If you’re rear-ended after quickly braking to avoid a deer, who will Ohio law fault?
U.S. drivers had around 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims between 2022 and 2023.
And according to the Washington Post, deer are responsible for at least 69% of all animal collisions.
So, if you find one jumping in front of you on the road, should you slam on the brakes or risk hitting it? Are there any laws that prohibit either of those options? Let’s see what Ohio law says:
Is it legal to brake for an animal on the road in Ohio?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to brake for any animals, deer included, on the road in Ohio. There are no laws strictly prohibiting the action of braking when you see an animal. However, if you cause an accident because of braking, you could be held liable.
“Nobody wants to come across an animal appearing quickly out of nowhere. Unfortunately, these incidents happen. And the law and insurance companies might hold you responsible for such accidents,” said a spokesperson with Arthur Law Firm.
In such cases, getting compensation for the damage may also be difficult because most plans don’t have coverage for hitting wildlife.
Tips to stay safe from wildlife
Some tips to avoid hitting animals on the road:
Be prepared and don’t panic if you see an animal on the road.
Try not to swerve.
Slow down as much as possible and check your rearview mirror.
Although no one wants to kill or injure an animal, drivers must realize that their own life and safety is more valuable than that of an animal. If a collision is unavoidable, slow down as much as possible and brace yourself for the impact.
Have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 10:32 AM with the headline "If you’re rear-ended after quickly braking to avoid a deer, who will Ohio law fault?."
