When driving through rural areas, most people tend to be more relaxed and less prepared for obstacles and other surprises that could put their vehicles and their safety at risk. Unfortunately, a police officer was driving through such a rural area when his patrol car collided with a cow on the road. The accident left the officer in critical condition. Surprisingly, this is the second incident of this sort in the area in recent weeks.
According to the Daily News Online:
“State Patrol troopers said Christopher B. Patterson, 30, was returning to Oroville after dropping off a prisoner at the Okanogan County jail in Okanogan when he struck the cow. The accident happened about 12:20 p.m. on Highway 97, about nine miles south of Oroville. Patterson was airlifted to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane.
In that accident, and one near Ephrata, the cows were killed on impact, troopers said. Both accident locations were closed rangeland, meaning it was the responsibility of the livestock owners to keep the cows off the roadway. Troopers said they are attempting to locate the owners of the cows. It would be up to the prosecutor in each county to file charges of allowing animals to roam at large.”
Aside from the potential problems the cow owners could face from prosecutors, they could also face civil liability for the injuries suffered by the police officers. This should also serve as a warning to be prepared for anything when driving, even in rural areas. If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident, contact the auto accident lawyers at Phillips & Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.

