During the months of October and November, Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of deer-related vehicle accidents. Insurance claims can be as high as 4,000 per month because those are the months that deer are mating. Most of these accidents occur at dawn or dusk. Deer may jump abruptly into the road causing severe damage to the car or causing the driver to swerve off the road.
In some situations, this may be considered an emergency circumstance which may excuse liability. However, it should be noted that it is nevertheless possible to be at fault in these circumstances. For example, if there was a deer crossing sign that the driver did not pay attention to, the driver may be at fault.
Injury claims may arise from passengers in the vehicle. In these cases, the passenger may bring a claim arguing that the driver failed to take certain precautions that were required in that situation. In these cases, if the passenger or driver is injured, the medical coverage from the insurance policy will come into play.
If you are involved in a deer-related car accident in Wisconsin, here are some steps you should take:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Pull over to a safe location: If possible, move your car to the side of the road or to a safe location to avoid blocking traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
- Report the accident: If there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report the accident to the police. Even if the accident does not meet the reporting threshold, it’s still a good idea to report the accident to your insurance company.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle and the deer carcass, if applicable. This documentation may be useful when filing an insurance claim.
- Don’t approach the deer: Do not approach the deer, as it may be injured or frightened and could potentially cause harm.
- Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and discuss your coverage options.
It’s important to remember that hitting a deer can be a frightening and traumatic experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious after the accident, it may be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
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