Can You Get Compensation after Hitting a Deer in New York?

While New York City is filled with skyscrapers and office buildings, it is also home to a surprisingly robust deer population. Although it might seem unthinkable to outsiders, residents of the Bronx and other neighborhoods know that a white-tailed deer is a fairly common sight in many parts of the city. This might be a wonderful sight for those on foot, but it can cause real issues for drivers who must swerve or slam on the brakes at a moment’s notice. So what happens if you hit a deer in New York? Is it possible to pursue compensation for injuries and damage to your vehicle?

Deer Falls Off Overpass and Goes Straight Through Driver’s Windshield 

Deer impacts can occur when you least expect them in New York. On September 28th, it was reported that a deer had leapt from an overpass – falling dozens of feet before impacting a vehicle down below. The deer went straight through the window, causing a bloody mess and shattered glass. Fortunately, the driver seemed to be unharmed – although his sudden stop could have caused a domino-collision if the drivers behind him hadn’t been so quick to slam on the brakes.

These other drivers quickly helped the individual who had been struck by the deer, pulling him out of the vehicle and getting him to safety. When they looked inside the shattered vehicle, they saw a full deer lying inside the front-seat area, jammed below the steering wheel. Witnesses stated that if the impact had occurred in a slightly different way, the driver may have been impaled. The driver was also fortunate to have hit a doe and not a buck, as the antlers also pose an impalement risk. The Department of Environmental Protection was quick to point out that Autumn represents an increased risk for deer collisions.

New York Is a No-Fault State 

The good news is that New York follows a “no-fault” system when it comes to car accidents. This means that no matter who was to blame for your crash, you can generally receive compensation through your state-mandated insurance policy. This is especially true in the case of a freak accident like the one above, where there was no chance of possibly avoiding the deer.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in the Bronx? 

If you have been injured in a crash, it may be worth reaching out to a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New York. Whether your crash was caused by an animal or a human being, it makes sense to assess opportunities for compensation. It may be easier to pursue compensation than you think, and this can be crucial when dealing with medical expenses and other damages. Book your consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC to discuss your options in more detail.

Sources: 

nyc.gov/site/wildlifenyc/animals/deer.page#:~:text=Within%20New%20York%20City%2C%20there,parks%20and%20greenspaces%20so%20attractive.

nbcnewyork.com/news/local/deer-jumps-off-overpass-crashes-through-car-windshield-in-freak-nj-highway-accident/4721802/