Car and deer collisions are common across Ohio, especially in the fall mating season when deer are more active and likely to wander onto roadways. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, tens of thousands of deer-related crashes occur in the state each year, many causing serious vehicle damage and injuries. While these accidents are rarely preventable, the financial fallout can be significant. Understanding your compensation options after hitting a deer in Ohio can make a stressful situation far more manageable.

Is Hitting a Deer Considered an At-Fault Accident in Ohio?

In most cases, no. When a driver hits a deer, the incident is generally classified as a "no-fault" collision, since the animal's sudden appearance on the road is considered unpredictable and unavoidable. Ohio insurance companies typically treat these accidents differently than crashes involving other vehicles or drivers.

However, this doesn't mean your insurer will automatically pay for damages. You'll need to have the right type of auto coverage to qualify for compensation.

Does Your Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?

The primary source of compensation after a deer collision in Ohio is your auto insurance policy—specifically, comprehensive coverage. This is distinct from liability or collision coverage, which typically address damage caused to other vehicles or resulting from an at-fault accident.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by non-collision incidents such as:

• Animal strikes (including deer)
• Theft or vandalism
• Fire or flood
• Falling objects

If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, you may be entitled to reimbursement for vehicle repairs, minus your deductible.

Key point: If you only carry minimum liability coverage—required by Ohio law—you will not be covered for hitting a deer.

Can You File a Claim Through Collision Coverage?

Some drivers mistakenly assume that "collision" coverage applies to all crashes, including animal strikes. However, in Ohio, deer accidents are specifically handled under comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage may apply if you swerve to avoid a deer and strike another car or fixed object, but not if you hit the deer directly.

Example:

• You hit a deer head-on: Comprehensive coverage applies
• You swerve to miss the deer and hit a guardrail: Collision coverage applies

Knowing the distinction between the two can help you file the appropriate claim.

How Much Will Insurance Pay?

The amount you receive depends on several factors:

• Extent of the damage: Repair costs will be assessed by an adjuster or body shop.
• Your deductible: If your comprehensive deductible is $500 and your damage is $3,000, you'll receive $2,500.
• Vehicle value: If your car is totaled, you'll be paid the actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible.

Some insurers offer "full glass" coverage or deductible waivers for specific damage types—check the fine print on your policy.

What if the Accident Caused Injuries?

While most deer collisions result in property damage, injuries can and do occur—especially when drivers lose control and crash after swerving. If you or your passengers are injured:

• Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage can help cover initial medical costs, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage would not apply, since the incident doesn't involve another driver.
• Health insurance may also cover care, though deductibles and copays still apply.

In some cases, if a passenger is injured and the driver is found to have been speeding or distracted, they may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver. These situations are rare but worth considering depending on the facts of the case.

Can You Sue Anyone for a Deer-Related Accident?

Generally, no. Deer are wild animals, and no individual or government agency is responsible for their actions. That said, there are limited exceptions:

• Negligent Property Management: If a private property owner knowingly feeds deer near a road, fails to maintain fencing, or creates conditions that encourage deer crossings, there may be grounds for liability.
• Defective Vehicle Claims: If your injuries were worsened by a faulty airbag, braking system, or safety feature failure, a product liability claim may be possible.

However, these cases are rare and often difficult to prove. Most compensation will come through your own insurance policy.

What to Do After Hitting a Deer

Taking the right steps after a deer collision can help protect your health and strengthen your insurance claim:

1. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
2. Call the police to file a report, especially if there's significant damage or injury.
3. Do not approach the deer. It may be injured and unpredictable.
4. Take photos of the damage, the road, and the surroundings.
5. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
6. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries.

Police reports and photographic evidence can help verify that a deer caused the damage—critical for claims where insurers suspect fraud or unclear circumstances.

Preventing Future Deer Collisions

While you can't completely avoid deer on Ohio roads, you can reduce your risk by:

• Slowing down during dawn and dusk—peak movement times for deer
• Watching for deer crossing signs, especially in rural or wooded areas
• Using high beams when driving in low-traffic, dark conditions
• Avoiding swerving suddenly, which can lead to more dangerous accidents

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), deer collisions are more common in October through December. Staying alert during these months can help you stay safe.

Conclusion

Hitting a deer in Ohio is a frightening and sometimes costly experience, but you may have several options for compensation—especially if you carry comprehensive auto insurance. Understanding the difference between coverage types, filing procedures, and injury claims can help you navigate the aftermath with more confidence. And while wild animals are unpredictable, knowing how to respond at the scene—and preparing in advance—can reduce both the risks and the financial burden.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Ohio car accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.