What Happens If a Deer Causes an Injury Accident?

 Posted on March 17, 2025 in Auto Accidents

On March 9th, 2025, a four-vehicle collision seriously injured two people and killed two more in Kane County. According to reports, a driver was trying to avoid hitting a deer, swerving into oncoming traffic. One of the vehicles involved in the multiple-car accident caught on fire, and its driver sustained fractures and severe burns. After being pulled from his burning vehicle, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Two occupants of another vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, with the driver of that car also airlifted due to serious injuries.

No one can control when and where deer and other wildlife enter roadways. However, if a driver swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle, he or she could be held liable for any resulting injuries and fatalities. Car accident cases like these are complicated, so it is best to work with an experienced Aurora, IL personal injury attorney who can take decisive action on your behalf.

Are Deer Accidents Common in Illinois?

Illinois is home to an estimated 640,000 to 690,000 whitetail deer. In 2023, 14,840 car crashes in Illinois involved deer. Those accidents killed eight people and injured 753. Deer-involved collisions are more likely at dawn and dusk, when the deer are typically more active. May, June, October, November, and December see the most car accidents that involve deer, although they can happen at any time of the year. Many times, hitting a deer is unavoidable due to their unpredictability.

Who Is Liable for Collisions Caused by a Deer?

If you hit a deer, you are typically not at fault. If you collide with a deer, your comprehensive auto insurance coverage should pay for the damage to your vehicle, and your own policy could cover your medical expenses if you have the appropriate coverage. Injured passengers in your car can usually benefit from your liability coverage.

However, a driver who collides with another car when trying to avoid hitting a deer could be found at fault for that crash. If you were injured in that crash, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.

If a deer was involved in your injury collision, whether it was hit or a driver attempted to avoid it, you probably have questions about liability and compensation. Call our office to schedule a free case review so we can answer them.

What Compensation Is Available for a Car Accident?

Your damages after a car crash could include:

• Medical bills

• Property damage

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

The specific damages you qualify for are determined using case-specific factors. Your lawyer will review your medical expenses and other financial losses that you incurred because of your accident and injuries. We will also place monetary value on the various ways your accident impacted your quality of life. Then, we will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Call a Knowledgeable Kane County, IL Deer Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a car accident, no matter how complex, one of the skilled Aurora, IL personal injury attorneys from Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will take decisive action on your behalf. Call us at 630-907-0909 or contact us online today.