Animals on the Road – Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer
March 7, 2016
Do you know what to do if you encounter an animal on the road? With enough to think about already, few drivers are actively on the lookout for animals. Yet, sources suggest that there are anywhere from 250,000 to 750,000 animal-related crashes in the United States every year, resulting in more than 200 human fatalities annually. So, next time you drive, keep these safety tips from our Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer in mind.
Safety Tips from your Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer
From alligators and turtles to raccoons, deer, and even panthers, Florida has plenty of animals that have been known to find their way onto the road. To help avoid hitting an animal or causing an accident while you attempt to avoid one, you should:
- Stay alert behind the wheel. Animals don’t know to be on the lookout for cars, so drivers need to be on the lookout for wildlife. Especially in woodsy and marshy areas, be cognizant of the fact that there may be animals nearby.
- Reduce your speed in darkness, rain, and fog. These conditions can make it more difficult to see animals. Unfortunately, nighttime and wet weather are often when animals come out of hiding. Reducing your speed will make it easier to stop if you encounter an animal.
- Watch for shining eyes. Approach with caution if you see shining eyes in front of you or on the side of the road.
- Use your high beams when appropriate. If you are driving at night and there aren’t any cars on the road ahead of you, use your high beams to get a better view of your surroundings. Note, however, that in foggy conditions your low beams may actually provide the greatest visibility.
- Let animals go on their way. If you encounter an animal on the road, you should not try to drive around it. Animals’ movements are unpredictable, so the safest thing to do is let them move safely away from the road before you pass.
Also, remember that if you see one animal, there is a good chance that there are more in the vicinity. As a general rule, drivers should always use caution in natural areas and locations where animals are known to appear from time to time.
What to do if You Hit an Animal
Call your Sarasota car accident lawyer at Jodat Law Group. Animal-related car accidents often result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in an animal-related accident, you may be entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under your auto insurance policy. In Florida, all drivers are required to have PIP coverage, and PIP will pay at least a portion of your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Unfortunately, while all drivers pay for PIP, insurance companies rarely pay full benefits without a fight.
Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer – Jodat Law Group
At Jodat Law Group, we provide experienced legal representation for victims of all types of Sarasota car accidents. If you have been injured in a Sarasota auto accident involving an animal, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation. With offices in Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, and Venice, we serve clients throughout western Florida. Let us help you get on the road to recovery today.