What to do if you hit a kangaroo, cow or large animal with your car

We are so lucky to have a huge range of wildlife here in Australia. Unfortunately, wild animals in Australia can be largely unpredictable. That’s why drivers should always expect the unexpected when driving on the road, particularly at dawn and dusk. This is especially true in areas where Kangaroos inhabit because they are the most at-risk animals when it comes to being hit by cars. They also are likely to cause a huge amount of damage to your car if hit and are particularly active around dawn and dusk. This blog will explain what to do if you hit a kangaroo, cow, or large animal with your car. 

How common are accidents with animals in Australia?

Collisions with animals make up 5% of all motor vehicle accidents within Australia per year. However, of this 5%, 90% are collisions with kangaroos. Not only is this a huge percentage of vehicle and animal collisions, but kangaroos are also large animal, with plenty of potentials to cause serious damage to you and your vehicle. 

Where are the most common areas in Australia for animal collisions on the road?

While Canberra is a known hotspot for animal collisions, NSW is the most common state to experience a motor vehicle collision with a large animal. Almost one-third of Australia’s animal-related accidents take place in NSW. 

Please refer to our table for the number one area in each state for the most animal collisions.

How can you avoid collisions with kangaroos and other animals on Australian roads?

There are a number of ways that people can avoid collisions with animals on the roads. Hopefully, with these tips, you can prevent a serious accident if you spot an animal on the road ahead of you. Please be aware that no matter your city or state, animal collisions are always a possibility, particularly around dawn or dusk, when the lighting affects the roads and your vision. For the safety of both you and the wildlife in Australia, be sure to always follow these safety tips when driving:

• If you see an animal, do not swerve, as you then risk colliding with another vehicle and injuring passengers. Slow down and brake as best you can.
• Take more care when driving during dusk and dawn, as these times are when kangaroos and other animals are more likely to be on the roads.
• Where there are kangaroo signs, drive with extra caution.
• If you see kangaroos on the side of the road, proceed with caution as they often travel together in mobs, so expect to see more of them.

• Take extra care when driving outside of the city, in more regional areas.
• Spotting roadkill is a strong indicator of wildlife in the area, so be particularly cautious. 
• If you’re involved in a collision with an animal, stop to check its welfare if it is safe to do so. If the animal is alive and injured call your local wildlife rescue service immediately.
• If it’s a dead kangaroo, wombat or echidna and it is safe to do so, check whether it’s a female and whether there’s a joey or offspring in her pouch or around her. 
• Watch out for other traffic which might not expect to see you on the road or roadside. Do not inspect the animals if it is not safe to do so. 

Can you make a claim if your car collides with an animal?

Claims can be made in some instances of vehicle and animal collisions. Under no-fault provisions in the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 NSW, drivers can make a claim for damages for personal injury in certain circumstances where a kangaroo, or any other animal, hops or runs into the path of their car or motorcycle and causes them to crash and/or sustain injuries from the impact. According to an insurance company’s report, released in June 2019, more than 7000 drivers are involved in, and claim for, kangaroo collisions in Australia per year. If you think you have a claim and you want to start the process, head to this page for more information. Start your claims process today and speak to What’s My Claim Worth to see whether your claim can progress.