AUSTIN, Texas. Autumn is in the air. The days are noticeably getting shorter, mornings and evenings are cooler, and animals are on the move. According to AAA, most animal collisions occur during the fall and winter months. Fall is the deer mating season and in autumn there might be more hunters out for hunting season, meaning that the animals might be more likely to travel long distances. The chance that they’ll need to cross roads increases during these months. Animal collisions are dangerous and deadly. According to AAA, between 2001 and 2011 there were over 2,080 fatal accidents involving animals. These numbers don’t account for the many other accidents that resulted in human and animal injuries.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and animals on the road this fall? According to AAA, the best way to avoid accidents is to be prepared. Scan the road and expect to see animals, especially during dawn and dusk. If you have a passenger in the car, ask him or her to help you scan the road. If you see one deer or animal, it is likely that there are others around, so be sure to slow down. At night, at dawn, and at dusk, turn on your high beam headlights if there are no oncoming drivers. Your high beams will make it easier for you to spot animals.
But, what happens if there’s an animal on the road and a collision is unavoidable? The worst thing you can do is swerve. Swerving onto the shoulder can result in a vehicle rollover. Swerving onto an oncoming lane can result in a deadly head-on collision. If there’s an animal in the road, slow down as best you can to give the animal a chance to react. Animal behavior can be unpredictable. The deer might just jump out of your way in time.
According to the Balance, if you do hit an animal and suffer injuries or damage, your car insurance provider may be able to reimburse you for damages, particularly if you have comprehensive coverage. According to the Balance, you should treat an animal accident like any other crash. This means making a police report. This can be helpful when it comes to make a claim with your insurance and it can also be helpful if the animal you struck happened to be a family pet. Animal accidents involving family pets are particularly difficult and disturbing, but if they happen, it can be important to report them. If a pet owner left their dog off leash, for example, the pet owner may be liable for the accident. Pet owners have a responsibility to care for their pets and to protect them, which means preventing them from running onto streets.
Animal accident claims can sometimes be complicated. If you have been in an accident involving a deer or dog, the Robson Law Firm are Austin, Texas car accident attorneys who may be able to help you file your claim. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages from an irresponsible pet owner or make a claim against a car insurance company under the law. Visit the Robson Law Firm today to protect your rights.
Robson Law Firm
1114 Lost Creek Boulevard
Suite 440
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 345-8200