Memphis Automobile Accident Attorneys Remind You to Watch Out for Deer
Deer are on the move in Tennessee right now. It is mating season, which means that deer are more active than usual as they look high and low for a suitable mate. It is also hunting season, so deer are running all over the place in an attempt to evade the hunters who are waiting for them in the woods. What motorists need to know is that all of this increased deer activity often brings them in closer proximity to roads and highways, and sometimes right out into the middle of the road.
Deer are not small animals, and they can do a great deal of damage to a vehicle and can cause serious and even fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. In fact, the number of deer-related crashes in Tennessee last year totaled over six thousand. While many of those crashes resulted in property damage without injury, it is important to note that there were two fatalities and nearly 300 other injuries.
The likelihood of encountering a deer in the roadway increases around dawn and dusk, as deer are most active at those times of day. However, motorists must always be actively looking out for deer at all times of day, because they do move around at all hours of the day and night. The most common places for motorists to encounter deer are where roads pass through areas of open fields.
It is important that motorists know what to do and what not to do when they see deer in the roadway. Your first line of defense is to become aware of the deer as soon as possible. Scan the sides of the road as you drive, because you may be able to see deer while you are still a ways away from them. If you do happen to see a deer, slow down and wait for it to cross the road, and then wait some more. Deer often travel in groups, so it is common to see one or two other deer follow the first deer across the road.
If a deer darts into the road when you are close by, do not swerve. Swerving is more dangerous than hitting the deer, in many cases, because it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and even flip it over. Swerving also frightens the deer, and that may cause them to move erratically, which means that you might end up hitting them anyway.
If you have been injured or someone that you love has been injured or killed in an accident, you deserve the very best in legal representation. The compassionate and dedicated Memphis Automobile Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC would like to hear about your automobile accident case. To learn more, please call us today, at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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