Deer-Related Car Accidents in Ohio
Ohio ranks among the top states for deer-related car accidents, especially during the fall mating season. Because deer move suddenly and often travel in groups, collisions can happen without warning. These crashes frequently cause vehicle damage, serious injuries, and in some cases, multi-car pileups. Understanding what to do after a deer accident can protect both your safety and your legal rights.
🦌 Why Deer Collisions Increase in the Fall
Deer become more active from October through December due to mating season. They move unpredictably, travel across roadways in low light, and often follow other deer into traffic. Because of this, collisions increase dramatically during fall months. Additionally, early mornings and evenings create the perfect conditions for limited visibility.
🌙 Common Injuries in Deer-Related Crashes
Deer collisions cause more than just vehicle damage. Large deer can hit windshields, enter cabins, or cause drivers to lose control and collide with guardrails or oncoming traffic. As a result, injuries can include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Airbag injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations from shattered glass
🚨 What to Do After Hitting a Deer
Because these situations are stressful, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can help protect your claim.
Make sure to:
- Move your vehicle to a safe place
- Call the police to file a report
- Take photos of the deer, damages, and roadway
- Document injuries and symptoms
- Notify your insurance company
⚠️ When Another Driver May Be at Fault
Although many deer crashes are unavoidable, some accidents become more severe because another driver acted carelessly. For example, a speeding driver may cause a chain-reaction crash after someone else hits a deer. In these situations, victims often speak with a Personal Injury Attorney in Canton Ohio to determine whether another party contributed to the accident.
📄 How an Attorney Helps After a Deer Collision
An attorney can help evaluate liability, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for injuries. Because deer collisions often involve emergency maneuvers and fast-changing circumstances, legal guidance is especially important when injuries are involved.
🌟 Testimonial
“I hit a deer on a dark road and the crash caused injuries I didn’t expect. Slagle & Kotnik walked me through the entire process and handled the insurance company for me.”
📞 Need Help After a Deer-Related Accident?
If you were injured in a deer collision or secondary crash, our team is here to help. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Slagle & Kotnik Law today for a free consultation.
For useful safety information, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
