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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING AN ANIMAL?

Published by Bill Laubscher at October 27, 2023

Most drivers do not expect to encounter an animal in the middle of a Michigan road or highway. Yet, according to Michigan State Police, there were close to 60,000 deer car accidents in 2022, a 13 percent increase over the previous year. As a result of these crashes, 11 people were killed and more than 1,600 were injured. In addition, the majority of these accidents (57,507) caused damage to vehicles and other property. And deer are not the only animals putting motorists at risk. Cows and other livestock can escape and wander onto roadways, and runaway dogs can cause drivers or bicyclists to lose control and crash.

Here is an overview of animal-related accidents and how an experienced car accident attorney can protect your rights and win the compensation you deserve.

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WILL MY INSURANCE COVER CAR REPAIRS FOR AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY AN ANIMAL?

Insurance coverage for accidents involving animals depends on the terms of the driver’s No-Fault policy and the circumstances of the accident. Coverage and liability vary depending on whether the crash involves wild animals, such as deer, or animals that are owned by someone else, such as livestock or dogs.

Accidents involving deer or other wild animals

If a car is damaged in a collision with a deer or other wild animal, and no other vehicle is involved in the accident, repairs are covered only if the insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional protection pays for damages that occur in situations other than car accidents, such as animals, fire, theft, vandalism, glass/windshield damage, falling trees, lightning, hail and flooding.

However, comprehensive coverage only applies when the animal makes actual contact with the vehicle. If a car hits a tree or guardrail in order to avoid hitting an animal, repairs would be covered under the collision portion of the policy and the vehicle owner or driver would be responsible for paying the deductible.

Accidents involving livestock or pets

Michigan law holds owners responsible for the actions of their animals. If a horse, cow or other type of livestock gets loose and causes damage to someone else’s property, the Michigan Animals Running at Large Act states the owner or person responsible for the animals is liable. This includes vehicle damage caused by animals that wander onto roads or highways.

Dogs or other pets can also cause accidents when they leave their property and chase after cars or bicycles. Michigan law includes a “strict liability” statute that holds owners responsible for injuries or other damage caused by their dogs.

However, it is wise to contact a qualified personal injury attorney if an animal owned by someone else, such as livestock or dogs, caused you to suffer harm.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS?

Although any type of accident is possible when an animal crosses a road or highway, these are the most common:

Rear-end collisions
- This is the most common type of animal-related crash. When a driver suddenly brakes to avoid hitting an animal that darted into the road, the vehicle behind may not be able to stop or change lanes in time to avoid a collision.
Head-on collisions
- These occur most often on two-lane roads when a driver swerves into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid hitting an animal.
Multi-vehicle accidents
- In heavily trafficked areas or roads where cars are traveling at high speeds, hitting an animal or swerving or braking to avoid one often results in a crash involving more than one vehicle.

Recommended reading: Important Facts About Rear-End Collisions

WHAT HAPPENS IF ANOTHER VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ANIMAL-RELATED ACCIDENT?

When another vehicle is involved in an accident with an animal, whether wild or privately owned, and someone is injured, each driver would seek reimbursement for medical bills and other accident-related expenses from the No-Fault policies covering their vehicles.

However, if one (or more) driver is at fault for the accident, the victim(s) may be able to file a lawsuit to recover intangible damages such as pain and suffering as well as medical expenses that exceed the limits of their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.

Because these cases are complex, it is best to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible if you are injured in any type of crash with another vehicle.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING AN ANIMAL CAR ACCIDENT

Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you
Reduce speed down in areas with large deer populations or where warning signs are posted
Stay alert and avoid distractions from cell phones, loud music and other activities that take attention away from the road
If a deer or other animal darts into the road, apply the brakes firmly and hold the steering wheel with both hands until the car comes to a stop
Use extra caution at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active
Remember that deer travel in groups; if you see one, slow down and watch for others to follow
- Sometimes hitting an animal on the road is unavoidable. If that happens, here is what to do immediately after the accident:
Call an ambulance if anyone is injured
Call the police, even if there are no injuries
Move your car to the side of the road and turn on hazard lights
Do not approach the animal, even if it is not moving
Call an experienced car accident attorney
Report the accident to your insurance company
Have your car towed if it is not safe to drive home

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident attorney is simple.

Start your case today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.

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