Unless you are a hunter, you may be unaware that deer season is nearly here. This is the time of the year when Pennsylvanians need to use extra caution when navigating the Commonwealth’s roadways—keeping an eye peeled at all times for deer, a common highway peril, to pop up out of nowhere and cause a serious accident.
The Uptick in Deer Movement Across the State
There is a significant uptick in the movement of the state’s deer population in the last three months of the year, so it is quite commonplace for deer to bolt out onto the roadway at the least opportune moment, giving drivers little time to react safely. Historically, more deer-versus-car accidents occur during this time, underscoring the need for added caution among drivers.
Peak Season for Deer-Versus-Car Accidents
Motorists must prepare for and use reasonable care while behind the wheel, and in Pennsylvania, a peak season for deer-versus-auto crashes is definitely upon us. Analyses of animal collision data indicate that crashes are more abundant in October, November, and December throughout the state, reaching their crescendo in November.
Statistics Deer-Related Auto Accidents
According to State Farm, between July 2020 and June of 2021, there were 2.1 million instances of animals and vehicles colliding on the nation’s roadways. During the same time period, there were more than 166,000 animal-related auto insurance claims filed in the state of Pennsylvania, with drivers’ chances of hitting a deer or some other form of wildlife on the Commonwealth’s roads reaching one out of every 54 drivers. That is a big contrast to District Columbia where analysts say fewer than 1,000 animal collisions occurred during the same time period. Pennsylvania was unmatched in the number of animal-involved collisions, although Michigan, Texas, and California held their own.
Serious Deer-Related Crashes
Deer-related car accidents in the Commonwealth are usually the result of a driver swerving to avoid hitting a deer when it unexpectedly enters the roadway. Drivers may end up pulling into the path of oncoming traffic or even crashing into objects such as trees or guardrails, resulting in injuries to themselves, occupants of their vehicles, and drivers and occupants of other cars on the roadway.
Whether you are a driver or occupant in a car that swerves to avoid a deer or a driver or passenger in a car that is hit as a result of a driver losing control when a deer enters the roadway, the injuries sustained can be quite serious.
If a driver is found to be negligent in a deer-versus-car accident, then the driver and his insurer may be held liable for any injuries that result. Some ways that drivers may be seen as negligent in this type of animal-related crash include speeding, driving while texting or otherwise distracted, failing to slow down for deer, and failing to use extra caution on roads where deer crossings are clearly marked.
Advocating for Injured Parties
Being injured in a car wreck can be scary and frustrating. Having a seasoned attorney to advise and counsel you throughout the claims process can help. Count on Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, a Pittsburgh, PA car accident attorney firm to help you get the compensation you deserve for accident-related medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. Reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.