Recently, a log truck driver sustained minor injuries while attempting to avoid hitting a deer. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that the driver of an 18 wheeler log truck was traveling east on Mississippi 28 when he lost control and overturned, spilling logs across the roadway.  The driver informed troopers that he was trying to avoid hitting a deer.

Mississippi is Home to a Number of Deer Caused Car Accidents Annually

State Farm Insurance ranked Mississippi number five for one of the states with the highest rates of deer related crashes. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, more than 3,400 vehicles were involved in accidents with deer in the state in 2014.  Some one in 88 drivers will statistically collide with a deer this year.  Sadly, these numbers are actually an improvement over prior years.

The Mississippi car accident attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC caution all drivers to be on the lookout for deer as we move into fall. We have witnessed the serious accidents that deer can cause and want to offer the following tips to help keep residents safe around this wildlife:

  1. Be on alert: Deer become more active during the months of October through January. It is particularly important during these months for drivers to be on the alert and drive defensively. About half of all car accidents involving deer occur during the hours of 5 p.m. to midnight, while another 20 percent happen in early morning hours.   During these hours, it is of the utmost importance to use caution and be on the lookout for deer.
  2. Watch for posted areas: When driving, watch for posted deer crossing signs. These signs have been placed in the area because it is a known area for large deer populations that may cross the road. Deer crossing signs are most likely to be found in heavily wooded areas.
  3. Look for eyes: Drivers will often spot deer by the shine of their eyes, especially at night or during the early morning hours. Slow down right away if you catch a glimpse of eyes by the side of the road.
  4. Wear your seatbelt and drive slow: If you do run into a deer, your seatbelt could save your life. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt each and every time you get into the car. Travel at a safe speed, slowing down even further than the speed limit when traveling around curves or through areas that show signs of deer activity.
  5. Use caution if you swerve to avoid a deer: Unfortunately, at times, drivers will forced to decide in a split second whether to hit a deer or swerve to avoid it. While avoiding the deer collision is always preferable, swerving can at times be dangerous. Before you swerve, check in your mirrors and in front of your vehicle to ensure you will not hit another vehicle or lose control of your car.If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years. We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Put Our Decades of Experience to Work on Your Automobile Accident Case!

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.