I was involved in a car accident after I collided with an animal, can I recover damages?

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Auto Accident Lawyer Washington, DC

In most states you’ll find a variety of landscapes that include beautiful wildlife and splendid nature; however, these things are not always existing in peace with their human neighbors. This is especially true for those in cars. Deer, roaming livestock, rabbits, opossums, and other common animals can cross, unknowingly, out in front of a car, causing a collision and extensive physical, financial, and emotional damages.

Who May Cover Damages After Being in a Car Accident with an Animal

Every year there are thousand of car accidents because of a collision with an animal. Many more occur after trying to avoid a crash and colliding off the road or into another car. Although it’s not possible to take an animal to court, it may be possible to file a claim with your own insurance company or the animal’s owners’ insurance company (if it was an owned animal). There are many circumstances to a situation like this including the state the accident occured in, the type of insurance you have, and what animal was involved.

Deer: Deer are the most common animals involved in an accident. These collisions are particularly high during mating season which is between October and December. They most commonly occur at dawn and dusk, and can take place on any type of road. In general, standard insurance will not cover a collision with a deer. If you have comprehensive insurance, which is often available as an option, it may cover the damages.

Wild Animals: Any type of accident caused by a wild animal, of any kind, will likely only be covered when you have comprehensive insurance. The exception to this may be when the accident happened in an area in which the animal was frequently seen, there were no warning signs, and poor lighting. In this case, filing a claim with the government may be possible.

Livestock: Sometimes livestock escape their enclosures and wander down the roads. If cattle, goats, horses, pigs, or any other owned, domesticated animal causes an accident, the farmer, rancher, or owner could be held liable. Other parties, such as a third party who left the gate open, could also be liable.

Evasive Action: Some accidents occur because of a driver’s actions to avoid hitting the animal on the road. If this happens, it may be possible to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. When multiple vehicles are involved, the driver’s may need to file a car accident claim with their collision coverage, liability coverage, or uninsured motorist coverage.

Get Help from a Lawyer

It’s not easy being involved in an accident, especially when an animal in the road caused it. An auto accident lawyer Washington, DC offers at Cohen & Cohen can review your case and determine whether or not you can pursue compensation from one or multiple sources. Consultations are typically free of charge and can help you to make a sound decision on your next steps to take.

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"The legal team at Cohen & Cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job."
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"I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side."
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Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.