Fall in Delaware can be a beautiful time. The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisper, and the holidays are just around the corner. Unfortunately, there might also be a deer around the corner, and if motorists are not paying attention and remaining aware of this largely seasonal danger, car accidents are sure to follow.
As the days grow shorter, it will be dusky or already dark during the evening commute for those who travel Delaware’s roadways. Unfortunately, the evening commute is also the time when these animals begin to make their appearance. The combination of darkness, deer and inattentive drivers can be disastrous. Deer are generally out, moving around and crossing the roadways from sunset until about midnight.
During these hours, drivers need to exercise caution and be on the lookout for deer. When a motorist hits a deer, other vehicles and people could be involved, which means that serious injuries or death can occur. In 2015, 1,791 accidents involving deer happened, which represents an increase of 5.4 percent from 2014 to 2015. September of this year saw 984 such accidents, and 35 of them involved injuries to passengers. In October, 166 accidents occurred, and more are expected in November.
If a Delaware resident becomes a victim of one of these car accidents and suffers serious injuries, he or she could spend a significant time recovering from injuries. Medical expenses, lost wages and other damages can add up quickly under these circumstances. When able, it might be a good idea to consider filing a personal injury claim against the driver responsible if negligence, such as impaired driving or texting while driving, played a part in the accident. Establishing that a driver’s negligence led to the injuries suffered could result in a monetary judgment, which could help with current and future financial losses.
Source: stateschronicle.com, “Drivers Should Be Aware of Passing Deer“, Jack M. Robinson, Nov. 2, 2016
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