Beware of Deer on County Roads: Ways to Stay Safe as the Days Are Getting Shorter

The days are growing shorter, and fall is underway. In addition to apple cider and pumpkin patches, fall also means a significant increase in deer crossings on Connecticut roadways. Deer are more active in autumn and more likely to take their chances crossing the road. Unfortunately, these collisions can cause lots of property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

It’s important to plan ahead so you know how to drive safely and avoid deer collisions. If you’ve been injured in a crash, it may be time to talk to a lawyer. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 475-275-8649 to set up a consultation with our team of Cheshire car accident lawyers.

Expect Deer Crossings to Increase

Accidents involving deer are on the rise in Connecticut, causing local news stations to sound the alarms. Between October and December of 2022, there were 460 crashes on Connecticut roads. That’s the highest it has been in five years.

Deer tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. That’s also when many people tend to be going to work or returning home from work. Knowing that accidents are more likely during this time can allow you to plan your route accordingly and avoid high-risk driving times in and around Cheshire.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s important to ensure you have the proper insurance to cover a deer-related accident. The Connecticut Insurance Department reports that damage caused by an animal strike is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of a policy. Policyholders with liability-only or liability with collision coverage will be unable to recoup compensation after a deer-related collision. If you chose the least expensive insurance option when you signed up for your policy, this is a good time to make sure that it will cover damage caused by deer.

If you can be flexible about when you’re driving, this is the time to take advantage of that. Try to get on the road when the sun is out, rather than being on the road at dawn, dusk, or at nighttime. When you are traveling after dark, use your high beams whenever possible. However, don’t forget to switch to your regular headlights when a vehicle is approaching—you don’t want to cause a car accident while trying to avoid hitting a deer.

What to Do After a Deer-Related Crash

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you do hit a deer or a deer runs into your vehicle, it is important to keep calm and take the right steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. If your vehicle is drivable, move it off the roadway out of the way of other vehicles. Otherwise, you risk another car hitting you if your tail lights are out.

It would be best if you stayed in your vehicle or at least away from the deer. If it’s just injured, it may be unpredictable. Injured animals can lash out and cause further injuries. You may want to notify the local animal control department so they can provide rehabilitative assistance for the deer if that is an option. Report the accident to the Cheshire police so they can clean up the scene and, if necessary, arrange for the removal of the dead animal.

As soon as possible after the accident, take photos of the damage. You may also want to take photos of the crash scene to prove that the damage was caused by an animal collision.

If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, get it towed. From there, you can contact your insurance company to learn more about getting your vehicle repaired and where you can seek an estimate. If your insurance company pushes back against paying out your claim, this may be a good time to talk to an attorney about your options.

Learn More About Your Legal Options—Contact Dodd Law Firm

Have you been hurt in a crash caused by another party’s negligence? If so, it’s time to talk to a lawyer about your options. Car accidents can leave you with significant medical and repair expenses, and it’s important to hold the at-fault party accountable. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 475-275-8649 or get in touch online to set up a consultation.