According to the AAA Auto Club, car-deer crashes are most likely to occur during the months of October, November, and December, during deer mating season. The likelihood of a deer traffic accident increases again in the spring when young deer begin to explore on their own. Of course, a car-deer crash can happen any time of year, and Michigan drivers should remain alert for deer on or near roadways.

The personal injury attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., want to educate our clients about the risks of car-deer crashes, explain what to do in the event of a deer traffic accident, and share safety tips to help avoid a crash with a deer.

Growing Deer Population in Michigan Increases Risk of Traffic Accidents

According to experts at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the deer population in Michigan has been steadily increasing, due in part to decreasing numbers of deer hunters. According to Samantha Coutney, a deer biologist with Michigan DNR, fewer hunters result in fewer deer being harvested. Additionally, many hunters are not targeting antlerless deer, which contributes to the growing deer population in Michigan.

Where and When Deer Traffic Accidents Are Likely to Occur

Deer traffic accidents are more likely to occur in suburban and rural areas, particularly near habitat transitions, such as forest-to-field. Deer are attracted to wooded areas and water sources, and deer traffic accidents are more likely to occur there.

Deer traffic accidents are also more likely to occur at dusk or dawn, when deer are more active and driver visibility is limited. The phase of the moon also seems to be a factor, as deer tend to travel longer distances on nights with a full moon, increasing the risk of a car-deer traffic accident.

How to Reduce the Likelihood of a Deer Car Accident in Michigan

A traffic accident involving a deer can be just as destructive as one involving another vehicle. In addition to the damage to your vehicle, a deer traffic accident can injure you or your passengers. To reduce the likelihood of a car-deer crash, drivers should observe the following safety precautions:

• Stay awake and alert, and drive sober and at safe speeds
• Be aware of deer crossing signs that alert motorists to the possible presence of deer
• Slow down in areas where you know or believe deer are present
• Be prepared to stop if a deer darts out in front of your vehicle
• Scan the roadway while driving, especially near fences, the edges of fields, and water sources
• Slow down and be prepared to stop if deer are near the road
• Deer travel in groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely nearby
• Use high-beam headlights when it is safe to do so
• Look for headlights reflecting in a deer’s eyes and deer silhouettes on the side of the road

If you see a deer in the roadway, do not swerve to try to avoid it, as the deer may not know which way to run. Instead, firmly apply the brakes, try to stay in your lane, and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

What To Do After a Deer Traffic Accident

If you hit a deer, stay calm and keep yourself and your passengers safe. Turn on your hazard lights and pull to the side of the road. Avoid approaching the deer, as they can behave unpredictably.

Report the crash to the local authorities and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.

If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the crash scene, including the deer, the road conditions, and the damage to your vehicle.

Comprehensive automobile insurance covers most deer traffic accidents as a no-fault accident. But if you have a liability-only policy, the damage to your vehicle may not be covered. Contact your insurance carrier to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Deer Traffic Accident?

If you were injured in a car-deer crash, have questions about liability or insurance coverage, or your insurance carrier is denying your claim, the attorneys at Muth Law can help.

Contact Muth Law Today

Muth Law is based in Ann Arbor and represents injured people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and throughout Michigan. Please contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your hunting accident injury matter.

Call 734-481-8800 or contact us via e-mail. We look forward to serving your family.