The most dangerous animal in the United States is a deer. Yes, you read that right! Deer cause more deaths in the United States than any other species. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deer-related car accidents cause about 10,000 serious injuries and 200 deaths each year.
Not only is fall deer mating season, but it is also hunting season, which means there is a dramatic increase in the number of deer moving toward highways and busier areas. To help raise awareness for deer-related car accidents, the personal injury attorneys from the Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine are offering up tips on how to safely navigate the roadways this season and advice on what to do if involved in an accident caused by a deer.
Tips to Avoid Deer-Related Accidents
As the number of deer on and near the roadways increase, it is imperative for drivers to be more cautious.
- Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone, radio, or GPS. Deer can be hard to see, especially at night, so it is important you are focused on the roadway and your surroundings.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs. Deer crossing signs are posted in areas where there is a higher likelihood that deer will be on/around roadways. When you see these signs, slow down and be on the lookout.
- Stop when you see a deer. Don’t swerve! If there is a deer in the roadway, stop your vehicle and put on your flashers. Do not honk at the deer. This could scare them and cause them to jump towards your vehicle. Do not swerve. This could cause you to hit another vehicle or lose control of your own car.
- Use your high beams when traveling at night. Use your high beams at night to have better visibility of the sides of the road (the areas where deer are usually standing before they approach). Remember to turn off your high beams if another car is approaching you and then turn them back on once they have passed.
- Buckle up. If you were to be involved in a car accident involving a deer, you could save your life by wearing a seatbelt. Buckle up not only for deer season, but all year around!
Can I Receive Compensation If Involved in A Deer-Related Car Accident?
The first step to take after being involved in a deer-related accident is to contact an attorney to review your insurance policy. Some insurance policies will not cover deer-related accidents. Others require additional coverage to compensate for injuries and vehicle damage. If you are unsure what your insurance policy protects, contact us today for a free consultation to walk through your policy.
Many deer-related accidents are due to negligence from other drivers. For example, if a deer is in the middle of the roadway and a car swerves to miss the deer, but hits the car in the other lane, this may be considered negligence. In this instance, the driver who was hit may be entitled to compensation.
Every accident and situation will vary and have complexities, which is why it is best to have a personal injury attorney on your side who understands deer-related accidents and can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Having an Experienced Attorney on Your Side
At Dale E. Anstine Personal Injury Law Firm, your injury is our fight. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, reach out today for your free consultation. Get a specialized attorney on your side who has a full understanding of the complexities of personal injury and vehicle accident laws in PA. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7 and there’s no fee unless we win for you.