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Deer Overpopulation Causes Increased Accidents on Michigan Roads
UPDATE: Michigan’s New No-Fault Law went into effect July 1, 2020. The information on this page was written prior to the change in the law and may be out of date. Please visit https://callsam.com/No-Fault-law/ for updated information on the new No-Fault law in Michigan.
While hunting season has passed, motorists still need to watch out for deer when traveling on Michigan roads. For several years, natural resource officials have become more and more concerned about the rising deer population statewide. And, as the number of deer has increased, so has the number of deer accidents in Michigan.
What is causing the Michigan deer population to increase?
The main reason for this rise is that fewer hunters have been taking to the woods over the past decade. In 2007, there were 720,811 licensed hunters in Michigan, compared to 646,965 in 2018.
The majority of Michigan hunters are in their late 40s to late 60s and older. Their numbers are dwindling because younger generations don’t seem to have the same interest level of their predecessors.
At the same time, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources estimates the deer population was approximately 1.75 million in 2019. And officials expect that number will be even higher in 2020.
What is the connection between deer overpopulation and deer accidents in Michigan?
The Michigan deer population is increasing at a greater rate in the southern part of the state. However, many hunters prefer less-populated rural locales to more crowded regions such as Oakland County. Therefore, with more deer and fewer hunters, motorists in these areas are more likely to have a deer-related accident.
In fact, drivers in Oakland County had the greatest number of reported deer-related accidents (1,851) in Michigan during 2018. The second-highest number of crashes occurred in Kent County (1,837), followed by Jackson County (1,537).
Deer accidents in Michigan have risen steadily in recent years. In 2015, motorists had 47,002 deer-related crashes. However, in 2018, there were 53,464 accidents involving deer. In those crashes, 14 people died and 1,335 were injured.
Who is responsible for a deer accident?
Unless you have collision coverage as part of your Michigan No-Fault policy, you will be responsible for repairing your vehicle. In 2018, deer accidents resulted in damage to 52,250 vehicles, with most repair bills running upwards of $2,000.
If you or your passengers were injured, your medical expenses and related costs are typically covered by your No-Fault insurance.
In addition, the situation changes if another vehicle was involved in the accident. If the other driver was at fault, you may be eligible for additional compensation. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
If another vehicle was involved, contact a lawyer who has experience with deer accidents in Michigan. A knowledgeable attorney will protect your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Safety tips for avoiding deer accidents:
- Be extra watchful around dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.
- Deer travel in groups, so if one deer crosses the road, there are probably others close behind.
- Slow down when driving in areas known to be heavily populated by deer.
- Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Apply your brakes firmly, hold the steering wheel with both hands and come to a controlled stop.
- If you hit a deer, move your car away from the road if possible. Put on your emergency flashers and call 911.
- Don’t try to approach or move a wounded deer. Stay in your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive.
Michigan accident law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Sources:
https://www.michigantrafficcrashfacts.org/querytool/table/0#q1;0;01012015-12312018;;0,33:1
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