The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports there are over a million and a half car crashes each year in America which involve deer or other large animals. Other than deer, motorists may collide with small rodents, raccoons, porcupines, armadillos, livestock and even our feathered friends, which lead to an accident. As more and more home developments go into areas which were once home to wild animals, the animals are being pressed into roadways occupied by motorists.
Ways to Avoid an Accident Caused by an Animal
Obviously, obeying speed limits is a primary way to avoid animal-caused accidents, and in areas with low visibility or where animals are known to be more active, you should reduce your speed even further. In inclement weather such as rain or fog, speed can reduce your response time to the sudden appearance of an animal, increasing your chances of a serious or fatal accident. In rural areas or heavily wooded areas, be especially conscious of the possibility of deer on the roadway, and in known ranching communities, keep watch for livestock which may have escaped from their normal fenced-in area.
Although some people may scoff at signs which indicate animals cross in a particular place—after all, the deer can’t read—the fact is that deer are fairly consistent about where they cross, so pay attention to warning signs. Reduce your speed and exercise extra caution when you see an animal crossing sign. If you should see an animal down the roadway, slow down and determine what you would do if the animal jumped into your path. Slow your speed and use caution and remember that if you see one deer—there are likely more.
If you are startled by an animal leaping in front of you on the roadway, do your best to stay in control of your car—it is much more likely you will be hurt if you veer off the road or swerve into oncoming traffic than if you simply hit the animal, although if you can manage to hit it at an angle there is a better chance it will spin away from your car after the impact rather than coming through your windshield. Some people believe you should turn off your headlights when you see a deer in the roadway at night as it might snap the animal out of its trance and cause it to run away, avoiding an accident, but you could find yourself worse off if you are unable to see what lies ahead.
If You Do Hit an Animal
If you do hit an animal in the roadway, never approach the animal or touch it to see how badly it is hurt. A wounded or scared animal can be extremely dangerous. Call 911 with your cell phone or have another person do so. Seek immediate medical attention and have your injuries treated and documented. Just as you should do in any automobile accident, it’s important to take notes regarding the accident, and photos with your cell phone if you are able. If you can find out who the property owner is, do so, and make sure the police arrive and you get a formal police report for your insurance claim.
Contact a Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney
Especially if there was extensive damage or injury involved as a result of the collision with an animal, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney who can walk you through the process of filing an insurance claim and can determine if the settlement offered is a fair one. An experienced Mississippi personal injury attorney from our law firm work hard to ensure your rights are protected in the aftermath of an accident and that the expenses for your injuries and damages are fully covered.