Depending on where you live, you may see deer and other wild animals grazing by the side of the road, nearby field, wooded area or open highway. Unfortunately, these animals do not stop to see if there are any cars coming before they run across the road. Too often, by the time the motorist sees the animal, it is too late, and the animal is hit by the car. animal accident hit by car
If it is a larger animal, like a deer, the impact can cause significant damage to the vehicle, and the motorist can suffer serious injuries. In addition to the car accidents caused by wild animals like deer, other animals like livestock and pets can also cause accidents if they get loose and run across the road. Farm animals like horses or cows can cause serious accidents due to their size and weight.
In addition, if you try to avoid hitting an animal, it can have deadly consequences if you swerve into oncoming traffic or hit a tree. You may also suffer injuries like whiplash if you stop to let an animal cross the road, but you are rear ended by an oncoming motorist who could not slow down in time.
Since animals are not expected to obey the rules of the road, you may wonder if you will be able to recover damages for the costs associated with the accident, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Seeking Damages
In order to recover damages, you must be able to determine who is at fault. If the animal was someone’s pet, the pet’s owner is responsible for making sure it does not get loose. If it does, and you were injured in an accident involving the animal, the owner may be considered negligent and ordered to compensate you for your injuries.
For example, if a large dog or a farm animal was loose because the owner failed to close a fence, the owner will likely be held liable for your injuries. Compensation usually comes from the person’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. However, if you hit an animal after it got loose, but it was not the owner’s fault, it is possible that you will not receive compensation from the animal’s owner.
Whatever the circumstances are, you are urged to contact an experienced car accident lawyer if you have been injured in an accident involving an animal. Your lawyer can recommend the best legal course of action, based on the details of your accident and the type of animal that you hit. ? car accidents caused by animals, animal hit by car.
CREDIT: LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A.
