It’s late at night and you are on your way home from a friend’s house. You are on a local road and there are no streetlights to light up the road ahead of you. When all of a sudden a deer jumps in front of your car, you try to stop in time but you can’t and the deer strikes your vehicle. In an instant a peaceful drive home can turn into a nightmare scenario with your vehicle damaged and an animal injured or dead.
An accident that is caused by an encounter with a wild animal can be incredibly frightening and unpredictable. Whether it is a deer that darts across the highway, a rabbit suddenly appearing in your path, or a moose that is slowly sauntering onto the road, these incidents can result in severe damage to your vehicle and pose serious risks to your safety.
As Utah car accident lawyers we have seen our fair share of wildlife related accidents and we understand how stressful and confusing these situations can be. In this article our car accident attorneys will explore what you can do to avoid a wildlife accident, insurance coverage options that can help protect you, and what you can do if you get into an accident with an animal while driving.
Stay Alert and Vigilant
In order to prevent an accident with an animal you must begin with staying vigilant while you are driving, especially in areas that are known for wildlife activity (secluded areas, national park roads, country freeways). With this in mind here are some more tips to follow in order to help you stay alert.
Know high Risk Areas
Research the areas around you to be aware of where a wildlife collision is most likely to occur. Most states maintain databases of reported wildlife incidents to help you identify these areas. If an area is particularly high risk for animals keep your eyes peeled as there will typically be road signs denoting areas with large amounts of wildlife.
If you are planning on visiting a national park, assume that you will encounter some sort of animal activity on the road and drive extra carefully.
Reduce Your Speed
One key step to take to ensure you don’t hit any wildlife is to reduce your speed. By reducing your speed you will have more time to react to an animal if they appear and you will be able to stop quickly. While driving in an area that is known for wildlife activity it is critical to reduce your speed especially when it is dark around dawn and dusk.
Use High Beams
The high beams in your car have a purpose, to light up the road ahead of you. If you are driving in a rural or wooded area at night, your high beams will greatly increase your visibility and you will be able to spot an animal much easier. Utilizing your high beams is a great way to stay vigilant but remember to switch back to your low beams when you approach another vehicle.
Pay Attention To Road Signs
Wildlife warning signs are there for a reason! If you see a deer crossing sign while driving it means that the area you are in has a high chance of animal crossings. If you see these signs, act accordingly and be prepared for any wildlife.
(Wildlife signs are typically yellow with a black border)
Be Extra Cautious in the Morning and Evening
A rough estimate suggests that 70% of all animals on earth are nocturnal, meaning they are much more active from dusk until dawn. If you are travelling at these times approach the road with caution and be prepared to stop for any animals.
What To Do If You Encounter a Wild Animal
Even if you take all of these precautions, an accident can still happen. If you run into an animal on the road take these steps:
- Stay Calm: Do your best to keep your cool and stay calm. Try to avoid sharp braking or swerving suddenly as an overcorrected turn or sharp brake could lead to a more serious accident.
- Brake Steadily: Gently apply pressure to your brakes and slow down. If you slam down on your brakes you may end up in an accident with the vehicle behind you. If you have enough time to react try to honk your horn at the animal as this could potentially scare them away.
- Stay in Your Lane: If a collision is imminent, try to stay in your lane as much as you can. If you swerve out of your lane you could land in oncoming traffic or off the road leading to a much more serious accident.
- After the Collision: If you do collide with an animal, safely pull over to the side of the road to check yourself for injuries and observe the damage to your vehicle. If you are severely injured make sure to call for medical assistance. Make sure to contact local authorities to report the accident as well this will help with any insurance reports, and will ensure that the animal will be cleaned off the road if it is dead.
Collision Coverage Options
Accidents that involve an animal can result in substantial vehicle damage and potential injuries. An insurance company may cover some of these expenses, as well as have a variety of options for compensation.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage typically covers the damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident. In most instances, a collision caused by wildlife will be covered by collision coverage or “full coverage” insurance. However, your particular insurance policy may not cover wildlife collisions. You should check with your current insurance provider or car accident attorney at LifeLaw, who can advise you as to your particular coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage
While collision coverage covers only damage to your vehicle caused by a collision, comprehensive coverage also protects your vehicle from non-collision events. This coverage can cover your car from hitting an animal, falling objects, or weather related damages.
An accident involving wild animals can be unnerving, but by staying alert and taking necessary precautions while you drive can greatly reduce your risk of being involved in a wildlife car accident. If you do happen to find yourself in an accident caused by an animal, remember to stay calm, follow the procedures we listed above, and contact a skilled Utah car accident attorney.
A Utah car accident attorney will be able to help you navigate the complex legal aspects that arise from a wildlife accident and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. LifeLaw Trial Lawyers team of the best Utah car accident attorneys will help you through the legal process and make sure that you feel heard every step of your legal journey. If you or someone you know has been injured and it was not your fault call our team of car accident attorneys today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps.