Vehicle: Wildlife accident

Many people rarely see wild animals. Unfortunately, often in the context of a wildlife accident with the car. In the following, the correct course of action in such an accident is described.

The first call is to the local police station. This initiates everything else.

To claim a wildlife accident with your insurance company, you need a wildlife accident certificate. These can be obtained from the police or the additional person authorised to hunt.

Fundamental:

• Drive, especially at dawn or dusk or at night, at an appropriate speed!
• If a wild animal suddenly appears on the road in front of your car, don't put your own health at risk! Avoid emergency braking, high beam and try not to swerve. Drive straight ahead and brake appropriately.
• If a collision occurs, check yourself first and, if necessary. Your passengers on integrity. Then secure the scene of the accident (warning triangle approx. 100m from the scene of the accident).
• You are obliged to report any wildlife accident to the local police station. This informs the responsible person entitled to hunt.
• If the animal is injured after the collision within sight of the scene of the accident, stay away from it! Supposed help out of well-intentioned animal love only leads to further stress for the animal, injured animals can defend themselves and hurt you. If the animal has already died, remove it from the road. The unauthorized appropriation of accidental game fulfills the offence of poaching!

Be sure to stay at the scene of the accident until the police or the person authorised to hunt arrive. Since you are an eyewitness to the accident, you can provide information that is very important for the humane handling of the animal that is likely to be injured. In addition, the personal injury or vehicle damage can be determined, which is important for the wildlife accident certificate.

The certificate is normally issued immediately.

A wildlife accident certificate usually costs between 15 and 25 €.

For partially or fully insured persons, the insurance covers the damage to the vehicle. The prerequisite is that the wildlife accident has been proven. For this purpose, the forestry offices and the police issue corresponding certificates.