When people think about driving in California, they think of long stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway or winding through the Napa Valley. They might even think of heavy traffic in LA or San Francisco. One thing that might not come to mind–but is still a risk–is deer and other wildlife causing a car accident. When this happens to you, our California car accident lawyers at Maison Law will be there to help. Set up a free consultation today.

How Many Car Accidents are Caused By Deer in California?

It’s not all that surprising that deer are so plentiful in California. Both the landscape and the climate make for an ideal environment for these animals. The data that’s available–including from the Road Ecology Center at UC Davis–seemingly backs this up. According to their 2024 annual report:

• 48,442 mule deer were killed in wildlife-vehicle accidents statewide in 2023.

The REC estimates that this is around 10% of the total mule deer population, and further, costs the state upwards of $200 million per year in damage. While this is certainly eye-opening, it doesn’t necessarily capture the human side of what one of these accidents means for you and your family.

Who’s Responsible When I’m Hurt in a Car Accident Caused by a Deer?

Unfortunately, a car accident involving a deer can create just as many–if not more–problems when there’s an accident. It’s not hard to see why: a deer crossing the road isn’t anyone’s fault—it’s just a split-second situation you can’t always avoid. But there’s very real consequences and damage that can result, from injuries to your car being totaled.

At that point, you might have questions about filing a claim and legal responsibility. And while the answer depends on the situation and what happened, there’s times when someone might be responsible:

• Local or state agencies. If you were driving in an area where deer crossings are common and there weren’t any warning signs, the city or county might be partially responsible for not taking steps to warn drivers.
• Property owners. If private property is drawing deer toward a busy road—for example, because of feeding or certain vegetation—there could be some responsibility on the landowner’s part.
• Vehicle makers. In rare cases, if your car’s safety features or design made the accident worse (like poor headlights or visibility issues), the manufacturer could share some liability.

Like any car accident, the aftermath can be stressful—dealing with damage, injuries, and insurance. That’s why it’s so important to understand who might be responsible and how to handle your claim the right way.

What Information Should I Get If I’m in a Car Accident Caused by a Deer?

Even though a deer accident can feel like a “no one’s fault” situation, it’s still important to gather as much information as you can. You’ll need details for your insurance claim—and possibly for other claims if someone else’s negligence is involved:

• Accident reports. Always get a copy of the police or CHP report if an officer responds to the scene. It provides an official record of what happened—including notes about weather, lighting, and road conditions—that can back up your insurance claim.
• Pictures/videos. Pictures and videos can tell the story better than words. Try to capture your vehicle damage, tire marks, the road layout, nearby signs, and—if safe—the deer itself.
• Medical records. Keep every record from your hospital or doctor visits, including test results, prescriptions, and bills. These documents link your injuries directly to the accident, which can be important if you file a claim.
• Statements. If anyone saw what happened—other drivers, passengers, or bystanders—ask for their contact information. Their statements can help confirm that the deer appeared suddenly or that another driver swerved first.
• Location notes. Write down where the accident happened as precisely as you can. Include nearby roads, intersections, landmarks, or mile markers. If it’s an area where deer are commonly seen but there weren’t warning signs, that’s something worth noting.

A deer-related car accident might not seem like a legal issue at first, especially if it feels like “just bad luck.” But if you were seriously hurt, your car was totaled, or another driver was involved, this information is going to be important if you want to move forward.

Contact Maison Law if You’re Hurt in a California Car Accident Involving a Deer

Deer-related accidents can happen in an instant—and the aftermath can be just as overwhelming as any other car accident. Between the shock, the damage, and the medical bills, it can be hard to know what to do next. At Maison Law, we can help by:

• Looking into the details to see if anyone is responsible for what happened.
• Explaining your rights and options.
• Getting key information and evidence for a claim.
• Handling all the talks with the insurance company to make sure you get the best outcome.

Just because it feels random doesn’t mean you don’t have options. When you’re injured or dealing with the fallout of a car accident caused by a deer in California, reach out to our team for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through everything.