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 Solicitors may be able to help you claim for 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 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.

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