Call Us
Immediate actions to take after hitting an animal with your car
Posted on Feb 28, 2019
Whether in the wild, on the road or on the run, there’s unfortunately plenty of opportunity for motorists to collide with an animal.
But the word “animal” in these circumstances and from a legal perspective doesn’t apply to all.
When you’re required to stop
If you hit any of the following, by law you must stop your vehicle, inform the police right away, and remain at the scene until they arrive:
- dog
- horse
- donkeys
- mule
- goat
- cow
- sheep
- pig
When you should stop
For cats, deer, foxes badgers and other animals, it’s a good idea to report the incident for two reasons. One, the police will likely contact the local authority to arrange the disposal of its body, and two, if it’s a cat or another domesticated pet, it will give you the opportunity to inform their owner.
Contact the local wildlife rescue organisation if it’s a wild animal that’s still alive. Otherwise you can take domesticated animals to the closest vet.
Approach with caution
Regardless of whether you must or should stop, make sure you do so where it’s safe. Be aware that an injured animal may act aggressively so take care in approaching them.
It may be that it’s not safe to move the animal out of the road, so you should set up a hazard area to warn oncoming traffic and keep off the road.
While you can help the animal by keeping it warm and dry, you shouldn’t feed it or give it any water as this might delay medical treatment.
Record and take photos
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be able to make a claim on your insurance if there’s been damage to your car or you’ve suffered an injury.
Make sure you take photos or note down the circumstances including time, location, and details of any other drivers involved or witnesses so you can take this information to your insurance provider if you are able to make a claim.
Recent News
Search News
Categories
What Our Customers Say
Mal Elwood
"Very efficient, always friendly and helpful. I have used Watkin Davies for years, and they have always been competitive. I received great support recently when I had to make a claim, so I'd highly recommend them."
A Ali
"I was very impressed with the quality of the service - it was outstanding. The advisor, Ms Spear went above and beyond to give me the best driving insurance policy. The policy I have received is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much Ms Spear!"
Adam Kearns
"I've used Instructorcover Plus for my driving instructor insurance for a number of years. Not only are prices competitive, even at renewal, but customer service is fantastic. Call operators are always cheerful and incredibly helpful. Everything is always sorted in a single call, saving valuable time. Highly recommend."
Macca Ginger
"Absolutely superb service from the team, particularly Natalie. Very easy and simple process"
steve rudgley
"As aways very efficient"
Barrie P
"I have used InstructorcoverPlus for my driving tuition insurance for a number of years. Their prices are always competitive and everyone I speak to is friendly and helpful."
Kathryn Parkes
"Ceri was very helpful and knowledgeable on the phone"
John Gabriel
"Karrie Brewer was so helpful today, especially as one insurance company would not quote, so had to shop around for us, many thanks"
Sulman Khosty
"Kelly is amazing. Very helpful and friendly, did a great job today with helping me out to get insured. Amazing service!"
Andy Amadi
"Great service. Got my first driving instructor insurance with this firm. Price was competitive and customer service provided by Jane was great. I will definitely recommend the service."
Lynne Turner
"Team were very helpful when it came time to renew my policy, taking the time to check and make any amendments needed. Would highly recommend."
Nikki Mellin
"5 stars!"
Pam Durbin
"Excellent service from Watkin Davies as per usual. I love the way they do all the hard work researching best quotes and provide you with your options. All the staff are very friendly and professional, I have to highlight Ceri who always does a fantastic job for me and my family."
Steve P
"Really helpful and efficient customer service, friendly and knowledgeable too. I would highly recommend InstructorcoverPlus."
Ricki Dango
"I m a returning customer and what a wonderful experience. Emma is new to her role but she was very helpful and polite throughout. She got the quote done very quickly and managed to beat all my other quotations. I therefore didn't have to waste any more time. Further she offered me three instalments at 0% which is helpful in this current economic climate. The paperwork was sent straight away. Highly recommended."
Gary Williams
"Once again, could not have been more helpful! Still a pleasure to speak to a 'real person' who knew what they were talking about!"