Wildlife-related accidents on roads are more common than many drivers realize, often leading to significant property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. Whether it’s a deer crossing a rural highway or larger animals navigating suburban streets, these unexpected collisions can be both frightening and difficult to handle.
In some cases, determining liability and dealing with insurance claims can become challenging. Having legal assistance can help you navigate the aftermath of a wildlife-related accident, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and addressing any legal issues that arise.
Potentially Liable Parties in Wildlife Accidents
You might think that there’s no way to hold anyone else liable if you’ve been involved in an accident with wildlife, meaning you’re on the hook for all the damages and losses you’re facing. However, this isn’t actually the case. In some cases, the following parties could be responsible and you could be able to obtain compensation.
Municipalities or Government Agencies
In some cases, municipalities or governmental agencies could be liable. Here’s how this could happen:
- Negligence in Road Maintenance: Failing to install or maintain warning signs in areas known for wildlife crossings can contribute to accidents.
- Lack of Fencing or Barriers: Not erecting or repairing barriers to prevent wildlife from entering highways or urban roads increases the risk of collisions. This is especially true if government or municipal agencies already know that wildlife is common in these areas.
- Failure to Address Known Risks: Ignoring reports of frequent wildlife incidents in specific areas neglects necessary preventive measures, increasing the risk of wildlife car accidents that could otherwise be avoided.
Private Property Owners
In the following situations, property owners could hold liability for an accident a driver has with wildlife:
- Inadequate Fencing: Failing to maintain fences on private property near roads allows wildlife to wander onto roadways, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Encouraging Wildlife Activity: Feeding or attracting wildlife to a property increases the likelihood of animals crossing nearby roads. This increases the chances of potential car accidents with these animals and in some cases, could be considered negligence.
Construction or Development Companies
In some cases, even construction companies could be responsible. Here’s how:
- Environmental Disruption: Displacing wildlife through construction activities forces animals into populated areas or onto roads, leading to potential accidents.
- Failure to Implement Mitigation Measures: Not creating safe wildlife corridors or crossings during projects near natural habitats fails to protect both animals and drivers.
Wildlife Management Agencies
Wildlife management agencies do everything they can to protect wildlife, but sometimes, they may be negligent. Here’s what this could look like:
- Neglect of Animal Populations: Poorly managed wildlife populations can lead to increased road crossings and higher chances of accidents.
- Lack of Public Awareness Campaigns: Failing to inform the public about high-risk areas or wildlife migration patterns leaves drivers unaware of potential dangers. This could lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of these parties is essential in determining liability and seeking the compensation you deserve after a wildlife-related accident. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this confusing situation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville personal injury lawyer.