Dealing with Deer Collisions: Prevention and Repair

Deer collisions are a big danger for drivers, causing both property damage and sometimes accidents where people are hurt or died. It’s crucial that people driving know how common these accidents are with deer. In Ohio, for example, there have been over 104,000 crashes since 2018. Most of these led to property damage. Sadly, 33 of these crashes cost lives, with 34 people dying.

The danger of hitting a deer is highest from October to December, so drivers should be extra careful then. Some places in Ohio, like Stark, Richland, Hancock, and Defiance, see more deer crashes. The main roads where this happens most are U.S. Route 30, state Route 3, and Interstates 75 and 77.

But it’s not just about people getting hurt. Hitting a deer can also hit you hard in your wallet. In Ohio, fixing your car from hitting a deer can cost close to $5,000. This is why having the right insurance is so important.

Key Takeaways:

Ohio has seen over 104,000 deer-related crashes since 2018, causing property damage in 95% of cases and fatalities in 33 instances.
Deer collisions peak during October, November, and December, with certain counties and roadways being particularly prone to such incidents.
The average insurance claim for a deer-vehicle collision in Ohio amounts to nearly $5,000.
Preventive measures, such as comprehensive insurance coverage, can help mitigate the financial impact of deer collisions.

Being ready for a deer crash means not just preventing them but also knowing what to do if it happens. Soon, we’ll talk about how to avoid hitting deer and dealing with the costs of a crash. We’ll also cover how to get your car fixed after hitting a deer. With these tips, drivers can stay safe and avoid the dangers of deer on the road.

Importance of Deer Collision Prevention

Deer getting hit by cars is a big problem. It can hurt people and cost a lot of money. Avoiding these accidents is very important. Drivers need to be careful at dawn and dusk. This is when deer move around the most. Be on the lookout for deer on the road.

Turn on your high beams when no cars are coming. This makes it easier to see deer or other animals. The extra light helps you see dangers sooner. It gives you more time to react and avoid hitting them.

Everyone in the car should wear a seatbelt. This protects you if you crash. Drivers must be focused and not tired or drunk. Being sleepy, not paying attention, or drunk makes it hard to avoid deer on the road.

Tips for Avoiding Deer Collisions

When trying to avoid deer collisions, remember a few important tips. You can lower the chance of hitting a deer if you follow these steps.

Scan the road: Always look ahead to prevent hitting a deer. Pay attention while driving and watch out for wildlife.
Use high beam headlights: Turn on your high beams in the dark or low-light situations. This will help you see animals better before it’s too late.
Be cautious at dawn and dusk: Morning and evening are when deer are most active. So, drive slower and be ready for deer to cross suddenly.
Apply the brakes: If you can’t avoid hitting a deer, brake hard. This might lessen the impact and prevent a worse accident.

Using these tips, you can lower your risk of a deer collision. Remember, it’s about being careful and proactive. Always keep your eyes open, drive with good lighting, and react fast but safely.

avoid hitting deer

What to Do If You Hit a Deer

If you hit a deer while driving, there are key steps to take.

First, call the police to report the crash. This helps to make sure everyone is safe and documents the issue.
Do not get close to the deer. It could be scared and might hurt you.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident.
If possible, move your car off the road. This helps prevent more accidents. Make sure to stay safe while doing this.
Stay put and wait for assistance. The police or wildlife experts might need to check things out.
Call your insurance right away to report what happened. They will tell you how to make a claim and what to do about your car.

It’s smart to take photos of the damage. These pictures will help your insurance claim and show how bad the damage is.

Stay calm and follow these steps after hitting a deer. It keeps you safe and speeds up the help you need.

The Cost of Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Deer hits can cost a lot for drivers. In Ohio, fixing a car after hitting a deer costs around $5,000. If your car is new and has advanced safety tech, you might pay double to fix it.

Many drivers get comprehensive coverage for such accidents. This type of insurance helps pay for repairs from hitting a deer. It’s called “other than collision” coverage.

Drivers should think about keeping this coverage, even for older cars. With it, you’re better financially prepared for deer accidents.

But, collision or liability-only insurance won’t help with deer hits. So, if you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you’ll pay all the repair costs yourself.

Having the right insurance, like comprehensive, gives peace of mind. It protects you from the high costs of deer accidents.

Now let’s look at fixing your car after a deer hit. Visit Section 6: How to Handle Post-Collision Repairs to learn more.

cost of deer collisions

How to Handle Post-Collision Repairs

If you hit a deer, first check out the damage on your car. It’s important to take photos for your insurance. This helps when you need to make a claim.

Contact your insurance company to start the claim process. They might suggest where to get your car fixed, based on your policy.

Choose a skilled repair shop for post-collision repairs. Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio and surrounding areas is a great choice. They have a team that knows how to fix cars after deer accidents. They aim for top-notch repairs and to make you happy.

Dealing with car damage from a deer can be tough. But, the team at Miracle Body and Paint is ready to help. They aim to ease your stress and get your car looking like new again.

Why Choose Miracle Body and Paint for Your Post-Collision Repairs?

Expertise and experience in handling post-collision repairs
State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
Trained and certified technicians
High-quality repairs using genuine parts
Efficient and timely service
Excellent customer satisfaction and reviews

For reliable repair work after hitting a deer, consider Miracle Body and Paint. Reach out to us to get started on fixing your car. We’ll take care of everything with great skill and attention.

Conclusion

Deer collisions are highly dangerous and can lead to big trouble for drivers. They may cause damage to both your car and you. Preventing these accidents is key. Here’s how.

Always scan the road ahead for deer. Use your high beam lights when you can. And be extra careful at dawn and dusk. These steps greatly lower your chances of hitting a deer.

If you do hit a deer, know what to do. Call the police right away and move your car off the road if you can do it safely. Make sure to also tell your insurance company quickly. This starts the claims process and gets everything documented right.

Fixing your car after a deer collision takes several steps. First, check how bad the damage is. Then, file a claim with your insurance. Choose a repair shop you trust. Miracle Body and Paint is a top choice for fixing your car after accidents. Their experts will make your car look and run like it did before the accident.

To wrap it up, preventing deer accidents and knowing what to do if one happens is crucial. Plus, picking a reliable repair shop matters a lot. Miracle Body and Paint is there to make your car like new. By following these tips, you can stay safe and save money after a deer collision.

FAQ

What are some tips for preventing deer collisions?

To avoid deer crashes, drivers should scan the road often. Use high beams when you can, especially at night. Be very careful at dawn and dusk because deer are usually out then.

How can I avoid hitting a deer while driving?

Watch the road ahead of you to miss hitting a deer. It’s good to use high beams sometimes but be careful about dazzling other drivers. Stay extra cautious at twilight and down. If you can’t avoid hitting one, brake hard.

What should I do if I hit a deer?

If you hit a deer, it’s key to call the police. Move your car to a safe spot if you can. Don’t touch the deer and try to avoid it further. You should also alert your insurance company right away. Follow their steps for making a claim.

How much does a deer collision cost in terms of repairs?

Dealing with a deer collision could cost almost ,000 in Ohio. The repair bill depends on how bad your car’s damage is and what type of car you drive.

What should I do if my vehicle is damaged in a deer collision?

After hitting a deer, check the damage to your vehicle. Take photos for the insurance company. Then, let your insurance know what happened. They’ll guide you on what to do next, including where to get your car fixed.