Car crashes can leave accident victims wondering what to do next, if their insurance policy will cover damages, and who will pay for injuries resulting from the accident. Crashing into an animal, especially a large one like a deer can be very serious and often leave the driver with injuries. New Jersey is known for its large deer population and the problems they can cause. But animals do not carry insurance policies and they also cannot be sued. So what is a driver supposed to do when they crash into an animal? If you want to know more about how to conduct yourself following one of the car crashes caused by animals in Cherry Hill, speak with a distinguished car accident lawyer.
Avoid Hitting Other Cars
The first step to take when involved in car crashes caused by animals in Cherry Hill is to avoid hitting other cars or people. It is a natural instinct to try and swerve to avoid hitting the animal, but this is not a good idea. Swerving can cause a driver to hit another car or pedestrians on the side of the road.
If an animal enters the roadway in front of your vehicle, apply the brake and come to a controlled stop. Do not speed up, as many suggest. While some say that this causes the hood of the car to go up on impact, reducing the chance the animal will come through the windshield, this is not true.
Moving the Vehicle Out of the Roadway
The next step is to move the vehicle out of the roadway if it can still be driven. Pull over to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights in the car. This will alert other drivers that there is something going on, and they should slow down.
Once the car has been moved, contact the authorities. If there are injuries, which is a possibility when hitting a larger animal, contact a hospital or the ambulance if necessary. Stay on the side of the road until the police arrive. They will want to know what happened, and they will likely file an accident report. This report could help the driver when they speak to their insurance company.
Contacting Law Enforcement
If there are no injuries, it is important to contact the police department. They will be able to remove the animal from the road, as this should never be done by the driver. If the animal is still alive, they will be frightened and could injure the driver by kicking or biting. Even if the animal is not alive, they may carry diseases which could be transferred to a human after touching the animal. The animal needs to be moved, in order to avoid even more accidents, but it should only be done by police.
Notifying Pet Owners
It is important to note that not all car crashes with animals involve wildlife. It is not uncommon for domestic animals such as dogs and cats to wander out onto the road and get hit by a car. When this is the case, it is courteous to try and find the owner of the animal, apologize, and tell them what happened. It is unlikely that the driver will be held liable for the crash. In fact, the owner may be held liable for not keeping their pet under control. But they should still be notified. Keep in mind that all the other steps, such as contacting the police, are still required by law when a domestic animal is hit.
Calling the Insurance Company
When a driver is injured, or their vehicle has suffered damages, after hitting an animal on the road, the car insurance policy may cover it. This is likely only going to be the case when the driver has comprehensive coverage, as this type of policy will provide benefits for accidents that do not involve another vehicle.
Before speaking to the insurance company, it is important to read the insurance policy to determine what kind of insurance applies. Car crashes caused by animals in Cherry Hill are a common enough occurence that the insurance company should be able to help in some capacity.
Hitting an animal with a car can be a traumatic experience for all involved. While the driver is unlikely to be held legally responsible, unless they have hit another car, there are still certain measures that must be taken. It is important drivers follow them to keep themselves, and everyone else on the road as safe as possible.
Testimonials
This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Paul D.My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Pamela A.Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Ahmed A.My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Patrick G.I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Michael M.First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
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Jeffrey F.This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Pat G.This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Aminah M.A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
MickeyI had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court JudgeThank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
HDIt was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
GregoryI had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
DeniseHi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Bob
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