As any person who spends time driving on Missouri roadways knows, deer are a common sight.
Unfortunately, they are also a cause for many vehicular accidents. Typically, the most prevalent months for deer accidents are also their hunting season: October, November and December. Even so, deer are known to step out onto a highway all year around. Single vehicle accidents with deer costs insurance companies close to $3,000 per claim, $10,000 if there is an injury involved. It is important in a state like Missouri, where the deer population is high, that a driver makes sure their insurance policy will cover an accident with an animal. If you were injured in a crash with a deer and not sure if it is compensable, get in touch with a Missouri car accident attorney to help you figure out exactly what is covered by your own insurance.
Filing a Claim With Your Insurance
Motor vehicle insurance is big business, and accidents with deer take a big bite out of it. It is estimated that close to $4 billion is paid out annually by insurance companies for car accidents involving deer. And as the deer population continues to grow, those numbers are expected to rise. With money like that, it is no wonder that many carriers hesitate before covering a claim for a crash with a deer. It is important for drivers to understand that your standard collision coverage may not include accidents with animals. In order to ensure that you are reimbursed for these types of accidents you need to make sure you have comprehensive insurance or an umbrella policy.
Studies show that early evening is the most common time to see a deer on the road. Since they often travel as a herd, it is likely that if you see one there are others close by. Be extra cautious when out on the road between 6 and 9 P.M. Just days before this past Christmas, there was a major accident out on Highway H right after night fall that caused excessive damage to one of the vehicles involved. Two deer entered the highway, and one was hit head on by an oncoming vehicle. The impact was so strong that the animal was sent flying into the path of another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the accident other than the deer, but the first car was unable to drive away from the scene.
Take Precautionary Measures
There is not much a driver can do to prevent a deer from entering his path, but there are some precautions he can take that will decrease the likelihood of collision if one does. Be alert and drive within the speed limit, especially at dusk. At nighttime, use your high beams and keep in mind that deer travel together. If you pass one on the side of the road there is most likely more nearby so slow down and prepare for encountering one. If there is a deer in your path, try to stay calm and avoid swerving. This may cause you to collide with another vehicle and you may be found at fault for the accident.
Missouri Car Accident Lawyers
In Missouri alone it is estimated that there are close to 32,000 accidents involving deer each year that cost insurance companies over $105 million dollars in payouts. It is no wonder they try to avoid paying claims on these types of accidents. You may need the help of a Missouri car accident attorney if you were hurt in a car accident involving a deer. Contact an attorney to help you decide what the best path to compensation is for your case.
photo credit: orcmid
