A woman slammed into a wandering equine about 45 miles southwest of Buffalo; the impact killed her instantly.
The crash took place near Leon, which is between Buffalo and Erie. After the collision, 43-year-old Lerlene Rumsey, of Cassadaga, was thrown from her car as it careened into a ditch and rolled over several times before finally coming to rest.
Authorities are still investigating the wreck, which took place about 9:00 p.m.
Landowner Liability
Animals on the roadway are a common sight in certain parts of the state and during certain times of the year. Small animals, like dogs and cats, often cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles when they strike them or swerve to avoid them; larger animals, like cows or horses, often are the equivalent of concrete barriers that kill drivers almost instantly.
Sometimes, these animals are owned by individuals who do not properly supervise them. For example, they do not keep dogs confined in a fenced area or do not keep their livestock in a pen. If these animals cause injury, the landowner is generally responsible. In many areas of New York, property owners are absentee owners that only visit during certain seasons or on weekends, so this problems are especially acute.
Other times, these crashes are caused because the government fails to uphold its proprietary function For example, if there are known to be wild deer on a roadway and there are no signs warning motorists, the government may be responsible for its inaction.
If there is a serious injury involved, such as a broken bone or any injury that requires substantial recuperation time, damages may include compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Punitive damages may also be available, in some cases.
Landowners are responsible for their property. For a free consultation with attorneys who fight for victims, contact our office. An attorney can arrange for you to see a doctor, even if you have no money and no insurance.
