Erie Collisions With Animals Attorneys

Our Elite Litigators at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are Deeply Committed to Obtaining the Highest Compensation for Your Animal-Related Crash in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Encountering a large animal in the middle of the road can be extremely dangerous and frightening for drivers. The severity of accidents involving animals considerably varies from minor bumper scratches to tragic loss of life for everyone involved. According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), in a recent year alone, there were 202 fatalities from collisions with animals. Pennsylvania is consistently ranked in the top 5 states for the number of motorists involved in animal-related accidents. Even animals that are already dead, also commonly known as roadkill, can lead to devastating accidents. For example, a 69-year-old man suffered fatal injuries when his 2011 Mazda crashed after hitting a dead deer. Victims fortunate enough to survive car accidents with large animals often suffer life-altering injuries, such as broken bones, internal hemorrhaging, traumatic brain injury (TBI), permanent disfigurement, and complete paralysis.

Unfortunately, even the most prudent motorists can suffer the dreadful aftermath of an animal darting onto the road. Suppose that you or a family member have suffered injuries in an accident caused by an animal running out in front of your vehicle. You may need to receive rehabilitation, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatments several times per week for the next year. The collision could keep you out of work either temporarily or permanently. The combined loss of income, piling medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, mobility restrictions, severe bodily pain, and anxiety about your future could be enough to cause you extreme psychological harm. Fortunately, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is here to help you seek compensation for all of your losses.

These types of collisions happen with both wild and domestic animals. Under Pennsylvania law, accidents involving wildlife are considered no-fault collisions. Consequently, crashing into a deer or other wild animal will not lead to higher insurance premiums in the Keystone State. As for collisions involving pets, it is typically the owner’s responsibility to keep his or her animal from running into the road. Additionally, in situations where a domestic animal caused you to crash into another vehicle or object, the owner may be held liable. Since every animal-related accident is different, you should explore your legal options with a highly experienced Erie car accident lawyer.

In his 24 years of exclusively practicing personal injury law, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has helped thousands of victims and their families take back their lives after suffering ravaging accidents. Our top rated litigators have wide-ranging practice assertively settling claims with insurance companies and, when necessary, battling lawsuits in court. Jed Dietrich, Esq.’s determination to obtain the maximum compensation for his clients has resulted in over $175 million in judgments and settlements. It is extremely important to contact our leading lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation and consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 814-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.

Statistics Regarding Animal Crashes

Whether or not you have hit an animal while behind the wheel, each year, both wild and domestic animals adversely impact the lives of numerous drivers. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned lawyers believe that one of the best ways to prevent animal collisions is to inform the public about the dangers. Please see the below data about animal-related car accidents:

1. With more than 166,400 collisions involving animals in a recent one-year period, Pennsylvania motorists ranked 1^st in the United States for animal accident claims;
2. The Keystone state was followed by Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas for most collisions with animals;
3. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported over 5,700 crashes with deer in a recent year, causing 13 fatalities and 1,255 injuries;
4. Drivers in the Keystone State have a 1 in 54 likelihood of smashing into an animal;
5. The national average of colliding with an animal behind the wheel is 1 in 109 drivers;
6. Most reported animal-related crashes in Pennsylvania and throughout the country are with deer;
7. Collisions involving larger animals tend to be reported more often than those with smaller animals;
8. Other animals that motorists commonly hit include cats, dogs, rodents, and farm animals;
9. Over a recent 12-month period, insurance companies paid for an estimated 2.1 million animal-related accidents; and
10. A recent study showed that vehicles kill up to 340 million birds each year.

Crucial Advice on Avoiding Animal Strikes

In a recent year, State Farm Insurance ranked the Keystone State 3^rd for deer-vehicle collisions in the country. One in every 63 motorists throughout the Commonwealth is expected to hit a deer. Most of these accidents occur in October, November, and December when deer are actively mating. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested car accident attorneys recommend the following to prevent collisions with wildlife:

1. Slow Down: Driving the speed limit will provide you with extra time to scan the road for wildlife and stay clear of any animal that decides to cross your path.
2. Never Tailgate: Following too closely behind other vehicles will significantly decrease your range of vision. Additionally, if the driver in front slams on their brakes or swerves to avoid wildlife while you are tailgating, you will have no time to react.
3. Wear Your Seat Belt: Drivers not wearing their seat belts suffer over 50 percent of all fatal animal collisions. Buckling up every time you enter a vehicle can help save your life.
4. Know the Area: Remember roadways where you have encountered animals in the past and, if possible, plan your route to avoid these areas. Also, drive carefully on roads with forests or farmland on either side.
5. Avoid Distractions: Always keep your eyes on the road. Being distracted by a smartphone, your GPS, or even changing the radio station could make all the difference between noticing an animal ahead of time or smashing into it.
6. Avoid Swerving: Drivers that abruptly swerve to dodge wildlife place themselves in danger of crashing into stationary objects, such as utility poles and guardrails. Furthermore, some motorists end up swerving off the road and suffering devastating rollover accidents. If it is impossible to avoid an animal on the road, slow down as much as possible and try to minimize the impact.
7. Drive Defensively: Being prepared and thinking ahead will considerably decrease your chances of hitting an animal. At night, keep your high beams on as long as there are no oncoming vehicles. Look for shadows near the road and signs of wildlife movement.
8. Lookout for Warning Signs: Always be on the lookout for posted animal crossing signs, and drive extra cautiously when you see them. Also, watch for the reflection of the eyes of deer in your headlights.

When you have the Dietrich Legal Team’s veteran Erie, Pennsylvania team fighting in your corner, your animal collision claim will be considerably less stressful. Our seasoned lawyers are highly specialized at demonstrating liability and holding negligent parties accountable. Please contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his highly qualified lawyers as soon as possible at 814-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. We promise to aggressively pursue your claim!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 814-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Erie, Pennsylvania. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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