Animal Owner Faces Manslaughter Charge

The last thing you expect to run into while out for a drive is a bull darting across the street. However, sometimes unrestrained animals make their way onto the road and cause dangerous crashes.

This is what happened in Vermont, when an 1,800-pound bull wandered into traffic and was killed when struck by a car. Unfortunately, the driver, Jon Bellis,”was pronounced dead on the scene,” according to Vermont State Police.

Craig Mosher, the bull’s owner, is now facing jail-time if convicted for a charge of manslaughter. Allegedly, Mosher had received 5 separate citations, prior to the accident, for unrestrained animals around his farm. He also apparently ignored warnings from a milk-truck driver in the neighborhood who informed him that he had seen the bull roaming around in the street on the day of the crash.

Failure to Control Animals and Potential Car Crash Liability

As in this case, when an animal causes a car accident due to a failure to restrain, the owner can be held at fault and have to pay damages or even face jail-time.

Collisions with animals can be very dangerous if the driver crashes head on, or is forced to swerve off the road to avoid a crash.

Avoiding a Crash

How can you avoid a crash when an animal has wandered onto the road? Be alert at night, especially when driving on winding back roads where deer have a tendency to run. Use your high beams and drive slower than you might usually in order to be prepared. Also, when driving in farm areas be aware of your surroundings and your speed.

Injured in an Accident That Was Not Your Fault?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash due to a pet-owner’s failure to control their animals, we can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact Lowenthal & Abrams for a free consultation from an experienced Pennsylvania auto accident attorney.