Marsh | Rickard | Bryan

Marsh, Rickard & Bryan

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

Be careful out there: November is prime time for deer strikes

Autumn is mating time, and that means excited animals chasing each other around and across our state’s highways and byways. If you’re headed out into the country this fall, you should be aware that there is a good chance you could encounter deer, elk, moose and the like.

It may be delightful to view the animals, but these encounters can be extremely dangerous. The number of insurance claims for large animal strikes rises sharply in the fall, peaking in November.

The insurance company State Farm estimates that there could be as many as 1.33 million large animal strikes this coming year. Your chance of hitting one in Alabama? About 1 in 136.

According to the most recent data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 189 people were killed in animal-related crashes in 2016. A spokesperson for the institute notes that the majority of human fatalities occur either when a collision causes a motorcyclist to fall off their bike or when a passenger vehicle runs off the road.

“Most of the human deaths would be prevented if every driver buckled up and every motorcyclist wore a helmet,” he told Consumer Reports.

The problem, according to the head of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, is that deer and other large animals are much more active this time of year. At the same time, the number of daylight hours is dwindling. There are more dark hours when it’s hard to see an animal approaching the road.

Ordinarily, there is little recourse for people who are injured by striking large animals. It’s just a fact of life, and your own auto insurance should cover most of the cost. Sometimes, however, inattentive motorists fail to notice cars stopped after animal strikes. They may plow into stopped or disabled vehicles or hit vehicle occupants who have exited their vehicles after a crash. When that occurs, the victim may wish to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Here are a few tips Consumer Reports presented on how to avoid a large animal strike:

Buckle up. According to the IIHS, about 60% of people killed in collisions with animals aren’t wearing seat belts.

Anytime you’re traveling through deer country, slow down. Deer are most active at dawn and between about 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Be aware of regular crossings. Watch out for deer crossing signs. If this is your regular route, be aware of where you consistently notice animals grazing.

If you see an animal by the road, slow down further and, at night, put your high beams on.

If you see one animal, assume there will be more. Deer tend to travel in groups, so don’t assume you’re safe once a single deer has crossed.

Deer whistles are unreliable. These devices are often installed on front bumpers to scare animals away. However, animal behavior is unpredictable, so don’t rely on a whistle to keep you safe.

If an animal is in the road, brake instead of swerving. If you swerve to avoid an animal, you may lose control of your car, strike another car or leave the roadway. Plus, the animal may become confused about where to go to avoid being hit. Your odds of survival are much higher when hitting an animal than they are hitting another car or a tree.

If you do hit an animal, move your car off the road and call the police. Do not approach the injured animal. Take pictures of the scene and damage, especially if another vehicle is involved, and contact your insurance company.

i 3 Table of Contents

We listen. Your story matters to us.

We have a team of courtroom lawyers with a proven track record to help you tell your story. And we have the resources, the experience and the reputation to make sure you’re heard.

Tell Us About Your Case

Check Consent Box

Honored To Be a Part of Their  Story
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict ."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed ."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
Related Articles
Common fatal work-related accidents
Common fatal work-related accidents

Unfortunately, whether you work outside or inside, there is always a risk of injury when you go to work. If you are involved in a work-related accident, it is critical to know what steps to take immediately after the accident. If you lose someone close to you because...

The multiple dangers on construction sites
The multiple dangers on construction sites

Construction sites carry inherent dangers. Even the most skilled and seasoned professionals can find themselves injured. The physical damage to workers can be severe when it comes to poorly maintained or improperly used equipment. Recovery time can be expensive, both...

When playtime turns tragic
When playtime turns tragic

For children, the simplest pleasures come from their toys. However, playtime can turn dangerous in a split second if a product defect results in serious injuries. History tells a story of certain toys once flying off toy shelves, only to lead to life-changing...

Related Videos
Personal Account
Business Account
Investments
Insurance Services
Ohter Services
Debit Card
Credit Card

Your story matters to us

Tell Us Your Story