Fall in Kentucky means that there’s plenty of deer around. But unfortunately, this also means there’s plenty of opportunities where they run out in front of your and other drivers. Anytime something so unpredictable happens, it leads to serious car accidents, including a recent one that happened in Warren County on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
According to a story from WAVE, a 26-year-old Indiana man was killed when he slammed his brakes after a deer ran out in front of his car and he was rear-ended by the car behind him on Interstate 65 near mile marker 25. Kentucky State Police (KSP) responded to the scene around 1:57 a.m. An initial investigation found that a deer caused the accident, darting out in front of the man. When he slammed on his brakes, the car behind him rear-ended him, forcing him off the road.
The man died at the scene, while the other driver was taken to the Medical Center of Bowling Green with unknown injuries.
Who’s Liable When Deer Cause Car Accidents in Kentucky?
It’s very hard to be in a situation where your car accident is caused by a deer or some other seemingly random event. Not only do you have to deal with all of the usual problems of a car accident–medical bills, missing work, and emotional damage–but you then have to wrestle with the psychological issues.
Still, the fact remains that someone is liable when there’s a car accident–even in ones caused by a deer. Swerving or slamming on your brakes to avoid a deer is a natural reaction, but legally, it can be seen as a negligent act if it leads to an accident. So, while the driver would carry most of the responsibility, it can also fall on:
- Local government– If the accident happens in a known deer-crossing area without warning signs, local agencies could be responsible for failing to maintain road safety.
- Landowners – If a property attracts deer, creating frequent crossings without warning signs, the landowner might share liability.
- Vehicle makers – If a car’s design or features worsened the accident (like poor visibility), the manufacturer could be held liable.
While deer accidents are unfortunate, liability is crucial in telling you who has to pay for your damages. So, when you’re in one of these accidents in Warren County or anywhere else in Kentucky, our car accident lawyers can help.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Kentucky Car Accident
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky car accident lawyers know how common it can be to see deer along the road. But when one of these animals causes you or someone you care about to be injured, there’s a legal process in place to help. With our team’s experience, we can make sure you have a strong claim, either through insurance or a lawsuit. This will help you recover financial support for your:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost wages and future income
- Car repairs or replacement
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses (if applicable)
Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a deer in Kentucky.
