Road Traffic Accidents Involving Animals
When a road traffic accident is caused by a collision with or a sudden swerve to avoid an animal on the road, it can lead to serious injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in this way, JMW can help you claim compensation.
We can provide you with the compassionate legal advice and support you will need to make a claim, including helping you determine who is liable for the accident and advising on the evidence you will need to help your case succeed. Our personal injury team has extensive experience, and can help you secure compensation to cover the cost of any injuries, lost earnings and medical treatment.
For more information on how JMW can help you make a claim following a road traffic accident, call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
How JMW Can Help
Our personal injury team have considerable experience of pursuing successful compensation claims. We have expert knowledge of personal injury law, and can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation available to cover various costs, including:
- The distress caused by your physical injuries
- Having to take time off work
- Medical treatment
- Damage to your vehicle
- Any other associated expenses
The team will provide advice, representation, support and regular updates throughout the claims process, meaning you will be able to focus on your recovery, rather than the legal claim.
About Road Accidents Involving Animals
Drivers who encounter animals on the road will usually try to take evasive action to avoid a collision, but this very action can sometimes lead to devastating road accidents, resulting in serious personal injuries to you, your passengers and other road users.
Collisions with other vehicles are common in these circumstances, as is hitting a verge or road sign due to a collision with an animal or an attempt to avoid it.
The animals most likely to be involved in road accidents include:
- Horses
- Sheep
- Cows
- Dogs
- Deer
If an animal is on the road has escaped from its owner or a nearby enclosure and subsequently causes a collision with your vehicle, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Who is Liable for Road Accidents Involving Animals?
Liability for Livestock
It is the farmer or livestock owner’s responsibility to ensure animals cannot escape and stray on to roads and motorways. If it can be proven that a farmer failed to maintain safe surroundings to keep the animals from escaping, they will be liable for any road accidents that occur as a result.
Liability for Pets
As with livestock, pet owners have a legal responsibility to stop their animals from venturing into the road. If this causes a serious car accident, they would be deemed liable for the crash, and any compensation awarded will be covered by their home insurance.
Liability for Deer
If the deer involved in the collision with your vehicle has escaped from an enclosure, a claim for compensation is possible against the owner of the enclosure. If it transpires that the deer is wild, it may not be possible to demonstrate liability, but speaking to a solicitor can provide certainty on whether or not this is the case.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive for a Road Accident Involving Animals Claim?
The amount of compensation you'll receive when you claim following a road accident involving animals will depend on many of the specifics of the incident, including who is found to be at fault and the nature of any injuries you have sustained. You may also be able to claim for damage to your vehicle, or any financial losses you incur following the accident.
The figures below provide a rough idea of how much you could receive for a road traffic accident involving animals claim, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your own circumstances, contact JMW today.
| Neck injury with varying levels of recovery | Up to £10,960 |
| Serious or severe neck injury with permanent symptoms | £36,240 - £118,240 |
| Back injury recovering in up to five years | £1,950 - £9,970 |
| Back injury causing permanent symptoms | £9,970 - £22,130 |
| Minor brain or head injury | £1,760 - £10,180 |
| Minor to moderate knee injury | £13,000 - £38,000 |
| Hip and pelvis injury | £3,150 - £104,370 |
| Shoulder injury | £6,290 - £15,300 |
| Minor to serious arm injury | £5,280 - £47,720 |
Why Choose JMW?
Choosing the right legal representation can make the difference between a successful personal injury claim and a failed one. Our team is recognised for our comprehensive legal services and is adept at navigating the challenges unique to car accidents caused by animals. We pride ourselves on our compassionate approach, ensuring each client feels supported and understood throughout their claim process.
Our excellence in personal injury law is recognised across the legal community. JMW is honoured to be featured in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners guides, which reflects our commitment to clients and our success in securing favourable outcomes.
JMW offers no win, no fee agreements for all personal injury claims. This means that you can pursue your claim without the worry of upfront legal costs. Our priority is your peace of mind and ensuring that justice is accessible, regardless of your financial situation.
FAQs About Road Traffic Accidents Involving Animals
- What types of road traffic accidents involving animals are common?
Road traffic accidents involving animals can occur in a variety of situations, each presenting unique risks to drivers, passengers, and the animals themselves. The most common types of these accidents include:
- Accidents caused by avoiding animals: drivers often swerve to avoid hitting animals on the road, which can lead to accidents. These evasive actions can result in collisions with other vehicles, roadside objects, or veering off the road entirely.
- Accidents involving pets: dogs and other pets may unexpectedly enter the roadway, leading to accidents. These incidents not only pose a risk to the animal but can also cause collisions as drivers attempt to avoid them.
- Accidents caused by stray animals: urban and rural areas alike can experience accidents involving stray animals, including cats and wild animals, which may wander on to roads, especially during nighttime.
- Collisions with larger animals: incidents involving larger animals such as horses, deer, cows and sheep are among the most widely reported. These animals can cause significant damage to vehicles and serious injuries to all involved due to their size and weight.
- What should I do immediately after a road traffic accident involving an animal?
If you are involved in a road traffic accident with an animal, taking the right steps immediately afterwards is essential for your safety, and for legal and insurance purposes. Here's what you should do:
- Ensure safety: first, make sure you and any passengers are safe. Move to a safe location if possible without leaving the scene of the accident.
- Call emergency services: if there are any injuries or significant damage, call the emergency services immediately. This is important for both human and animal injuries.
- Do not attempt to move large animals: moving a large animal can be dangerous and might cause further injury to the animal or yourself. Wait for professional help if needed.
- Seek medical attention: even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Get a medical check-up after the incident.
- Document the incident: take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle, the location and the animal, if it is safe to do so. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and legal advice.
- Report the accident: if the accident involves a domestic animal, try to find the owner if it is safe and practical to do so. Regardless, report the accident to the police, especially if it involves larger wildlife or livestock, as this may be a matter of public safety.
- Contact your insurance company: inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the collected evidence and information regarding the incident.
- Legal advice: consider seeking legal advice, especially if there is a dispute about liability or you plan to claim compensation. A solicitor specialising in road traffic accidents involving animals can offer guidance on your next steps.
Following these steps can help protect your health, legal rights and interests following an accident involving an animal.
- What evidence is needed for a road traffic accident claim involving animals?
When it comes to dealing with animals, road traffic accidents can become complex due to the nuances surrounding who can be held liable. To strengthen your compensation claim, gathering comprehensive evidence is essential. This evidence not only supports your account of the incident, but also helps establish liability and the extent of damages incurred. This evidence may include:
- Police report: if the police attended the scene, the report they produce can serve as a critical piece of evidence, detailing their assessment of the accident.
- Medical records: seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records and reports will document the nature and extent of your injuries, linking them to the accident.
- Photographs and videos: capture clear images or videos of the accident scene, including road conditions, any visible injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the animal involved (if safe and possible).
- Witness statements: if there were any witnesses to the accident, their accounts could be invaluable. Obtain their contact information and, if possible, written statements detailing what they saw.
- Insurance reports: inform your insurance company about the accident promptly. Any reports or correspondence from them can also serve as evidence.
- Details of the animal and owner: if the animal is owned by someone, gathering details about the animal and its owner, including any relevant insurance information, is crucial.
- Expert testimonies: in some cases, expert testimonies from accident reconstruction specialists or veterinarians might be necessary to explain how the accident occurred, or the behaviour of the animal involved.
Collecting this evidence with the help of a solicitor after the accident will allow you to build a strong claim.
Talk to Us
If you have been injured in a road accident involving an animal, speak to one of our solicitors today by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online contact form to request a call back at your convenience.
