Driving through Alberta’s scenic highways, it’s not uncommon to spot deer, moose, or other wild animals along the roadside. But sometimes, those encounters can turn tragic. Each year, thousands of wildlife collisions occur on Alberta roads, leading to costly vehicle damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities.
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a deer or other wild animal, you may be wondering what steps to take, how it affects your insurance policy, and whether you’re entitled to compensation.
At Grover Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers help drivers across Alberta understand their rights after accidents involving wildlife and guide them through the insurance claim process.
The Reality of Wildlife Collisions in Alberta
Alberta’s vast rural areas and proximity to national parks make it one of the provinces most prone to wildlife vehicle collisions. According to Alberta Transportation, thousands of animal collisions happen annually — most frequently involving deer.
While moose, elk, and other animals also cause serious accidents, deer are responsible for the majority due to their numbers and unpredictable behavior.
Wildlife collisions can happen anywhere but are especially common:
- On highways cutting through forested or rural areas
- At dawn and dusk when wild animals are most active
- During spring and fall migration seasons
- Near water sources or fields adjacent to roads
Even a small deer collision can result in extensive vehicle repairs, property damage, or injuries that require medical care.
What to Do Immediately After a Deer Collision
Knowing what to do after hitting a deer or large animal can make a major difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights. Here are the key steps every driver should follow:
1. Ensure Safety First
If you’re involved in a collision, remain calm and put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers. Move your vehicle to a safe place away from oncoming traffic, but avoid putting yourself or other motorists in danger.
If you or anyone else is injured, contact emergency services right away. Your safety always comes before the animal involved or your car.
2. Do Not Approach the Animal
Whether it’s a deer, moose, or other large animal, never attempt to move an injured animal or animal carcass. Even when they appear still, wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous. Instead, stay in your vehicle and wait for emergency services or highway cleanup crews to arrive.
3. Report the Collision
In Alberta, you must report the collision to the police or contact emergency services if:
- Someone is injured
- There is significant property damage (over $2,000)
- The animal is dead or severely injured on the road
You should also notify Alberta Fish and Wildlife if the animal involved is still alive. Reporting helps ensure road safety for other drivers and assists in highway cleanup.
4. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- The accident scene
- The vehicle’s condition
- The animal involved
- Skid marks or debris on the road
This evidence can help your insurance company verify your claim and determine the cause of the collision. If other drivers witnessed the event, gather their contact information and witness statements.
5. Contact Roadside Assistance
If your vehicle is not drivable, call a towing company or use your roadside assistance provider. Do not attempt to drive if your car is leaking fluids, has a broken windshield, or is unsafe for oncoming traffic.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you are safe, contact your insurance company to file an auto insurance claim. The representative or insurance advisor will ask for details about the accident, photos, and police reports.
Understanding How Insurance Covers Wildlife Collisions
In most cases, a collision with a deer or wild animal is considered a not-at-fault accident, but coverage depends on your auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive Coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will typically cover vehicle repairs or a replacement if the car is totaled. This part of your insurance policy covers animal collisions, fire, theft, and other non-collision events.
However, if you only carry basic coverage, you might have to pay out of pocket for property damage and towing costs.
Collision Coverage
Some insurance companies treat animal collisions under collision coverage instead of comprehensive. It’s best to review your insurance policy or speak to your insurance advisor to confirm.
Keep in mind that while deer collisions usually don’t result in demerit points, failing to report or driving away from the scene could lead to penalties.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?
If you sustained injuries in a wildlife collision, you may be eligible to seek compensation through your auto insurance or another at-fault party’s policy.
For example, if poor road maintenance, lack of warning signs, or inadequate lighting contributed to the accident, you may have grounds to pursue compensation from a municipality or government agency.
Your personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances of the accident and determine whether a legal claim is appropriate.
Potential damages you can claim include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income due to injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as towing or roadside assistance
Important Wildlife Road Safety Tips
While not every wildlife collision can be prevented, drivers can significantly reduce their risk by following these wildlife road safety tips:
- Actively scan both sides of the road, especially in rural areas and near national parks.
- Look for animal’s eyes reflecting your headlights at night.
- Keep your headlights clean and use high beams where safe.
- Drive at or below the speed limit, especially in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs.
- If you see one deer, slow down — there’s often more than one animal nearby.
- Avoid using your horn continuously; short bursts are more effective.
- If you must brake, brake firmly but avoid swerving, as this can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
- Use hazard lights if you stop suddenly to alert other motorists.
- Stay alert during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
- Follow up with your insurance company after any animal collisions to ensure proper documentation.
Practicing extra caution and driving slower in high-risk zones can help prevent accidents involving wildlife.
What If You’re Injured in a Wildlife Collision?
If you or your passengers were injured, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately — even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.
Keep all medical records and receipts, as they’re crucial for your claim. Report the collision to your insurance company, and if your injuries are significant, contact a personal injury lawyer.
Your lawyer can help you:
- File an insurance claim properly
- Determine if another party was involved or negligent
- Evaluate whether comprehensive coverage or collision coverage applies
- Negotiate with your insurance company to ensure fair compensation
Wildlife Collisions and Shared Responsibility
While wild animals are unpredictable, certain factors — like poor signage or dangerous road design — may shift partial responsibility to government entities or road authorities.
If, for instance, a municipality failed to install proper warning signs in a high-risk area, a personal injury lawyer may explore whether the city can be held liable under the Municipal Government Act.
However, in most cases, deer collisions are treated as unavoidable accidents, meaning no one is “at fault.” Your auto insurance should cover the vehicle’s condition and repairs depending on your coverage type.
Does Hitting a Deer Affect Your Insurance Premium?
In most cases, hitting a deer or large animal will not increase your insurance premiums, since it’s considered a no-fault or unavoidable incident. However, if your insurance company determines you acted recklessly, for example, by driving too fast in a known wildlife zone, your premiums could be affected.
Always review your insurance policy carefully and speak with your insurance advisor to understand how your claim might impact your coverage.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Yourself After a Deer Collision
Collisions with deer and other animals can happen in a split second. Knowing what to do, how to handle your insurance claim, and when to get legal help can protect your rights and financial security.
At Grover Law Firm, we’ve represented countless drivers injured in motor vehicle and wildlife collisions across Alberta. Whether you’ve been hurt, lost a loved one, or need help dealing with an insurance company, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Grover Law Firm Today
If you’ve been involved in a deer collision or accident involving wildlife, don’t handle it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Grover Law Firm can help you understand your rights, navigate your auto insurance claim, and pursue compensation if negligence played a role.
Call (403) 253-1029 today or contact us online for a free consultation.
Let our dedicated legal team help you recover after a wildlife collision — so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road safely.