Deer Related Fatality

A local media report came across my desk that tells of a family highway tragedy. Seven people in a minivan full of relatives were killed, and four were injured when their vehicle hit a deer on an Indiana highway and slowed down or stopped just before a Tractor-trailer slammed into them from behind, this past Friday.

Several things came to mind. The first is that all drivers are required to maintain a safe distance while following so that if something happens that cause the vehicle ahead to slow, that there is plenty of time and space for the following vehicle to respond.  From what I’ve read, the cause of the fatalities is the truck driver’s failure to follow at a safe distance and maintain control of his/her vehicle.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney, I want to take this opportunity to once again remind you all of you to pay particular attention, especially in the morning and at dusk, for deer. The Tennessee Department of Safety cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months prone to deer-related crashes, October through December.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In the month of November Tennessee recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

If you see one deer there will probably be several more

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

Do not try to swerve around an animal.

If you swerve you could lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another vehicle, both potentially much worse than hitting a deer. If you swerve, there’s also a chance that the animal will panic and run into your path. Instead, keep your lane position and sound your horn while braking in a controlled manner.

What does this mean to you if you or a family member are the victim of a Tennessee tractor-trailer accident and suffer a serious or life threatening injury?  It means that the trucking company has a huge advantage in investigating the cause of the accident and developing a strategy for its defense to any claim that arises. During one of these situations evidence can disappear and negligent drivers can be coached on what to say to police investigators. The trucking company has the benefit of an expert that was actually at the accident scene. This may not be possible for the victim since injuries are usually severe in nature. Needless to say it is important to act quickly so that an expert can examine the evidence on your behalf.

Time is of the essence in these kind of  cases. Although most cases can be reconstructed at a later time it is important to have someone looking out for your best interests as soon as possible. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced Tennessee tractor-trailer accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. If you or a loved one is injured in a car tractor-trailer accident act quickly and take advantage of a no-cost no-obligation consultation and learn about your rights and put our crack team of lawyers and investigators on the case.

Be On The Lookout

Large animals, wild and domestic, running loose on or near highways create a serious danger for motor vehicle operators. We often warn readers to be on the alert for deer as they drive in rural areas, but with urban sprawl, deer car collision are happening in increasing numbers, on busy streets in developed areas.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent. In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes.

Reference an accident this weekend in Bradley County, Tennessee. A deputy sheriff was driving in a rural area searching for a cow that was reported running loose from a nearby pasture. According to the deputy, the cow “leaped from the woods” in front of his patrol unit, slammed into the hood and came through the windshield trapping him the car. Emergency responders extracted him from the vehicle and he was transported to a local hospital. His condition is unknown at this time, my prayers go out to the officer for a quick and complete recovery.

Farmers and landowners have a duty to secure livestock and if they fail in this duty and someone is injured they are liable for any and all damages caused by their negligence. To secure your reasonable damages you ought to consult with experienced Nashville auto accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. Give us a call and take advantage of a free consultation. Call 615-356-2000

Watch Out For Wildlife

A Georgia tractor-trailer driver who hit a metal guardrail then ran head-on into the bridge’s concrete rails, knocking out a large portion before falling off the south side of the bridge said the accident was caused when he swerved to avoid a deer.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

•            If you see one deer there will probably be several more;

•            If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

•            Do not try to swerve around an animal.

I repeat, do not swerve to avoid the deer, the danger is far greater when your vehicle leaves the road. The driver here was piloting a vehicle that weighed over 80,000 lbs and would hardly have noticed hitting a deer that weighed only somewhat more then a hundred pounds.

As an experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer, I’d bet the ranch that the driver was somehow distracted and not paying attention when his truck hit the guard rail and lost control.

As I’ve said many times, when you are involved in an accident with a trucking company vehicle time is of the essence and you ought to get an experienced tractor trailer lawyer on the case as soon as possible. The trucking company will have it’s investigators on the scene within an hour or so of the collision.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee tractor-trailer accident you owe it to your self to contact the experienced Board Certified civil trial lawyers like you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates and put them to work for you.

A 31-year-old Summertown man died after striking a deer on the highway, which caused him to lose control, leave the road and slam into a tree. The wreck occurred near midnight. The man was transported but died shortly after arriving at the hospital. My prayers go out to the family and friend of this young man.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

•            If you see one deer there will probably be several more;

•            If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

•            Do not try to swerve around an animal.

For this and other important tips about Tennessee driving safety, visit the web site of the experienced Tennessee auto accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney, I want to take this opportunity to once again remind you all of you to pay particular attention, especially in the morning and at dusk, for deer. What was once a rural problem has now become an urban and suburban one as the deer move into the cities.

The Tennessee Department of Safety cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months prone to deer-related crashes, October through December. Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell reminds motorists that, “November, when deer mating and deer hunting seasons start, is the worst month for deer-related crashes.”

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

If you see one deer there will probably be several more;

• If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.
• Do not try to swerve around an animal.

If you swerve you could lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another vehicle, both potentially much worse than hitting a deer. If you swerve, there’s also a chance that the animal will panic and run into your path. Instead, keep your lane position and sound your horn while braking in a controlled manner.

Visit my web site for other highway traffic safety related information. Phillip Miller & Associates at www.seriousinjury.com.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney I usually remind my readers and clients that the Spring time and the Fall are extra dangerous times when driving in rural or suburban areas at dawn and dusk. The deer become much more active and the younger, more inexperienced deer are apt to run out in front of your vehicle as you travel the highways and byways of Tennessee.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent. In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of important things I would suggest are, that whenever you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit. If you do collide with a deer, never approach the injured animal as they are powerful and can cause serious bodily harm, and even death to a human. And most importantly, highway safety professionals advise motorists not to attempt to avoid hitting deer, because swerving to miss the animals often causes vehicles to go off the road. Frequently, those vehicles then hit trees, power poles or run off into ditches. Instead, they recommend, that motorists should hit the deer.

For information on this, and many other important Tennessee highway safety related subjects, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates for helpful tips and suggestions about all areas of highway safety.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney I usually remind my readers and clients that the spring time and the fall are extra dangerous times when driving in rural or suburban areas at dawn and dusk. The deer become much more active and the younger, more inexperienced deer are apt to run out in front of your vehicle as you travel the highways and byways of Tennessee.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent. In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of important things I would suggest are, that whenever you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit. If you do collide with a deer, never approach the injured animal as they are powerful and can cause serious bodily harm, and even death to a human. And most importantly, highway safety professionals advise motorists not to attempt to avoid hitting deer, because swerving to miss the animals often causes vehicles to go off the road. Frequently, those vehicles then hit trees, power poles or run off into ditches. Instead, they recommend, that motorists should hit the deer.

For information on this, and many other important Tennessee highway safety related subjects, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates, and search the web site at www.seriousinjury.com for helpful tips and suggestions about all areas of highway safety.

Fall Is Deer Season

I want to take this opportunity to once again remind you all to pay particular attention, especially in the morning and at dusk, for deer. What was once a rural problem has now become an urban and suburban one as the cities move into deer country. The Tennessee Department of Safety cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months prone to deer-related crashes, October through December.

Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell reminds motorists that, “November, when deer mating and deer hunting seasons start, is the worst month for deer-related crashes.” According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In 2006, the month of November recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

If you see one deer there will probably be several more;

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

Do not try to swerve around an animal.

If you swerve you could lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another vehicle, both potentially much worse than hitting a deer. If you swerve, there’s also a chance that the animal will panic and run into your path. Instead, keep your lane position and sound your horn while braking in a controlled manner.

If you are involved in a collision with a deer you can be certain that they are not insured and if they survive the collision it might be difficult to identify the one responsible for the collision so you will probably have to rely on your own car insurance to take care of the damages. Before you do so I suggest that you check out my website at Phillip Miller & Associates, and get some information about the process of negotiating with an insurance adjuster.

It's Autumn Watch For Deer

A recent press release from The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months of October through December, which is deer mating season, also referred to as “the rut”. Deer are on the move during this period, meaning an increase in deer-related crashes is more likely.

“Every year hundreds of Tennessee motorists are involved in property damage crashes and some suffer injuries after striking a deer. Deer pose a danger to drivers throughout the year, but especially in the fall,” stated THP Colonel Mike Walker. “In areas where deer are populated, it is important that drivers always slow down, pay attention and stay alert.”

In 2008, there were 5,140 deer-related crashes, including 266 that involved injuries and one that was fatal. That was up less than one percent from 5,104 last year, but since 2004, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 12 percent. Between 2004 and 2008, less than ten percent of deer-related crashes occurred on interstate highways, so motorists should exercise extra caution when not traveling on a major thoroughfare. November, when deer hunting season starts, is the worst month for deer-related crashes.

“November is when the peak of the rut occurs, and is the worst month for deer-related crashes,” said TWRA Information Officer Don King. “It is also prime month for deer hunting season, which is the only effective way to reduce the number of deer and help keep the population number in check.”

The THP and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency have these tips for drivers to help prevent deer-related crashes during peak mating and hunting seasons:

*Whenever you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit.

*Be attentive, especially at daybreak and dusk, when deer tend to be on the move.

*If you do collide with a deer, never approach the injured animal. They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human.

*Tennessee law allows deer killed in a collision to be taken and used as food, as long as you contact the nearest TWRA regional office to report the accident within 48 hours.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Nashville automobile accident contact the experienced Nashville automobile attorneys at Philip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies.