Humans and animals cohabitate in cities as well as other residential areas. Unfortunately, when animals – wild or domesticated – cross roads in areas like North Charleston, South Carolina, it can lead to serious motor vehicle accidents. If these collisions involve multiple drivers, they can cause significant injuries and damages for all involved.
In some cases, you may be able to hold a third party liable for a crash involving an animal that was crossing the street, such as a pet owner or another driver. The attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can review your case and may help you recover compensation for the resulting injuries and losses.
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Give Us A Call »Accidents That Can Occur When an Animal Crosses a Roadway
Depending on the speed at which a vehicle is traveling when an animal enters the road, a variety of outcomes may occur. In low-speed situations, the driver may be able to stop relatively easily and avoid hitting the animal or another vehicle or object. However, on major roadways with higher speed limits, it may be difficult to stop a vehicle in time when an animal runs out into the road.
In this case, the driver may slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid the animal. This may result in a rollover or the car spinning out and colliding with another driver or object. Being involved in an car crash involving an animal can cause injuries such as:
- Paralysis
- Lost limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
If you swerved to avoid someone’s pet that ran in front of your vehicle, you may be able to hold the owner responsible for failing to keep their animal properly contained. Conversely, if another driver swerved to avoid an animal and collided with you, you may be able to hold them responsible for your damages. In situations like these, South Carolina law may be on your side and can give you a chance to seek the compensation you deserve.
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Deer-Related Car Accidents in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), South Carolina ranks 12th in the United States for the number of deer-related motor vehicle collisions. This is partially due to the rapid urbanization that affects the natural habitat of deer. Although the risk of hitting a deer in the state is still only one in 93, the chances can increase from October to December due to hunting and mating seasons.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), animal crashes are most common at dusk and from 6 am to 8 am, when wild animals like deer are actively crossing the road in rural areas. More often than not, there is no warning that an animal will cross a road, so it is vital for drivers to constantly be alert and to always be aware of their surroundings.
Liability in Deer-Related Crashes
Due to how common deer crossings can be in North Charleston, part of a driver’s duty of care becomes knowing how to handle these situations to avoid a crash. Those who are unable to do so may be subject to liability if a collision with another driver occurs.
Drivers who travel through rural areas should pay close attention to the environment along the route. It is important to note heavily wooded areas and deer crossing signs, as these. Deer crossing signs should be taken seriously since they are not just placed in random spots—they indicate high-traffic areas for these animals.
Moreover, the chances of a severe collision due to a deer crossing the road increase significantly when drivers speed or drive while distracted or intoxicated. These negligent actions can make it even more difficult to stop in time or avoid swerving when an animal suddenly appears. If any of these circumstances were present at the time of your wreck, you may be able to cite these factors in a personal injury case against the negligent driver.
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(888) 612-7001Important Evidence for Your Personal Injury Claim
To have a successful outcome in your claim, you must show that the driver you collided with was negligent in some way, and this negligence contributed to the accident and your damages. A North Charleston animal crossing the street accident attorney can help you collect evidence to prove this, which may include:
- Photos of the scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Footage from traffic cameras
- Expert testimony
An animal crossing the street accident lawyer in North Charleston can handle all of your legal needs. Attorneys who take on these cases can navigate the complexities of the legal system and help you seek a fair settlement. If you are searching for representation, call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers now for a free case evaluation.
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Give Us A Call »Seek Assistance From Our Law Firm Today
If you are injured in a car crash due to an animal crossing the street, you can contact a lawyer that takes on this type of case. The team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can review your case and determine how you may be able to secure compensation from another party.
If so, a member of our team can begin building a case to support your claim and represent you throughout the proceedings. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers today for a free review of your case.
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