In the state of New York, drivers are required by law to stop and report any incident that causes injury to an animal. The regulation was put into place to protect the safety and well-being of both pets and wild creatures and subsequently hold drivers who harm them accountable.
Leaving the scene of such an accident can lead to severe consequences. As such, New York’s drivers need to understand the legal implications and what steps to take should they ever end up in such a predicament.
What to Do if You Hit an Animal
Should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having hit an animal while driving in New York, there are certain steps you can take to ensure you comply with the law and don’t get cited for leaving the scene. Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law outlines exactly what is required of you.
First and foremost, you must pull over. Get your car off the road and to a safe location where you won’t cause any hangups for other traffic. Once you’ve safely stopped, take a few minutes to assess the situation. Check on the condition of the animal as best as you can. It may not always be possible, but if you can do so safely, try to determine its injuries.
If there is anything you can do to help the injured creature, offer what aid you can. Your efforts can include contacting local animal control or a nearby veterinarian for advice. Unfortunately, despite your good intentions, there are times when an animal simply can’t be helped, but you should always make a reasonable effort based on the circumstances.
When all is said and done, you will need to contact the local authorities to report the incident. Provide as much detailed information as you can. If you know or find out that the animal you’ve injured is a pet, and you’re able to identify the owner, you’ll also have to let them know what happened.
Consequences For Leaving the Scene After Hitting an Animal
Anyone who has left the scene of an animal-involved accident could face harsh penalties. At a minimum, a driver who fails to stop for an injured animal is likely to be fined or issued a ticket for not complying with the law. Points could be accumulated against their driving record, as well, which could lead to higher insurance rates and possible license suspension.
In more severe cases, a driver could face criminal charges. These are more likely to be levied against the driver if the animal belongs to an endangered species or the incident that harmed them was particularly horrendous.
Avoid Costly Legal Mistakes
It can be a challenge to navigate the legal complexities of a collision with an animal, especially if the incident is sudden and takes place in an area where not many other drivers are around.
Nevertheless, you must understand that leaving the scene of an accident that injures an animal is considered a serious offense by the state of New York. If you find yourself facing charges for such a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced traffic violation lawyer will help you understand your rights and obligations. They’ll offer guidance on how to handle the situation and represent you in court if necessary.For professional assistance with traffic violations and animal-related accidents in Central New York, contact New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. Our skilled team is committed to guiding you through the legal process and helping you reach the best possible outcome for your case.
