Safe Driving During Deer Season
The attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are here to protect your rights when you have been injured in a car accident. We serve clients who live in and around Seaford, Wilmington and Newark. Please contact us for more information.
As winter approaches and the days are shorter, deer-vehicle collisions increase. Dusk to midnight are peak times for deer movement, so drivers need to be on alert for animals crossing roadways and darting in front of cars. Statistics show that half of all these collisions occur within the last three months of the year, with average property damage claims running about $4,000.
Avoiding collisions with deer
If you live or commute in an area populated with deer, keep these tips in mind:
- Be extra cautious at dusk and dawn. This is when deer are most active, especially during mating season, which is October through December.
- Ensure your headlights are on at dusk and dawn and that you are not distracted.
- Note and pay attention to deer crossing signs.
- Always wear your seatbelt to avoid serious injury in the event of an accident.
- If you spot one deer, assume there are more. Deer tend to travel in packs, so remember there may be others about to cross your path.
- When you do spot one or more deer, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten them away.
- Use your high beams if you are the only one on the road to more easily spot deer on the side of the road.
- Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. You can put yourself at risk for a worse car accident with another driver or lose control of your vehicle.
If you have an accident with a deer
Sometimes you cannot avoid it and you do collide with a deer. If possible, take the following steps:
- Stop at the scene, pull off the road if you can, and put on your hazards.
- Call police to report the incident and let them know if the deer is blocking traffic.
- Do not touch or get close to an animal that has been struck by a vehicle. Deer are large animals and, when frightened or injured, can bite or kick and cause serious injury.
- Take photos of the scene and damage if it is safe to do so.
- Check that your vehicle is safe to drive before leaving the scene. If not, call for a tow truck.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report damage.
Remember, deer are not limited to forested areas. They will wander into suburbs and just about anywhere in search of food. Just because you are not in a “deer crossing” zone does not mean there will not be deer around. Always be on the lookout.
If you are looking for strong representation after you have been injured in a car accident, schedule your initial free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys today. The dedicated lawyers of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman will fight for the compensation you deserve. You can reach us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form. We have offices in Seaford, Wilmington and Newark.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.