In 2026, a report published by the Missouri Department of Transportation received widespread attention from media sources, stating that the Show-Me State ranks 17th in the country for accidents with animals crossing the street. Similar reports by the Kansas Traffic Safety Office indicate that these animals (particularly deer) represent an increasing safety issue in the Sunflower State as well. An impact with a deer or animal of similar size can easily lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries, and families affected by these crashes may wonder about their legal options.
Who might be liable for crashes like these? Is it possible to file personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits? These are questions families may wish to explore alongside experienced car accident lawyers in Kansas City. Dickerson Oxton has achieved a 98 percent success rate with personal injury lawsuits, and its attorneys bring 80 years of combined experience to the table. To begin a real conversation on this subject, consider contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 549-1948.
How Do I Pursue Compensation After Accidents With Animals Crossing the Street?
Although injury claims may be possible after accidents with animals crossing the street, options for compensation are generally quite limited. Unlike an accident with another driver, there is no insured party to sue in this situation. However, claims may be possible under certain circumstances. Another option is for a victim to turn to their own insurance coverage for compensation, ideally via underinsured or uninsured coverage.
Summary of Accidents With Animals Crossing the Street, Deer Collisions, And Compensation Options in Kansas and Missouri
Accidents with animals crossing the street, particularly deer collisions, can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities and may present limited but potentially viable compensation options under Kansas and Missouri law.
- Claims involving wild animals are generally difficult because wild animals do not have owners or insurance, although liability may exist if a property owner or park authority negligently failed to address a known hazard, such as a broken fence.
- Accidents involving domesticated animals may support personal injury claims if a farmer or rancher failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent livestock from entering a roadway.
- Insurance coverage may provide compensation after animal collisions, including Kansas personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and optional comprehensive, uninsured, underinsured, or medical payments coverage in Kansas and Missouri.
Dickerson Oxton serves individuals throughout Kansas and Missouri and provides information about legal options that may be available after accidents involving animals crossing the street.
Who Can I Sue for Accidents With Animals Crossing the Street?
After hitting an animal crossing the street, a victim might wonder whether it is possible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Since these incidents are usually single-vehicle accidents, there may be no other people involved. Despite this fact, lawsuits could be possible under certain circumstances.
Options for Compensation If You Struck a Wild Animal
Options for compensation after striking a wild animal crossing the street are usually limited. Obviously, a victim cannot sue a deer, hog, or bear to recover compensation since a wild animal does not own any assets or carry insurance. Insurers generally contend that these “natural events” are completely unpredictable, and it may be impossible to sue a property owner for a deer strike on their land. In the same way that a property owner cannot prevent a driver from being struck by lightning, they cannot prevent a deer from running into the road. As a result, they are not liable.
There may be a very slim chance of suing a park authority or property owner for failing to address an obvious issue that allows deer to run into the road. For example, a fence along a highway may prevent deer from crossing into traffic. If a property owner or park authority becomes aware that the fence is broken and yet does nothing to address this issue, a claim could be possible.
Options for Compensation If You Struck a Domesticated Animal
Generally speaking, it is easier to pursue compensation after an accident involving a domesticated animal crossing the street. This is because a domesticated animal is the property of a human. As a result, the human owner (usually a farmer or rancher) becomes responsible for the conduct and movement of the animal in question. Personal injury courts may decide that the farmer/rancher had a legal duty of care to keep the animal out of the street. If the owner failed in this duty of care, they may become liable for injuries.
For example, a rancher might become aware of a broken fence near a busy road. If the rancher fails to do anything about the broken fence and their cattle wander into the road, they could become liable for the ensuing injuries. If a driver struck a cow and suffered spinal cord injuries, they may be able to hold the rancher liable for failing to repair the fence and keep their animals out of the road. This is something victims may want to explore with Dickerson Oxton, even if they are not sure whether a broken fence was involved. Aside from a broken fence, other types of negligence could lead to claims against farmers/ranchers. This might include fences that are too low or weak.
Can I Use My Own Auto Insurance After Hitting an Animal in Kansas City?
Auto insurance may also cover damages after hitting an animal, but options depend on the insurance policy and the state in question. Kansas has a no-fault system, which means all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). Under this system, an injured driver can turn to their own insurer for coverage after single-vehicle accidents (including impacts with animals crossing the street). PIP coverage is limited, but it should ease the financial burden of lost wages and medical bills.
Missouri is different because it is an “at-fault” state. Under this system, pursuing compensation is only possible if someone else was to blame for an accident. A driver may nonetheless turn to their own insurance for coverage if they chose to add additional coverage to their policy, such as MedPay. In both Kansas and Missouri, it is possible to add “comprehensive” or “underinsured/uninsured” coverage to an auto insurance policy. If a victim has this type of coverage, it may be easier to pursue compensation after an accident with an animal crossing the street.
Learn More About Crossing the Street With Dickerson Oxton
Compensation for accidents with animals crossing the street can be challenging to pursue, but that does not mean victims should completely give up hope. Online research can provide insights, but the truth is that accidents with animals are inherently wild and unpredictable. Because of the unpredictable nature of these incidents, it makes sense for a victim to discuss their unique circumstances with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer in Kansas City may be able to help victims consider claims against negligent animal owners or park authorities. Another option may be to pursue compensation through comprehensive insurance. Keep this conversation going by contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 549-1948. We serve clients throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accidents With Animals Crossing the Street
The following frequently asked questions address common legal issues involving accidents with animals crossing the street, including potential liability, insurance coverage, and compensation options in Kansas and Missouri.
Can Someone Sue After an Accident With an Animal Crossing the Street?
A personal injury lawsuit after an accident with an animal crossing the street may be possible when another party’s negligence contributed to the collision or resulting injuries. Most incidents involving wild animals are single-vehicle accidents with no clearly liable party, but claims may arise when a property owner, park authority, or animal owner failed to address a known hazard.
Can Someone Sue After Hitting a Wild Animal?
Personal injury claims after hitting a wild animal are generally limited because wild animals do not have owners, insurance policies, or assets that can satisfy a claim for damages. Courts often view deer strikes and similar events as natural and unpredictable occurrences, although unusual circumstances involving negligent maintenance of barriers or fencing could create liability issues.
Who May Be Liable for an Accident Involving a Domesticated Animal?
The owner of a domesticated animal may be liable for injuries caused by an accident if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the animal from entering the roadway. Farmers and ranchers may owe a legal duty to maintain fencing and contain livestock, and a breach of that duty could support a negligence claim.
Can a Broken Fence Lead to Liability After an Animal Collision?
A broken fence may lead to liability after an animal collision if a property owner, farmer, rancher, or governmental authority knew about the defect and failed to take reasonable corrective action. Evidence of prior notice, inadequate repairs, or ongoing safety concerns may become important in determining negligence.
Does Kansas Auto Insurance Cover Accidents With Animals Crossing the Street?
Kansas auto insurance may provide benefits after an accident with an animal crossing the street because Kansas operates under a no-fault insurance system that requires personal injury protection coverage. Personal injury protection benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost wages after single-vehicle accidents, including collisions with animals.
Does Missouri Auto Insurance Cover Accidents Involving Animals?
Missouri auto insurance coverage for animal collisions depends largely on the specific policy because Missouri follows an at-fault system for motor vehicle accidents. Drivers who purchased medical payments coverage, comprehensive coverage, or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may have additional avenues for recovering losses.
Are Deer Collisions Common in Kansas and Missouri?
Deer collisions and other accidents involving animals crossing the street represent ongoing roadway safety concerns in both Kansas and Missouri and can lead to severe injuries and significant property damage. State traffic reports have identified animal-related crashes as a recurring issue, particularly during periods of increased wildlife activity.
What Damages May Be Available After an Animal Collision?
Damages after an animal collision may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses depending on the facts of the case and available insurance coverage. The availability of compensation often depends on whether negligence can be established or whether applicable insurance benefits exist.
How Can Dickerson Oxton Help After an Accident With an Animal Crossing the Street?
Consider visiting with an experienced attorney at Dickerson Oxton to learn more about potential legal options after an accident involving an animal crossing the street. Attorneys at Dickerson Oxton may help individuals throughout Kansas and Missouri evaluate possible claims against negligent parties and assess available insurance coverage.