Between January 1, 2000, and May 15, 2006, more than 230 collisions involving farm animal transport vehicles occurred on American roads, according to data published by Farm Sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary is the leading farm animal protection organization in the U.S. The U.S. food supply chain relies on farms and factories that rely on animal transportation. There are many regulations in place to protect farm animals while they are being transported, both for the safety of the creatures and drivers sharing the road. Despite the efforts to prevent these incidents, it still happens that a livestock truck crash will affect Connecticut roads from time to time and can lead to serious injuries or even death.
If a collision with a cattle or other animal transportation vehicle left you or a loved one injured, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered. The attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers know that the aftermath of a large truck crash often includes physical pain, as well as emotional and financial strain.
Find out if you are eligible to pursue compensation – simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to your right to be contacted by us.
Information About Transporting Live Animals
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the entity responsible for regulating animal transportation both within the U.S. and when animals cross our borders. These regulations pertain to the safety of the creatures as well as efficiency in travel. Keeping the animals comfortable en route is important throughout the shipping process. It is a high priority for the transport companies to deliver the animals free of harm. There are five different models of commercial vehicles used to transport animals. Each is used according to the requirements of the shipping order and the species of animal to be transported.
The five vehicles used for cattle and other large animal transportation include:
- Gooseneck trailer
- Possum belly trailer
- Pup trailer
- Straight truck
- Straight trailer
These vehicles are also regulated under the same laws as other commercial vehicles and are susceptible to the regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA has strict inspection procedures and has codes concerning hours of service, required periods of rest and more. How the animals are treated during transport, however, remains up to the USDA.
It is of utmost importance for drivers carrying live animals to follow both USDA and FMCSA regulations in order to avoid a heightened crash risk. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a crash with an animal transportation vehicle, you are encouraged to seek counsel from a knowledgeable attorney.
Causes Of Cattle Truck Collisions
As in any commercial transport profession, there is immense pressure to deliver – and with live animals onboard, the need to be on time is even more urgent. This can up the stress factor and cause drivers to cut corners when it comes to safely reaching their destination, which can put the driver, other motorists and the farm animals at risk. Unfortunately, rollover occurs in more than 50% of animal transport-involved crashes, and in 8% of collisions, some of the animals are thrown from the vehicle. While there are plenty of causes for commercial vehicle collisions, some are unique to the shipment.
Some common causes of crashes with cattle and other animal transport vehicles include:
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Failure to negotiate a curve
- Loss of vehicle control
- Another driver’s negligence
- Improperly secured cargo
- Shifting animal weight
- Careless/reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
- Poor visibility
- Poor maintenance
- Roadway obstructions
- Failure to obey traffic signals
Other contributing factors include poor road conditions and bad judgment when maneuvering around other vehicles. When a collision with an animal transport vehicle occurs, the property damage and personal injury that can result can be severe. Connecticut drivers should stay alert and exercise caution and respect while driving near these vehicles.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys For Help
A crash with a truck carrying animals can involve multiple vehicles in many cases. The details of such collisions can become complicated when commercial shipping companies are involved. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers offers the resources, knowledge and guidance this type of collision requires in a courtroom. We can help determine whether you have a case for personal injury or wrongful death if you have been the victim of an animal-involved collision.
We have offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London, and serve clients throughout Connecticut. Find out whether you have a case and how we can fight for you. Call 800-PERKINS for a free, confidential evaluation of your potential case. If you prefer to save time, our Free Case Evaluation form allows us to review your details and call you when a lawyer is available to discuss your case.