Deer-car accidents in Michigan can be costly and injuries can be severe, especially if a driver's response to a deer on the road results in collision with another vehicle, tree or other object besides the deer. While Michigan no-fault insurance will cover the cost of medical expenses for those involved (besides the deer), it won't cover the cost of vehicle repairs or compensate injury victims for pain and suffering. The best way to handle a deer-car accident is to avoid them in the first place.
Be extra alert and aware for deer when driving rural roads and highways in the early morning and evening hours. Deer are most active at this time of day.
Look out for signs of possible deer near the road, including road signs indicating deer areas, sightings of deer in nearby pastures and meadows (deer travel in groups and if some are nearby, others may be on the road or about to cross it), and the shine of deer eyes in headlights.
Use the high beam of your headlights whenever it's safe to do so. This will help you see deer far in advance and give you time to brake safely.
On multi-lane roadways, drive in the center-most lane to give you the maximum time to respond to deer that enter the roadway.
If you see a deer on or about to cross the roadway, brake firmly and slow down so the deer has time to get out of your path. A long blast of your car horn may help to scare the deer out of your path.
Don't swerve to either side when braking for a deer. Swerving may cause you to collide with another vehicle or object on the side of the road. Swerving while braking can also cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. Such circumstances can result in more damage and injuries than actually hitting the deer.
If you see one deer crossing the roadway, be on the lookout for other deer. Deer travel in groups and others may be following the first deer.
Always wear your seatbelt. Injury can result from quick braking, even if the car doesn't strike the deer or other object, and serious injuries can result if the car does strike the deer. Make sure all passengers in your vehicle are also wearing their seatbelts.
Deer are highly unpredictable and make an effort to avoid being seen by humans. Occasionally, even the safest, most alert drivers end up crashing into one. If you do hit a deer while driving, pull over and bring the vehicle to a stop as soon as it is safe to do so. If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 or an ambulance to get assistance. If no one is injured call local police or the Michigan State Police and alert them to the situation. If the deer is still on the road or lying in a place that is dangerous to other drivers, make police aware of that fact so they can arrange to have the carcass moved. Don't touch the deer as it may not be dead yet and injured deer can be dangerous.
Insurance companies don't like to pay out for injuries and damages related to deer accidents. They often delay or deny claims or attempt to settle for much less than the true value of the claim. Unfortunately, many people don't know what their claim is worth or what their rights are and insurance companies get away with these schemes. However, having an experienced Michigan auto accident attorney on your side can ensure you get the maximum value for your claim. An attorney can also aid in the recovery of damages besides medical costs when the accident resulted from another driver's negligent driving, even when a deer is involved. If injuries are serious, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering as well.
Call our Detroit personal injury law office at 1-800-638-6722 to schedule a free consultation and find out what damages you may be entitled to.
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