The beauty and wildlife throughout many parts of New York can be breathtaking. However, a sudden collision with wildlife can be a serious risk to your health and cause enormous damage to your vehicle. Vehicle collisions with deer are commonplace. In New York State, drivers have more than a 1 in 133 chance of hitting a deer. Given the frequency with which these accidents occur, it is helpful to understand what should be done following a collision. You might be surprised to learn that reporting a crash with a deer is mandatory in some situations. Our New York City personal injury lawyers can help.
New York Accident
Reporting Requirements
Under New York state law, only certain accidents must be
reported. This applies not only to collisions between two vehicles but also in
one-car collisions involving fixed objects or wildlife. When you hit a deer,
you face the same reporting requirements as if you were involved in a fender
bender. There are two circumstances where reporting a crash is mandatory:
- When the damage to the vehicle is more than
$1,000, or - When someone suffers a bodily injury.
While this may sound like reporting is often not required,
the reality is that a collision with a deer will almost always result in more
than $1,000 damage. Even minor vehicle bodywork can cost that much, and the
potential cost could be far more if the deer struck the windshield or damaged
the underside of the vehicle.
Injuries are not uncommon in these accidents, either. Many
drivers reflexively swerve to avoid a deer. However, it is not uncommon for a
driver to not only strike a deer but also crash into a tree or other fixed
object afterward. In many cases, a collision with a deer could result in severe
injury.
In these cases, it is usually best to dial 911. Not only will this alert law enforcement to a potential injury, it will also trigger the filing of a police report about the crash. In addition to providing a report, dialing 911 and calling the police to the scene will help you meet your notice requirement. That said, you have 10 days under state law to report the accident following the date the collision occurs.
Consequences of Not
Reporting an Accident
Unfortunately, the failure to report an accident is a
criminal offense under state law. When the accident involves a bodily injury or
death, the consequences of a failure to report an accident could involve steep
fines or even jail time.
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What to Do After
Hitting a Deer with your Vehicle
Before you worry about meeting the notice requirements under
state law, your first step should be to ensure you and your passengers are
safe. As long as no one in your vehicle is in peril, it is important to move
out of the roadway and onto the shoulder, if possible.
From there, assess the nature of the damage and your
injuries. If no one in the vehicle is injured and the damage to the front
bumper seems minor, there is no need to report anything to law enforcement. However,
if you or a passenger are injured or your vehicle has sustained serious damage,
you must inform law enforcement as soon as you are able to do so. Complying
with these rules can keep you from running afoul of the law and provide your
insurance carrier with helpful reports.
How an Accident Attorney
can Help
If you are involved in a collision with a deer or other animal, the damage to your vehicle could be significant. Regardless of the circumstances of the crash, you might benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. At Douglas & London, our New York City car accident lawyers can assist you with the process of recovering compensation for your accident. If another person is responsible for causing you to collide with a deer, we can help you pursue a negligence claim against the responsible party. Even if there were no other motorists present, we can work with your insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. Call right away to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your options.
