Mendocino County Livestock Collision Shuts Down Highway 

Minor Injuries Occur in Mendocino County Livestock Collision on Highway 101

A Mendocino County livestock collision prompted a temporary closure of southbound Highway 101 just south of Hopland on the night of November 25, according to local authorities. The incident, which involved a large bull on the roadway, caused a two-vehicle traffic collision and blocked lanes, leading to travel disruptions and emergency response activity. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received multiple reports of a loose bull and cows creating a road hazard near the Geysers Road offramp, approximately one and a half miles south of the Hopland bridge. 

Mendocino County Livestock Collision Caused by Cows in the Roadway

At around 8:25 p.m., officers were notified that a cow had been struck by a passing vehicle, resulting in a car off the side of the road and the animal being down in the southbound lanes. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. Crews assessed two patients with minor injuries from the crash. 

Ambulance Transports One Injured Party to the Hospital

An air ambulance was initially requested, but was later canceled upon confirmation of non-life-threatening injuries. Only one ambulance continued to the scene of the Mendocino County livestock collision under Code 2 (non-emergent response) protocols. Both southbound lanes of Highway 101 were closed at Henry Station Road (mile marker 2.7) to facilitate the removal of the large bull and secure the area for cleanup. 

Highway Reopens When Livestock Are Removed From Roadway

Caltrans was contacted for emergency removal of the animal. Motorists experienced delays as authorities coordinated with Caltrans and Hopland firefighters to clear the scene. By 9:30 p.m., one southbound lane was reopened to allow limited traffic movement past the incident area, though crews remained at work for a full clearance.

Responsibility of Livestock Owners to Confine Their Animals

Livestock owners in Mendocino County have a legal duty to prevent their animals from roaming onto public roadways. Under California law, owners must maintain secure enclosures and take reasonable precautions to confine animals such as cows, horses, and goats. When fencing is damaged or gates are left open, the risk of livestock wandering onto highways or rural roads increases, putting motorists in danger of a Mendocino County livestock collision. Proper maintenance, supervision, and adherence to local ordinances are essential to ensuring both animal and public safety.

Liability for Accidents Caused by Loose Animals

If a livestock owner fails to properly secure their animals and a collision occurs, that owner may be held liable for resulting injuries and property damage. California courts may find negligence if the owner knew or should have known of unsafe fencing conditions or prior incidents of animals escaping. When livestock cause a traffic collision, injured parties have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses connected to the crash. Proving liability requires evidence such as police reports, witness statements, property assessments, and prior complaints about loose animals.

How an Injury Lawyer Can Help

A skilled personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances of a livestock-related accident and identify who is legally accountable. Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts and agricultural agencies to determine whether the owner failed in their duty of care. A lawyer also negotiates with insurance companies on behalf of the injured party to ensure fair compensation for physical and financial harm.

Contact Ukiah Car Collision Lawyer Ed Smith

I am Ed Smith, a Ukiah car collision lawyer. If you were injured in a livestock-related accident, contact our experienced injury lawyers for free and friendly advice at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400, or visit AutoAccident.com online for help. Our team has decades of experience helping those who suffered injuries because of another’s negligent actions throughout Mendocino County.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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