If you’re driving and you get into an accident with an animal, there are a few things you should do. First, be cautious when you get to the scene. Second, it is possible to file a claim to get compensation.
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Can you claim compensation?
If you have been injured in a car accident that involved a wild or domestic animal, you may be able to claim compensation. You can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, as well as the owner of the pet. A personal injury attorney can help you recover damages from the at-fault party or the pet’s owner, usually with the help of deer-car accident attorneys.
Animal-versus-vehicle accidents can result in large amounts of damage to the vehicle. In fact, according to the United States Department of Transportation, 1.5 million vehicle-large animal collisions occur each year. However, the process of claiming compensation after an animal-related car accident is complicated.
You may be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. This is because pets are generally considered property, which means that you can claim for expenses incurred by your pet. It can be a confusing process, so it’s a good idea to hire an attorney. The lawyer will manage the communications with the at-fault party’s representatives and assist with your case.
Precautions when approaching an injured animal
If you are driving and see an injured animal on the road, it’s important to take precautions. You don’t want to injure the animal, or worse yet, get into an accident with it.
Firstly, avoid braking too hard. Doing so may cause the animal to skid out of the roadway. Instead, slow down and pull off the road in a safe space.
Secondly, try to avoid touching the animal. This could cause the animal to bite. Also, the animal could be in shock and resent your attempts to help.
Finally, make sure you have a leash. Having a leash will prevent the dog from trying to escape. It’s also a good idea to get an assistant to help.
Besides having a leash, make sure you have a running noose, too. The noose will distract the dog and will be useful if it becomes too aggressive.
When approaching the animal from behind, it’s a good idea to be calm and speak softly to announce your presence. Use hazard lights to guide you.
Negligence in a car accident with an animal
If you were involved in a car accident with an animal, you may want to hire a lawyer to help you determine your legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you can sue the driver, the owner of the animal, or both.
When you are involved in a car accident with an animal, the damages to your vehicle can be significant. It’s not uncommon for large animals to hit your car, causing serious injuries. The animal may also impact other vehicles.
However, this does not always mean that you are at fault for the accident. There are some common mistakes that drivers make that can affect their liability.
One mistake that can be made is failing to turn on the hazard lights. This will warn oncoming cars that there is a dangerous situation. You should avoid making this mistake if possible. Also, you should wait for the animal to move off of the road on its own.
Some drivers are able to avoid accidents with wild animals by swerving around the animal. Other drivers are not so lucky. They will crash into another vehicle or even a utility pole.
Common causes of car accidents with animals
Motor vehicle collisions with animals are one of the most common causes of fatal accidents on roads. These accidents can cause serious injuries to both drivers and animals.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to avoid these accidents. One of the first things that you can do is to learn about the common causes of animal-related car accidents.
The most common animals that are seen on roadways are rabbits, squirrels, birds, deer, and coyotes. Dogs and racoons are also quite common. However, there are other types of wild animals that can also be found on the road.
Some of these animals can be large, such as bears and dears. Other times, they are small, like squirrels. It’s important to keep in mind that even the smallest animal can be dangerous. For instance, a raccoon can dart out into the streets of downtown Baltimore at night.
When you see a wild animal on the road, you should avoid attempting to stop or swerve. You should also make sure that you have enough distance between yourself and the animal. If you hit a wild animal, it can cause tremendous damage to your vehicle.
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