Motorcycle accidents caused by animals are a common occurrence. If you’re ever caught in such a tricky situation, you need to know your rights and obligations. Some accidents caused by animals are nothing more than an accident. However, there are times when the owner is at fault, or you’re at fault. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you distinguish between both situations. However, there are salient things to consider if you’re involved in an accident caused by an animal. This article will briefly explain animal accidents; let’s begin.
Are You at Fault When You Hit an Animal?
Most of the time, hitting an animal turns out to be an at-fault incident. However, there are situations when the motorcyclist doesn’t have enough distance to stop for things ahead of them. Some obstructions like an animal suddenly darting into traffic doesn’t put the driver at risk. It isn’t among the predictable obstacles that motorcyclists can afford.
However, when a cyclist is speeding or breaking traffic laws, it could cause them to be responsible for the accident. They’re at fault if their terrible driving causes an animal its life. Hitting an animal is only an at-fault accident if the motorcyclist breaks the law in a way that causes the accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer helps you determine if that is the case in your accident.
Wild Animal Accidents
These are not uncommon and can happen at any time. It could be an accident with a fox, deer, or any other wild animal. If you’re involved in a bike accident with an animal, it usually isn’t your fault. A cyclist usually needs to leave considerable distance for the traffic ahead. However, wild animals don’t care about these rules and can dart into the road at any time. Therefore accidents involving wild animals are usually viewed as genuine accidents by law enforcement.
Destructive riding behaviors can cause a reaction that results in an accident with a wild animal. However, in a situation where the cyclist breaks a driving rule, the case is different. If you are speeding or tailgating when the accident happens, then you’re at fault. If the accident is partly the driver’s fault, then the driver is at legal fault for the incident.
Does Insurance Cover Animal Damages?
Yes, there are times when your insurance covers animal damages. However, this usually depends on the type of coverage that you have. If you have collision insurance or your insurance is a comprehensive one, then you might have coverage for animal damage. However, if your insurance is the minimum liability policy, there are few chances it covers animal damages. One way to know what your state laws or insurance covers are by contacting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They will help you obtain the coverage you require or prove no-fault where necessary.
