How Deer Collisions Affect Your Vehicle

Driving through Southwest Missouri means sharing the road with wildlife, especially deer. Whether you're traveling down a rural highway or heading home after dark, a deer can appear in front of your vehicle without warning. 

At Lackey Body Works, we understand how stressful an unexpected accident can be. From dented hoods and broken headlights to hidden damage beneath the surface, deer collisions can affect your vehicle's safety, appearance, and performance. Here's what you need to know about deer collision damage and why professional repairs matter.

Common Types of Damage

When a vehicle hits a deer, the front end often takes the most significant impact. However, the damage can extend beyond what you see on the outside.

Common types of deer collision damage include:

• Bumper and hood damage: Dents, cracks, or misaligned panels.

• Broken headlights: Reduced visibility and driving safety.

• Radiator damage: Leaks or engine overheating.

• Windshield damage: Cracked or shattered glass.

• Hidden structural damage: Damaged supports or safety sensors.

Even if your vehicle seems drivable, it's important to have the damage inspected before assuming everything is working properly.

Does Hitting a Deer Ruin Your Car?

Not necessarily. While deer collisions can cause extensive damage, professional collision repair services can often fully repair many vehicles.

The severity of the damage depends on several factors, including vehicle speed, the size of the deer, damage location, and the age and condition of your vehicle. 

A minor collision may only require dent repair or a damaged bumper replacement. A more serious impact could involve structural repairs, replacement parts, or repairs to the cooling system.

At Lackey Body Works, our goal is to help restore your vehicle's appearance and address damage that could affect its safety and performance.

What Makes a Car Totaled After Hitting a Deer?

One of the biggest concerns after a deer collision is whether your insurance company will consider your vehicle a total loss.

A vehicle may be declared totaled when the cost of repairs is too high compared to its value, based on the insurance company's evaluation and applicable state requirements.

Factors influencing this decision include estimated repair costs, the vehicle’s pre-accident value, hidden damage found during inspection, and the extent of structural or mechanical damage.

For example, an older vehicle with extensive front-end damage may be considered totaled, while a newer vehicle with similar damage might still be worth repairing.

Why Professional Collision Repair Matters

After hitting a deer, you might be tempted to ignore a small dent or cracked bumper, especially if your vehicle still drives normally. However, what looks like minor cosmetic damage could be hiding more serious issues.

Professional collision repair can help identify:

• Damaged components beneath exterior panels

• Misaligned body panels and structural supports

• Problems with headlights or safety sensors

• Paint damage that could lead to rust

• Windshield damage that affects visibility

Addressing these problems early can help prevent additional repairs and restore confidence in your vehicle.

Get Back on the Road With Lackey Body Works

Deer collisions can happen in seconds, but the damage they leave behind can affect your vehicle long afterward. From broken headlights and dented panels to hidden mechanical problems, address collision damage before it becomes a bigger concern.

At Lackey Body Works, we're proud to help drivers throughout Aurora, Monett, and surrounding Southwest Missouri communities with professional collision repair, auto body work, and insurance claim assistance.

If you've recently hit a deer, don't wait to have your vehicle inspected. Contact Lackey Body Works today and let our experienced team help get your vehicle back on the road.

Excerpt

Deer collisions can cause more than dents and broken headlights. Hidden structural damage, cooling system problems, and windshield damage can all affect your vehicle's safety and performance. Learn what to do after hitting a deer, how insurance coverage works, and why professional collision repair matters. Lackey Body Works proudly helps drivers throughout Aurora, Monett, and Southwest Missouri restore their vehicles after unexpected accidents.

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Learn how deer collisions affect your vehicle, from hidden damage to insurance claims. Trust Lackey Body Works for collision repair in Southwest Missouri.