Car Accident Blamed on Big Foot

March 27, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Wildlife strikes are the cause of a significant number of car accidents in Ontario. In 2003 (the latest published Transport Canada data) there were over 14,000 car accidents with no injury due to wildlife strikes. There were almost 1000 people injured in car accidents due to wildlife, and there were 4 people killed. OPP reported that in 2014 there were more than 2000 people injured in car crashes involving animal collisions. In these collisions, your comprehensive coverage generally covers the damage to you and your car.

This latest news however, is incredible. An Idaho car accident is being blamed on Big Foot. The 50-year-old woman was outside of Polatch in north west Idaho when she spotted a seven or eight foot tall Sasquatch chasing a deer at the edge of the road. As she watched Sasquatch, she missed the deer that jumped in front of her car and she hit it, crashing her car. She told State Police about the cause of the accident but they were not able to find evidence of Big Foot in the area. No word on what her insurance company though of the excuse.

Dash cams and their data have become increasingly popular with both the public and police as a way to proved what caused accidents. Perhaps this woman should invest in a dash cam for the next time Big Foot distracts her while driving.

On a more serious note, most wildlife accidents occur during dusk or dawn, but they can happen at anytime of day.

• Certain periods of the year are also more dangerous.
• Always pay attention to wildlife signs at the side of the road as they are erected where animal strikes are much more common than usual.
• Slow down in signed areas and be vigilant for either shining eyes (in the dark) or sudden movement in the ditches and road sides
• Wildlife collision experts recommend braking hard rather than jerking the wheel to swerve when you are going to collide with an animal. It is safer to hit a small animal than to swerve around it and risk losing control. You’ll have to use your judgement with a moose or deer as to whether swerving, braking, or hitting the animal is the least dangerous thing.
• If you do hit an animal and cause damage to your car you should report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
• If you or someone else is injured, or the animal is injured you should call 911 for help.
• If you want to keep the carcass (deer, moose, bear)  for your own use (meat or taxidermy) you must report it the Ministry of Natural Resources.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.