Unsure of what to do if you hit any animal in Utah? You can follow steps to repair your vehicle, see to your injuries, and negotiate with the insurance company. This process often starts with a conversation with the experienced team of Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at Valiente Mott. During this time of crisis and financial stress, you need a strong advocate on your side. Call today for a free consultation.
Hitting an animal, such as a deer, is distressing. In addition to the emotional trauma, you could be injured and have significant damage to your vehicle. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources states that the usual migration period for deer is April, May, and November, with the highest incidence of these accidents.
Do Not Approach the Animal
For many people, their first instinct is to check on the condition of the animal struck by the car. Unfortunately, there is little most people can do in this situation. Moreover, injured animals are often aggressive, so do not approach them. Instead, contact law enforcement so that the appropriate authorities can be notified.
Notify Law Enforcement
There is always the potential for you to get hurt when you hit an animal while driving. The impact can be significant when it comes to larger creatures like deer. In addition, many drivers attempt to swerve and avoid an animal in their path, only to lose control of their vehicle and crash.
You should pull off the road and use your hazard lights. Notify law enforcement, especially if the animal is in the roadway and could pose a threat to other drivers. When the police arrive, they can take a report at the scene of the accident and provide emergency medical care if needed. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a doctor is a good idea. It will ensure your health and well-being and create important documentation that may be valuable to your claim.
Review Your Vehicle Damage
These accidents usually involve significant damage to your vehicle. One common factor with these types of incidents is that even seemingly minor collisions can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact by crumpling, which often adds to the cost. It is a good idea to get an immediate picture of the extent of the damage.
If you are unsure what to do after hitting an animal in Utah, it is crucial to consider the consequences of the accident. Was your vehicle damaged? Did you suffer injuries? If so, your insurance policy could cover your losses. Our team at Valiente Mott could help you navigate the claims process. Contact a Salt Lake City car accident attorney with our firm to learn more. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees.