Bloomfield Hills Car Accident Lawyer Urges Caution After Experts Predict Increased Deer Crashes In Michigan
Thomas L. Stroble, a personal injury attorney, cites a new report that lists Michigan as the fourth most dangerous state for deer-related accidents and Oakland County as having the second highest number of deer hits.
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. November 3, 2012 –
Michigan car accident lawyer Thomas L. Stroble today urged drivers throughout suburban Detroit and all of southeastern Michigan to use extra caution this fall after a recent report warned that the likelihood of deer collisions has increased over last year's already elevated danger levels.
"Michigan motorists have a 1-in-72 chance of hitting a deer while driving, up from 1-in-83 last year," Stroble said. "Some people might think that deer accidents are a concern only in rural areas, but there were more deer crashes reported right here in Oakland County last year than in any other Michigan county but one."
Stroble was referring to a recent article in the Southgate News-Herald, which also reported that November is the peak month for deer collisions. Oakland County saw 1,736 deer collisions last year, according to the article. Calculations by State Farm, an auto insurance company, indicate that Michigan will see more deer crashes this year than last.
"In fact, Michigan is predicted to be the fourth most dangerous state in the nation for deer accidents this year, up from fifth place in 2011," Stroble said, referring to a press release from State Farm.
Stroble practices with Michigan Injury Lawyers, which has offices in Bloomfield Hills and Mount Clemens. The firm represents injured people in lawsuits over car accidents and insurance coverage disputes.
He urged Michigan motorists to make sure they carry sufficient insurance to take care of them in case of a deer accident. He also reminded drivers who are seriously injured in deer-related crashes that they could be entitled to pursue damages from the operator of another vehicle who collided with them while trying to avoid a deer in the road.
"While simply hitting a deer can cause serious injuries, some of the most devastating deer-related crashes happen when a driver swerves into oncoming traffic to miss an animal," Stroble said. "It could be considered negligence if another driver hits your vehicle in an attempt to dodge a deer, particularly if the driver lost control of their vehicle because they were speeding or otherwise driving recklessly."
Avoiding vehicle accidents is always the best course of action. Some tips for minimizing the risk of a deer collision include:
- Remember that deer are most active during early evening hours.
- Pay attention to "Deer Crossing" signs, and look for "eyeshine" -- the reflection of a deer's eyes in your headlights.
- Use extra caution in areas popular with deer, including forested areas, near open fields, around bodies of water and in places where you have seen deer before.
- Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible to help spot a deer and have a few extra seconds to react.
- Slow down if you see a deer near a roadway. It could jump into your path, but it could also mean more are lurking unseen. Also anticipate that a deer that crosses in front of you might double back.
- If there's a deer in your path and no one is around, slow down, honk your horn in short bursts and flash your lights at the deer, encouraging it to move.
- Don't slam your breaks or swerve if you see a deer in or approaching your path. Doing so could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, brake and steer calmly but purposefully.
"Drivers should be vigilant at all times, but particularly when potential hazards on and around roadways pose a heightened threat to everyone on the road," said Stroble.
If you are seriously injured because of another driver's irresponsible decisions while encountering deer or other animals on the road in Michigan, Stroble said that you could be entitled to compensation. He recommended contacting an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer like the ones at Michigan Injury Lawyers, if you believe another driver could be liable for your injuries or if you believe that your insurance company is not handling your deer accident claim fairly.
About Michigan Injury Lawyers
Michigan Injury Lawyers, is a full-service law firm based in Bloomfield Hills, MI, which represents car accident victims and their families throughout the state of Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. The firm's personal injury practice areas also include truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, slips and falls, dog bites and wrongful death cases. The firm's Bloomfield Hills office is located at 2525 S Telegraph Rd, Ste 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, local phone (248) 454-0800. To learn more about Michigan Injury Lawyers, call (888) 454-0801 or use the firm's online contact form.
Contact a Bloomfield Hills car accident lawyer.
It could be considered negligence if another driver hits your vehicle in an attempt to dodge a deer, particularly if the driver lost control of their vehicle because they were speeding or otherwise driving recklessly.
Thomas L. Stroble
Michigan Injury Lawyers
(248) 454-0800
tls@stroble.com