West Texas Driver Killed In Midnight Collision With Wandering Cow

A man in Midland County died earlier this week after losing control of his vehicle following a sudden impact with a wandering cow.

A Fatal Collision with a Cow

On Tuesday, May 5, 61-year-old Big Spring native Robert Wayne Gregory was driving his 2000 Volvo truck just after midnight. He was traveling north on FM 1379 when a stray cow began crossing the street in front of him.

With little to no time to react, Gregory's vehicle, towing a trailer at the time, collided with the massive mammal. Following the impact, the truck veered off the road before smashing through a nearby fence to a dirt field where it then flipped.

Gregory was pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries or other damaged vehicles were reported.

Who's at Fault? Hitting a Cow in Texas

In Texas, livestock collisions can be incredibly complex and, according to the Smith & Hassler law firm, often fall under four scenarios:

1. Open-range farm to market route. Owner is not liable; driver is covered by their own insurance
2. Open-range federal or state highway. Owner is liable and their insurance will compensate the driver
3. Closed-range accident. Owner or other third party, such as fence manufacturer, is liable
4. Closed-range accident where owner is uninsured. Driver can consider filing lawsuits to collect damage costs from the uninsured livestock owner

It's also important to remember that coverage varies; not every scenario will be covered by insurance. You can learn more about the fine line between who's at fault when a driver hits a cow on the road from the Smith & Hassler website.