Everything You Need To Know About Car Accidents Caused By Animals

​Car accidents caused by animals may be hard to avoid, especially driving in the countryside. Deer accidents have caused 700 deaths, and almost 80% of drivers have experienced near-collision incidents with animals. 

Injuries and car damages where animals are left to blame, particularly domestic ones like dogs or livestock like horses, can still be compensated. Wild animals that have caused car accidents can only be covered if the driver has comprehensive car insurance. Only you can be responsible since there's no animal owner to take responsibility for the damage or injury.

Animal Owner's Negligence
Animal owners are responsible for keeping these animals from injuring or causing damage to people on the road. Thus, if the animal belongs to someone, they may be the ones to compensate you for the car damages or injuries you got from the accident. 

What You Should Do
After the car accident involving the animal, whether for your insurance or legal matters, you should do the following in managing the car accident.

1. Move The Car To A Safe Location
   If you still can, take your car from a safe location and try to put on your hazard lights to get attention or help from nearby people or incoming vehicles.
   
   
2. Seek Medical Attention
   Check yourself on what medical attention you'll need, especially if you need immediate help, such as blood loss, fractures, concussion, or inflicted wounds. Then contact the police, the ambulance, or 911.
   
   
3. Take Pictures And Evidence
   Suppose you can still manage to walk, or you only get minor injuries. In that case, you should take pictures of your injuries and car damages, which you'll need when filing for your insurance. Also, gather information from the witnesses and other evidence of the accident for the police report.
   
   
4. File A Police Report
   For accidents causing property damage or bodily injuries, you should file a police report for legal matters and for you to get compensation from the animal owner.
   
   
5. Contact Your Lawyer or A Car Accident Lawyer
   Your lawyer or a car accident lawyer will further guide you on what legal actions you should take to get compensated. They can also explain and guide you for other legal matters within your car insurance.

Conclusion
If you're involved in an accident caused by animals, your best chance at compensation is through a police report. So it's better to gather evidence and witnesses for car insurance filing and a police report to be compensated either for your insurance or from the animal owner.

At Desmond Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (859) 491-5100 or Click Here to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!