While it’s unlikely to encounter a wild animal while driving or riding on congested city streets, animal encounters in more rural parts of the state are possible. Indeed, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that U.S. drivers filed 2.1 million animal insurance claims between July 2020 and June 2021. California was one of the top five states for such claims in this time period, with approximately 105,000 claims filed.
In order to avoid the risk of other vehicles, motorcyclists frequently drive on country or mountain roads or in rural areas. Riding in rural areas presents a different set of risks. For motorcyclists, hitting a deer can have severe—and fatal—consequences. Here’s what you should know about deer and motorcycle accidents and how our law firm can help if you’ve been involved in a crash.
How to Avoid Deer and Other Animals While Riding a Motorcycle
As a motorcyclist, your first priority should be your safety. As such, operating your motorcycle defensively around other drivers is key, as is understanding tips for avoiding collisions with objects and animals. Some tips for avoiding deer and other animals while operating a motorcycle include:
- Slow down as soon as you see a deer. Deer often travel in groups. Even if you only see one, there could be many.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs, especially during active deer migration seasons in the spring and fall.
- Outfit your motorcycle with good lights. Powerful lights can make a big difference in spotting deer on rural roads.
- Don’t swerve if a collision is imminent. While this may seem like the natural thing to do to avoid the collision, it is better to brake hard but remain upright and stabilized.
In addition to the above, be sure to always wear a helmet and other protective gear while riding. If you do have a collision, having a helmet and other protective gear on could save your life.
Available Compensation Following a Deer/Motorcycle Accidents
All motorcyclists in California are required to carry insurance. One type of insurance that may be worth adding to your policy is collision coverage. If you have collision coverage, damage to your motorcycle caused by a collision with another object, including a deer, will be covered. You should also maintain medical payments coverage, which pays for your medical costs in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.
How Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Being involved in an accident with a deer can be terrifying, and may leave you severely injured. At the office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney can help you by reviewing the details of your case, calculating your damages, and exploring all sources of compensation available. We will represent you in filing your claim and negotiating your settlement and will advocate for your best interests every step of the way. We believe that you deserve to be compensated in full for your losses.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
To learn more about our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys and your rights if you’ve been in a collision with a deer or another animal as a motorcyclist, please call us directly or send us a message online to request your free consultation. Our lawyers are here to support you.