Learn what to do if you are involved in an automobile accident with an animal. Our lawyers are happy to speak with you and discuss your rights regarding your claim – schedule a free, no obligation consultation today.
Collision Coverage
Not all types of insurance coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle along with other damages, if you are involved in an accident with a deer or other wild animal. If you have liability only insurance, there is no coverage to pay for damages to your vehicle in the event of an accident – your coverage only pays for others’ damages that you are found liable for.
If you carry collision insurance, this type of policy does pay for damage to your own vehicle in the event of an accident with an animal. If you are a passenger in a vehicle and sustain an injury in an auto versus animal accident, you may be able to make a claim with your own collision coverage for damages.
If there is no automobile policy applicable in your situation, there may be other forms of insurance to file a claim with. Landowners insurance and government policies may be an option, depending on the cause of the accident.
Different Types of Animal Collisions
Collisions can occur with all different types of animals. Crashes involving wild animals, such as deer, cross roadways at random, leading to 50,000 wrecks each year in Georgia alone!
Accidents involving vehicles and animals also occur amongst livestock. Cows that get loose from their enclosures pose a serious risk to drivers, as a full-grown bovine can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Loose pets also pose a danger to drivers, as they may suddenly dart into the roadway.
Steps to Take After Hitting an Animal
If you are involved in an accident with an animal, take these steps immediately afterwards to stay safe:
- Pull your vehicle to the side of the road in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights for visibility. Stay in the vehicle – if you must go out, do not walk in the road or in the way of traveling vehicles.
- Report the accident by calling police. Let the dispatcher know if an animal is injured or dead in the road, either blocking traffic flow or posing a danger to others.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries, damage to your vehicle and any markings on the road. If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact information as well as a statement.
- Do not go near the injured animal, as it may hurt you.
- Contact your insurance agent to report the incident.
- After an accident with an animal, inspect your vehicle for safety before you drive it.
Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions
- Be very careful when driving at dusk or dawn, as deer are more active at this time because they can see better.
- Deer often move in packs, so if one crosses, you should expect more.
- Brake but don’t swerve to miss a deer, as you do not want to be involved in an even more dangerous accident as a result.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a car accident involving an animal, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. The Brunswick car accident lawyers of Roden Law help accident victims navigate the legal process as they pursue fair compensation.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today and speak to an attorney regarding your claim. There are no upfront fees to pay and you only owe payment for legal fees and expenses if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call 1-844-RESULTS or complete our Free Case Review form today.