.

The risk of collision may be heightened if USDA and FMCSA regulations are not followed. Victims of livestock transportation accidents are urged to contact an experienced attorney to determine if they are eligible to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Causes of Livestock Truck Accidents

Drivers of animal transport trucks are under a lot of pressure to deliver the livestock in a timely manner, without harm to the animals. Unfortunately, in most accidents involving one of these transport vehicles, rollover occurs in more than 50% of incidents. Animals are thrown from the vehicle in nearly 8% of accidents. There are many causes of truck accidents, however some are unique to trailers carrying farm animals.

Common causes for an accident involving a livestock truck:

• Failure to negotiate a curve
• Negligence of another driver
• Speeding
• Loss of control of vehicle
• Improperly secured cargo
• Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
• Careless or reckless driving
• Animals shifting weight
• Poor visibility
• Mechanical issues
• Debris in roadways
• Failure to obey traffic signals
• Bad weather

Other causes, such as poor road conditions or poor judgment while passing another vehicle, can also contribute to an accident involving a livestock transportation vehicle. Severe property damage and personal injury can occur as a result. Alabama drivers should take heed and exercise caution when sharing the road with these vehicles.

Contact Our Alabama Truck Accident Attorneys

A livestock truck accident often involves multiple parties, and cases can become complex in a court of law. Citrin Law offers support and guidance through our legal expertise and experience litigating commercial truck accidents.

If you are unsure whether you have a case, one of our attorneys can help determine whether you are eligible to pursue a lawsuit. Let us explain your rights and consider the most appropriate course of action to pursue justice.

Our main office is located in Mobile, AL, where we are proud to be a part of the community and to serve clients across the state of Alabama, in the following areas:

• Bridlewood
• Bellview
• Farnell
• Gautier
• Neshota
• Pascagoula
• …and municipalities throughout Alabama

Find out how our Mobile truck accident lawyers can help you and learn if you have a case. Call 251-888-8888 today to speak with a professional from our intake team. After a few brief questions, you will be referred to a legal professional with experience in truck accident cases similar to yours.

It’s 100% Free and Confidential. Get started immediately by filling out the Free Case Review form to your right and you will be contacted by one of our representatives.