Animals and Car Accidents

What to Know About Animals and Car Accidents in Connecticut

Motor vehicle accidents can occur when an animal suddenly darts into the road, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding your legal rights and options after an animal-related car accident is crucial, as these situations can be complex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 247,000 vehicle accidents in the U.S. each year involve drivers hitting animals, resulting in an estimated 200 fatalities annually. These accidents can happen when drivers either strike an animal or swerve to avoid hitting one, often causing collisions with other vehicles, trees, or poles.

In Connecticut, animal-related accidents may involve either wild animals or domestic animals, and the legal approach depends on the specifics of your case.

Domestic Animals and Car Accidents in Connecticut

If your accident involves a domestic animal, such as a dog or livestock (cows, horses, etc.), the animal’s owner may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. Under Connecticut law, animal owners have a duty to keep their animals under control and off the roadways to prevent harm to others.

For example, if a dog escapes from its yard and runs into the street, causing a car accident, the dog’s owner may be responsible for damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repairs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Wild Animals and Car Accidents in Connecticut

When a wild animal causes a car accident, such as a deer crossing the road, liability is more complicated. Unlike domestic animals, wild animals don’t have an owner who can be held accountable. Deer-related accidents are particularly common in Connecticut, especially in rural or wooded areas.

In these situations, you may still have options for recovering damages. Potential sources of compensation might include:

• Your own auto insurance policy: Comprehensive coverage may cover damage caused by hitting a wild animal.
• Local municipalities: If poor road maintenance (e.g., lack of warning signs in a high-deer area) contributed to the accident, the local government may be partially liable.
• Nearby landowners: In rare cases, a landowner may be held responsible if their negligence (e.g., failing to properly fence livestock or other animals) contributed to the crash.

Navigating these claims can be tricky, and it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can advocate for your best interests.

Accidents Involving Other Drivers and Animals

If you swerved to avoid hitting an animal and collided with another vehicle, you might be found at fault under Connecticut law. Courts often prioritize the safety of drivers and passengers over the risk of harming an animal. As such, swerving into another driver’s lane to avoid an animal could be considered negligent behavior.

However, every accident is unique, and liability may not always be clear-cut. Consulting with a car accident lawyer is the best way to understand your legal options and potential defenses.

Why You Need an Experienced Connecticut Attorney After an Animal-Related Accident

Whether your accident involved a wild animal, a domestic pet, or another vehicle, having the right legal representation is critical. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand the complexities of animal-related car accidents in Connecticut. Our experienced team will:

• Investigate your case thoroughly, including gathering evidence such as police reports, photos, and witness statements.
• Determine liability and explore all potential sources of compensation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving an animal in Connecticut, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Let Bert McDowell Injury Law fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (475) 231-3274 for a FREE consultation. We’re here to handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.