Info Regarding Repairs Following a Deer Car Accident

Damaged Headlights and Exterior Lighting

Headlights, fog lights and other exterior lighting are especially vulnerable when a deer strikes the front or corner of a vehicle. The impact can crack a lens, break mounting brackets, damage the housing or affect the wiring behind the light.

Even if a damaged headlight still works, cracks can allow moisture inside and broken mounting points can prevent the light from staying properly positioned. Depending on the extent of the collision damage, the light assembly or related components may need to be repaired or replaced.

Elmwood Collision can inspect the damaged lighting and surrounding front-end components as part of the overall deer collision repair.

Damaged or Cracked Bumpers

The bumper is one of the most common areas damaged when a vehicle hits a deer. What appears to be a cracked, dented or scraped bumper cover may also involve damage to components behind it.

Depending on the severity of the impact, deer collision damage can affect the bumper cover, reinforcement, mounting brackets and other front-end components. That is why it is important to inspect more than just the visible exterior damage.

At Elmwood Collision, we evaluate the complete damaged area to determine whether components can be repaired or need to be replaced. When refinishing is required, our collision repair and paint process restores the repaired area to match the vehicle as closely as possible.

Cracked or Damaged Windshields

A deer collision can also damage the windshield, especially when the animal strikes or travels over the hood of the vehicle. Cracks, shattered glass or other windshield damage can reduce visibility and make the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Windshield damage on newer vehicles may also involve cameras or sensors mounted near the glass that are part of advanced driver-assistance systems. When these components are affected, additional inspection and calibration may be required as part of the collision repair process.

If your windshield is badly cracked or shattered after hitting a deer, avoid driving the vehicle until you know it can be operated safely.

Dented or Damaged Hood

The hood can take a significant amount of damage when a vehicle hits a deer. Depending on the impact, the hood may be dented, bent or pushed out of alignment, and the damage may extend to surrounding panels or components underneath it.

A damaged hood should also be checked to make sure the latch, hinges and mounting points are functioning properly. In a more severe deer collision, damage may extend beyond the hood to the radiator support, cooling system or other front-end components.

At Elmwood Collision, we inspect the entire affected area to determine whether the hood can be repaired or needs to be replaced as part of the collision repair.

Hidden Front-End and Cooling System Damage

Not all damage from hitting a deer is visible from the outside. A front-end collision can damage components behind the bumper, grille or hood even when the exterior damage does not initially appear severe.

The impact may affect the radiator, condenser, cooling fans, radiator support, brackets, wiring and other components located behind the front of the vehicle. A coolant leak, warning light or unusual noise after the collision can be a sign that additional damage has occurred.

If you notice leaking fluid or the vehicle is overheating after hitting a deer, do not continue driving it. Elmwood Collision can inspect the collision damage to determine the full extent of the repairs that may be needed.

Sensors, Cameras and Driver-Assistance Systems

Many newer vehicles have cameras, radar sensors, parking sensors and other driver-assistance technology located in or around the bumper, grille and windshield. These areas are especially vulnerable during a deer collision.

Even when a sensor does not appear visibly damaged, a collision can affect its position or operation. Systems such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-related safety features may depend on these components working correctly.

As part of the collision repair process, damaged components may need to be repaired or replaced, and certain systems may require calibration so they operate as intended.

Suspension and Wheel Damage

A deer collision can sometimes affect the wheels, tires or suspension, particularly if the impact occurs near a front corner of the vehicle or the driver leaves the roadway while trying to avoid the animal.

After the collision, pay attention to changes in the way the vehicle drives. Pulling to one side, unusual vibration, a steering wheel that is no longer centered or a tire or wheel that appears damaged can indicate that additional inspection is needed.

• Elmwood Collision can evaluate collision-related damage to help determine which components were affected and what repairs are necessary before the vehicle is returned to the road.

Deer Collision Repair at Elmwood Collision

If you hit a deer, the damage to your vehicle may extend beyond what you can see from the outside. Elmwood Collision can inspect the damaged areas, identify collision-related repairs that may be needed and help you understand the next steps for getting your vehicle repaired.

Deer collisions are typically handled as comprehensive insurance claims, depending on your individual policy and coverage. We work with all insurance companies and can help guide you through the collision repair process.

If your vehicle has been damaged after hitting a deer in the Buffalo, Kenmore or Tonawanda area, learn more about our deer collision repair services or contact Elmwood Collision for an estimate.