What Happens If You Become Injured After Hitting a Wild Animal in Upstate New York?
Upstate New York is famous for its natural splendor. Along with plenty of amazing forests, we are also lucky enough to have a number of wild animals roaming through our state — including bears, wolves, bobcats, foxes, and moose. While these beautiful animals can be a stunning sight, they also pose a risk for motorists in upstate New York. Even the most attentive and responsible drivers can accidentally collide with these animals, as they often run into the road without warning. But what happens if you become injured in one of these crashes? Can you get compensated for your injuries?
School Bus Hits Black Bear in Upstate New York
Motorists hit wild animals on a fairly regular basis in upstate New York. On October 4th, it was reported that a school bus carrying a boys soccer team had hit a bear in Theresa. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash — probably because a school bus is a large, heavy vehicle that can sustain an impact with a large animal.
Indeed, passengers were initially under the impression that they had simply gone over a speed bump until the bus pulled over and assessed the damage. Sadly, the bear was mortally wounded by the crash and was humanely put down by the authorities. With all that said, this accident could have been much worse — particularly if the school bus had swerved to avoid the bear before hitting a tree or a ditch.
Why New York’s No-Fault Laws Matter in This Scenario
In situations like these, it’s important to realize that New York is a “no-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that you can receive compensation without actually holding anyone accountable for your injuries. Since you can’t sue the bear for causing your injuries, this allows you to file a claim with your insurance company even though there is no other human to blame. That being said, it’s still important to work with an attorney as you negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance companies. These organizations have a tendency to offer low settlements unless you negotiate for what you actually deserve.
On the other hand, there may be certain situations in which you can sue a third party directly for an animal collision. In the above example, the parents of the students could have potentially sued the bus driver (and the school) for failing to avoid the black bear. This would only be worth it if the students suffered serious, life-altering injuries — as this would allow the plaintiffs to step outside the boundaries of the no-fault system and sue negligent parties directly.
Where Can I Find an Accident Attorney in Upstate New York?
If you’re suffering from car crash injuries and you need compensation, you can turn to The Stanley Law Offices, LLP for assistance. We know that colliding with a wild animal in upstate New York can lead to serious injuries, and you deserve to explore all of your legal options for compensation if you find yourself in this situation. Book a consultation today, and we can carefully assess your unique situation before recommending the best route forward.
Sources
- https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2022/10/school-bus-returning-from-varsity-soccer-game-hits-bear-in-upstate-ny.html
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/minimum_auto_insurance_requirements#:~:text=Because%20of%20New%20York’s%20No,the%20Insurance%20Law)%20is%20sustained.
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