Although many car crashes in New Jersey occur because of driver negligence, some accidents happen when motor vehicles collide with animals on the road. A driver may hit the brakes or swerve to avoid hitting an animal, which can cause them to lose control of the vehicle. Collisions with larger animals can cause significant vehicle damage and severe injuries to the vehicle’s occupants. People injured in animal-related car accidents may wonder about their legal options for obtaining compensation for car repairs, medical treatment, and lost income.
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident caused by an animal, you’ve come to the right place. An experienced car accident attorney can help you figure out your options for moving forward. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we’ve helped over 35,000 individuals and families get the justice they deserve. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.
Our team can investigate the accident and explore every possible avenue of compensation you could be entitled to. There’s no charge to meet with us, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Contact our New Jersey car accident attorneys today to get started.
Deer: The Most Frequent Cause of Animal-Related Car Accidents in New Jersey
Deer are among the animals that cause the most car crashes in New Jersey. New Jersey has a substantial deer population, especially in less densely populated areas of the state. According to animal car accident statistics from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, over 15,000 car crashes in New Jersey each year involve deer. Around half of these accidents occur from October through December as deer become more active during their mating season, and three-quarters of crashes occur during nighttime hours.
Does My Insurance Cover Animal-Related Car Accidents?
New Jersey has a no-fault car insurance system. Thus, you could seek compensation from your insurance policy after a car accident caused by animals. For instance, you could file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Every car insurance policy in New Jersey must include PIP coverage; insurers are required to offer a $250,000 limit as standard, although policyholders can opt for lower coverage limits. However, specific catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, permanent brain damage, or disfigurement/dismemberment, qualify for $250,000 of coverage regardless of the purchased policy limit.
Furthermore, you may have purchased optional coverages in your car insurance policy that can provide compensation for other expenses. For example, collision/comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs to your car or reimburse you for the car’s value if it is totaled in an accident. Rental reimbursement coverage can help cover the cost of a rental vehicle or alternative transportation expenses while your car is being repaired.
What To Do After a Car Accident Involving Animals
If you’ve been in a car accident caused by an animal, the steps you should take to pursue financial relief include the following:
- Report the crash to your car insurance company and file a PIP claim to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses or lost income.
- Obtain a copy of the police crash report if law enforcement comes to the accident scene.
- Request copies of the medical records of your treatment and rehabilitation.
- Follow your treatment plan and recovery instructions.
- Gather your pay stubs/income statements if you miss work or experience a reduction in your earnings due to your injuries.
- Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts of your accident expenses.
Finally, speak to an animal car accident attorney to explore your legal options for obtaining compensation. In addition to PIP coverage, you may have legal options against other drivers if they were negligent in responding to the animal’s presence on the road. For example, if a driver swerved into your lane to avoid hitting the deer, you could be able to seek additional money damages from them.
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in New Jersey Today
Get practical legal advice to understand your rights and options after a car accident caused by an animal. Contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in New Jersey.
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Since 1981, the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon have been delivering results for our deserving clients. We are solely committed to helping injured individuals, never representing corporations. No matter how large or small your personal injury case is, you can trust that it is important to us.
