Common Types of Collision Damage After Deer Season in Louisiana

Synopsis

After Louisiana’s deer season, vehicle collisions surge, often causing hidden structural and electronic damage that compromises safety. Redeemed Auto Body in West Monroe uses OEM repair procedures, advanced diagnostics, and transparent insurance coordination to restore vehicles precisely. Their certified team provides collision repair that meets factory standards, protecting your car’s value and long-term reliability.

Deer season in Louisiana brings increased wildlife activity on roadways, creating heightened collision risks for drivers. From September through February, hunters and deer movement patterns converge, making vehicle-deer encounters more frequent across Northeast Louisiana. Understanding the types of damage these collisions cause helps you recognize when a professional assessment becomes necessary for your vehicle’s safety and long-term reliability.

Louisiana drivers face particular challenges during deer season. The state’s diverse hunting areas run on different schedules, with some regions opening archery season as early as September 21 and firearms seasons extending through January. This extended period coincides with deer mating season, when animals become less cautious around roadways. Redeemed Auto Body sees significant increases in drivers searching for collision repair near them during these months as more people encounter deer on rural highways and backroads throughout the Monroe and West Monroe areas.

Vehicle-deer collisions cause more than just cosmetic damage. Modern vehicles contain integrated safety systems, structural components, and electronic networks that require professional evaluation even after seemingly minor impacts. The difference between proper restoration and incomplete repairs affects your vehicle’s crash protection capabilities, resale value, and overall safety.

Louisiana Deer Season Timeline and Collision Risk Patterns

Understanding when deer activity peaks helps explain collision frequency patterns in our area. Louisiana divides the state into ten deer hunting areas, each with unique season dates that reflect local deer populations and breeding cycles.

Time Period	Deer Activity Level	Collision Risk Factors
September-October	High (early archery/youth season)	Increased deer movement during hunting pressure
November-December	Very High (firearms season + rut)	Peak mating season activity combined with hunting
January-February	Moderate (late season)	Deer movement patterns settling, winter feeding

National statistics reveal the scope of this issue. According to State Farm data, approximately 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims were filed between July 2023 and June 2024 across the United States. Deer account for the majority of these incidents, causing over $10 billion in economic losses annually. The most dangerous months are November, October, and December, precisely when Louisiana’s firearms deer seasons run at full intensity.

Louisiana’s hunting schedule creates unique circumstances for Northeast Louisiana drivers. West Monroe sits in an area where multiple deer zones converge, meaning hunters and deer remain active throughout the extended season. This prolonged activity period requires constant vigilance from drivers using rural highways and secondary roads where deer crossing frequency remains high.

Common Collision Damage After Deer Season

Each vehicle we see after a deer collision tells a different story. While some arrive with obvious front-end damage, others show little visible harm but suffer hidden internal problems. Here are the most frequent types of damage Louisiana drivers experience during deer season.

Front-End Structural Damage

Deer collisions often strike the grille, headlights, or bumper first. The force can bend frame rails, crush radiator supports, and cause alignment issues that may not be immediately visible.

Redeemed Auto Body uses Spansie Touch computerized frame measuring systems to detect millimeter-level deviations from factory specifications. Correcting frame geometry is critical for safe airbag deployment and handling performance.

Cooling System and Engine Bay Damage

Even a moderate collision can puncture the radiator or damage the cooling fan assembly behind your bumper. Fluid leaks or engine overheating may appear days later if this damage isn’t found early.

Our technicians perform comprehensive cooling system inspections to identify hidden leaks and damage, while our AirPro and Opus diagnostic tools scan electronic systems to ensure all vehicle computers function properly before delivery.

Hood, Fender, and Outer Panel Damage

Deer frequently impact vehicles at mid-height, causing visible dents to the hood, fenders, and doors. While cosmetic, these panels also play a role in vehicle aerodynamics and protection.

At our West Monroe facility, every panel repair or replacement follows OEM repair procedures. We use precision color-matching technology so that your paint looks factory-original. Every finish is completed in a semi-downdraft paint booth for professional durability.

Windshield and Glass Damage

A powerful deer impact can send debris or even the animal itself into the windshield. Many newer vehicles have ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like lane-keeping and collision warning cameras mounted directly behind the glass.

Windshield damage requires professional glass replacement services and specialized ADAS recalibration. We assess all glass and sensor damage during our comprehensive collision evaluation and coordinate the necessary repairs through qualified specialists to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems function properly.

Suspension and Steering System Damage

If a deer strike forces a sudden swerve or clips a wheel, it can bend suspension components or misalign steering geometry. Drivers might notice vibrations, uneven tire wear, or drifting.

Our comprehensive collision assessment identifies suspension and alignment damage that affects vehicle handling and safety. We coordinate any necessary alignment services to ensure your vehicle returns to proper factory specifications.

Electrical and Sensor Failure

Modern vehicles rely on dozens of sensors for braking, lighting, and driver assistance. A deer impact can loosen wiring harnesses, crack radar housings, or misalign cameras.

Our collision center runs complete pre- and post-repair scans using AirPro and Opus diagnostic systems to verify every electronic system functions properly before we release your vehicle.

Hidden Damage: The Danger You Can’t See

Not all damage is visible from the outside. Even when your vehicle looks fine, hidden damage can compromise safety. We’ve repaired vehicles where small front-end dents masked cracked engine mounts, deformed crash bars, or disconnected sensors.

That’s why we perform complete diagnostic and structural evaluations before giving an estimate. Every deer-related collision repair at our West Monroe facility follows the same transparent, OEM-based process that defines Redeemed Auto Body’s reputation for safety and precision.

• Initial Assessment: We provide a free consultation, evaluate all exterior and structural damage, and discuss your insurance options.
• OEM Research: We pull and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s official repair procedures for every step of the restoration.
• Insurance Coordination: We communicate directly with your insurance company, handling all documentation while keeping you informed throughout the process.
• Repair Execution: We straighten frames using our Spansie Touch measuring system, replace panels following OEM procedures, and apply factory-matched paint finishes using our computerized color matching technology.
• System Verification: We perform post-repair diagnostic scanning with our AirPro and Opus systems and coordinate any necessary ADAS calibrations through authorized service providers.
• Quality Control: Each repair undergoes a detailed final inspection, test drive, and complete detailing before delivery.

Every vehicle leaves our facility backed by our limited lifetime warranty on paint and workmanship, valid for as long as you own the vehicle.

The collision repair services we provide address both visible and hidden problems, protecting you and your passengers on the road.

Insurance Claim Support You Can Rely On

Many customers are unsure what to do after a deer collision, especially when insurers suggest “preferred” collision repair shops. Louisiana law gives you the right to choose your repair facility, and we’re here to help you make the most of that right.

Our team works directly with all insurance providers, handling documentation, supplements, and communication on your behalf. This saves you time while your repairs are completed safely, not cheaply.

We advocate for OEM parts and factory-correct procedures, so that your claim reflects the repairs your vehicle truly needs, not shortcuts that could reduce its long-term value.

How to Handle a Deer Collision Safely

If you hit a deer, remain calm and follow these steps:

1. Move to a safe area and activate hazard lights.
2. Do not approach the animal.
3. Document the scene and vehicle damage.
4. Call law enforcement if the damage is severe or the animal blocks traffic.
5. Contact us immediately for inspection and towing coordination.

Even if your car still drives, unseen damage can worsen quickly. A professional assessment prevents further complications and protects your insurance coverage.

Why Redeemed Auto Body Is the Right Choice

Redeemed Auto Body isn’t a volume-driven chain shop. We’re a locally trusted collision repair center where your safety and satisfaction come first.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• OEM Factory Parts and Procedures: We follow manufacturer specifications for every repair.

• Advanced Diagnostic Technology: AirPro, Opus, and computerized frame measuring tools ensure precision.

• Customer Communication: We provide transparent updates twice weekly throughout the repair.

• Insurance Advocacy: We handle claims directly, always prioritizing safe, thorough repairs.

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Our workmanship and paint finish are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.

As lifelong residents of Northeast Louisiana, we take pride in restoring vehicles for neighbors who trust us with their safety and confidence to drive. Here is what a customer said about us: “I am happy to recommend Redeemed Auto Body. They repaired my car after I hit a deer. I was impressed with their attention to detail and thorough assessment of the damage (which they documented fully with photos) as well as their communication with me and my insurance company. I’m very satisfied with the repair which they even completed sooner than expected and they back with a lifetime warranty! I  would recommend them without reservation to anyone!”

Get Professional Auto Collision Repair After Deer Season Accidents

Don’t assume deer collision damage is minor just because your vehicle remains drivable. Modern vehicle complexity means hidden damage patterns require professional assessment using proper diagnostic equipment and expertise. Contact Redeemed Auto Body at (318) 789-6675 or redeemedautobody@gmail.com for a free consultation and professional collision repair services that restore your vehicle’s safety and value.

We serve West Monroe, Monroe, Ruston, and surrounding Northeast Louisiana communities with honest, professional collision repair in West Monroe, LA, backed by our lifetime warranty and genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.