Pennsylvania Cautions Drivers: Deer-Related Crashes Up

Pennsylvania is fifth highest in the nation for animal-related crashes, and Pennsylvania drivers have a 1 in 54 chance of being involved in one, reported the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania press room recently.

There were more than 5,581 deer-related crashes in the Commonwealth in 2020, up from 4,300 the previous year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Of the 2020 crashes, 1,028 people were injured and four died.

Under Pennsylvania law, a deer-related crash is a no-fault accident, and insurance companies cannot add a surcharge as a result – but only if the collision is with the deer. If a driver swerves out of the way and then crashes into someone else, or causes another collision, the no-fault exclusion disappears and the driver can be charged.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania where another driver’s negligence caused injury or damages, please reach out to us. We may be able to help.