In 2023, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) recorded 3,317 traffic accidents where the first harmful event was a collision with an animal. These incidents made up 2.3% of all crashes that year, causing 292 injuries and 5 fatalities.

Many of these crashes involve Alabama wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, or even stray dogs. Unlike accidents with other vehicles or livestock, there’s often no one to hold responsible. That leaves many drivers wondering: Who pays for the damage?

What Are Wildlife Collisions?

Wildlife collisions, also called wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), are a type of car accident in which a vehicle strikes a wild animal. Although WVCs can happen anywhere, they are most common on roads in rural or wooded areas.

In Alabama, white-tailed deer are the most common animals involved in wildlife collisions. ALDOT regularly issues warnings and reminders to drivers in the state to watch for deer. Other animals to watch out for include:

• Feral hogs
• Coyotes
• Raccoons
• Opossums
• Stray dogs
• Wild turkey

Crashing into a wild animal is costly to both drivers and the local wildlife. For instance, a deer collision costs $6,000 on average, including vehicle repair costs, injury treatment, towing, and carcass removal. Most WVCs are fatal to the animal, but can also result in serious injuries to drivers.

The larger and heavier the animal, the greater the impact force and the higher the risk of serious vehicle damage and injuries. Most wildlife collisions are frontal crashes; a common scenario is a deer crossing the road suddenly and being struck by the front end of a car.

Common injuries to drivers and passengers can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Cuts and facial injuries from broken windshield glass
• Whiplash and neck strain from the sudden impact

The most dangerous season for vehicle collisions is mating season. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data, animal strike insurance claims spike in November and dip during the summer months.

How to Get Compensation for a Wildlife Collision

These collisions fall under the definition of an unavoidable accident or an “act of God”; unpreventable even when all involved parties have taken reasonable care.

If you were involved in a wildlife collision in Alabama, the best way to recover compensation is to contact your auto insurance provider. Most comprehensive coverage policies include animal collisions. Depending on your specific policy, you may need to pay a deductible or wait for your insurer to complete an inspection.

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

The Alabama car accident attorneys at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers do not handle typical wildlife collision cases, as there is no liable party. However, we recommend reaching out to us if another driver was involved.

For example, if the other driver swerved to avoid a deer on the road and then hit your vehicle, you may be able to pursue compensation from them. However, proving the other driver’s liability can be challenging.

Here’s what you can do to hold them accountable:

• Document the Scene Thoroughly: Take photographs of the accident scene after the crash. Make sure to capture your vehicle damage, injuries, the struck animal, and the other driver’s vehicle. Keep a copy of any video footage, such as dashcam recordings, if you have access to any.
• Report the Accident to the Police: Alabama law requires all parties involved in any type of traffic accident to report it to the police if it results in injury, death, or more than $250 of property damage.
• Get a Copy of the Police Report: After local law enforcement responds to the scene, you can request a copy of the police report from the appropriate agency. If the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (state police) responded, visit the ALEA online portal to request a crash report. If a local or county officer responded, contact the city or county police department and follow their instructions.
• Reach Out to a Lawyer: Experienced auto accident lawyers in Alabama can evaluate your case and find additional evidence to prove the other driver’s liability. They can also guide you through the claims process, negotiate with the other driver’s insurance provider on your behalf, and prepare to file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today

The skilled auto accident attorneys at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers fight for the rights of accident victims in Alabama. We have a long history of success, including multiple high-dollar car accident cases.

If another driver was responsible for your injuries in a wildlife collision, you can count on us to represent your interests. We’ll help you build your case, hold them accountable, deal with their insurers on your behalf, and pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.