In the woods and mountain roads around Brevard, run-ins with deer and other wildlife are a fact of life for local drivers. A wildlife collision can leave anything from cosmetic damage to serious structural problems, and it often happens when you least expect it.
At First Aid Collision, we restore vehicles to their pre-accident condition after deer and animal strikes. Our team knows the damage patterns these collisions leave behind, and we'll walk you through every step of the repair.
Deer Collision Damage
A collision with a deer or another large animal tends to cause a different pattern of damage than a vehicle-to-vehicle crash. Here's what we commonly see:
- Front-end damage: Bumpers, grilles, and hood components are often the first point of impact.
- Windshield and glass damage: Impact can crack or shatter windshields and windows.
- Headlight and lighting damage: Headlights, turn signals, and fog lights often break.
- Cooling component damage: The radiator and related parts sit right behind the front end.
- Body panel damage: Fenders, doors, and side panels can be dented or scratched.
- Alignment issues: The force of impact can affect wheel alignment and suspension.
- Hidden structural damage: Frame components can be affected even when nothing looks wrong.
If your windshield was damaged in the collision, we repair it in house along with the rest of your vehicle.
Why a Professional Assessment Is Critical
After a deer collision, some damage isn't visible right away but can still affect your safety and how your vehicle performs. That's why our inspection goes beyond a quick look:
- A full visual inspection of every exterior component
- A structural assessment for frame and support damage
- An alignment check of suspension and steering
- A safety systems check to make sure airbags, sensors, and cameras are working as designed
For more on why this step matters, read our guide to hidden damage after a collision.
Our Collision Repair Process
We've built a clear process so you always know what's happening with your vehicle.
Initial Assessment and Documentation
When you bring your vehicle to our Brevard location after a wildlife collision, we start with detailed photos of the damage for your insurance claim and a thorough inspection of visible and hidden damage. Then we create a repair plan and estimate, and we explain every repair in clear, understandable terms.
Insurance Coordination
Navigating a deer accident claim can feel overwhelming, and we want to take as much stress off you as we can. We work directly with your insurance company to document the damage, provide detailed estimates, communicate with the adjuster, and explain your coverage options and deductible. Our goal is to get the repairs authorized and your vehicle back on the road looking good. You've also got the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, and you can read more about your right to choose First Aid Collision.
Repair Services We Provide
Our front-end repair services cover what's needed to restore your vehicle after a collision:
- Body repair and replacement: Bumpers, grilles, hoods, fenders, door panels, and quarter panels.
- Collision-related glass: Windshield, side window, and rear window damaged in the collision are replaced in house, with proper sealing.
- Lighting: Headlight assemblies, turn signals, fog lights, and wiring repair for lighting systems.
- Cooling components: Radiator, condenser, and fan parts damaged in the impact.
- Paint and finish: Careful color matching, a two-stage urethane process, clear coat, blending, and final detailing.
Before any vehicle goes back to its owner, it goes through our quality control process, including a visual inspection, functional checks, and a customer walkthrough so you can see what we've done.
Why Choose First Aid Collision for Deer Accident Repair
I-CAR Gold Certified
Our team is I-CAR Gold certified, which reflects ongoing training in today's repair techniques. If you'd like to understand what that means, read our guide to what I-CAR Gold certification means.
Equipment and Quality Parts
Our Brevard facility includes modern frame straightening equipment, computerized measuring systems, advanced painting and refinishing areas, and specialized tools for front-end repairs. We use quality parts and materials, including OEM parts when specified and high-quality aftermarket parts when appropriate.
A Warranty You Can Count On
We stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on paint and a manufacturer's warranty on parts, and we provide written documentation of your warranties.
Local Expertise
We're a locally owned and operated business serving Brevard and the surrounding areas, so we understand what it's like to drive in a region with so many deer. That experience helps us anticipate the kinds of damage we see most often.
Preventing Future Deer Collisions
We're always here to repair damage, but we'd rather help you avoid it. A few habits can lower your risk:
- Know the high-risk times: Dawn and dusk are peak times, and October through December sees the most movement.
- Slow down in known deer areas: Speed gives you more time to react.
- Use your high beams when no one's coming toward you, and watch for eyes reflecting along the road.
- Expect more than one: If you see a deer, others may be close behind.
- Brake, don't swerve: Swerving can cause a more serious crash.
For a complete guide, see our post on what to do when you hit a deer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Collision Repair
Is deer collision damage covered by insurance?
Most deer collisions are handled under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy, not collision coverage. Comprehensive typically covers animal strikes, weather events, and theft, and it usually has a deductible. Check your policy to be sure.
How long will repairs take?
It depends on the damage and on parts availability. We'll give you a specific estimate after our initial assessment and keep you updated throughout the repair.
Can you repair my vehicle if the collision happened outside of Brevard?
Yes. We repair vehicles damaged in wildlife collisions throughout Western North Carolina, whether it happened close to home or while you were traveling.
What should I do right after hitting a deer?
Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone's hurt or the road is blocked, and stay away from an injured deer. Take photos, then contact your insurance company and arrange for your vehicle to come to us for an assessment.
Do you offer help with a rental car?
We keep communication clear with everyone involved, including the rental car company, so you're taken care of while your vehicle's in the shop.
Our Brevard Location
First Aid Collision's Brevard location, formerly Myers Carsmart Collision, is at 5586 Old Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. You can reach us at 828-884-2275. Our facility includes spacious repair bays, advanced painting and refinishing areas, a comfortable customer waiting area, and plenty of parking. Learn more on our Brevard location page.
The First Aid Collision Difference
For more than 10 years, we've worked with more than 25 area dealers, including Skyland Automotive, BMW of Asheville, Appletree Honda, Toyota of Asheville, and Asheville Chevrolet. When dealerships trust us with their vehicles, it says a lot about our quality and reliability.
Once your vehicle is here, we'll evaluate it carefully, since there's often damage behind what you can see. Our collision repair process shows how it all comes together.
Contact Us for Expert Deer Collision Repair
If you've been in a deer collision, don't leave your repairs to just anyone. Our team offers a professional, pressure-free environment, and walk-in customers are always welcome. Come in for a free estimate on everything from minor damage to heavy collision damage caused by deer. Contact First Aid Collision to schedule an assessment.