Wildlife Poses Car Accident Risk
According to KDLT news, a 17-year old was killed over the weekend when he swerved to avoid an animal in the road. He was ejected from his vehicle and died in the hospital.
In some cases, tragedies like this cannot be avoided. Animals, like elk, can be very difficult to see on the road until it is too late. The consequences of hitting an animal of this size while driving can be similar to that of hitting another vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that there are 1.5 million car accidents involving deer every year. Each collision can cost victims anywhere from $2,800 to $10,000 per accident, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
There are options for individuals who wish to protect themselves financially for these accidents. For instance, comprehensive car insurance protects against this type of accident. It is important to document all damages to your vehicle when making a claim and to understand your rights. An accident lawyer can help you fight insurance companies to help ensure that your premiums increase only as allowable under the law, and to ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for all damages.
In the case of the accident over the weekend, the driver swerved in order to avoid an animal. Drivers trying to avoid an animal on the road can also endanger other drivers nearby. Sometimes drivers may move onto oncoming lanes, resulting in further damage and more victims.
Road signs often warn drivers about areas where deer may be present. Drivers who do not slow down endanger not only their own lives, and the lives of animals crossing the road, but also the lives of other drivers who may happen to be driving nearby.
If you have been involved in an accident involving wildlife or another driver, it might be useful to contact a personal injury lawyer in Meridian or Boise, Idaho. A personal injury attorney can understand the circumstances of your accident and determine whether another driver might be negligible and therefore responsible for paying damages for your injuries, property damage, or lost time on the job.
According to the Spokesman Review, over 5,000 elk and moose were killed last year on Idaho roads. Only about half of the animals killed on roadways go reported, so the numbers may be much higher. This number competes with the number of deer killed every year during hunting season alone. Wildlife underpasses and fencing can help alleviate the problem, but these measures don’t completely eliminate the risk of drivers encountering wildlife on the road.
November is considered the most unsafe month for wildlife on roadways, though animals cross the road at all times of the year.
State Farm, an insurance company, reported that deer related claims have increased, with each claim averaging about $3,000 in property damage.
The Law Firm of Johnson & Lundgreen prides itself on handling all kinds of car accident claims. Our team of lawyers takes the time to review all details of your case and we only get paid if you win. We understand that insurance companies are not always willing to settle properly with car accident victims and our team of lawyers can help fight for your interests. We can help submit properly documentation to ensure that your case is heard.
