Hitting a Deer With a Motorcycle. Stay Safe. Stay Alive.
Posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:37 AM by The Biker Lawyers
UPDATED: March 18, 2025 at 11:18 AM
What to do if you hit a deer while riding a motorcycle: Stay Safe. Stay Alive.
Riding in the midwest? Hitting a deer with a motorcycle is a terrifying possibility.
“It was a cool Autumn evening and the road was wide open. While riding on a winding country road, I felt free. I steered towards the right side of the road and as I turned, time slowed as a deer jumped right in front of me, followed by another. I had a split second to react.
Should I swerve or panic brake? I slowed as much as I could, but the collision was inevitable.
I had my helmet on and drew back as not to hit the deer with the handlebar. The motorcycle slid out from under me and I was flung off as it went through the foliage.
The breath was knocked out of me as I rolled off the road and into the ditch. At first, I couldn’t move. The only thing I could see was the sky and the dirt covering my helmet’s shield. I caught my breath and a stranger came to help me to my feet.
I carefully felt my body for any symptoms of injury and checked the helmet’s integrity before taking off the gear. I was relieved to find that there weren’t any symptoms of damage. The same couldn’t be said for my bike… or the deer. I knew I’d been lucky and wondered what I could have done differently.”
According to AAA, motorcycles account for about 70% of deer-strike fatalities. – revzilla.com
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“I do travel country roads to go to work and leisure bike. Hitting a deer is always on my mind and I am always vigilant to see the whole picture in front of me.. Another aspect to the scenario is the deer hunting season early and late hunters exiting or entering the woods spooking deer into the roadway more frequently than in a non deer season. Thanks for the advice I will definitely pass this on to my biker friends. God Bless.” – Michael Ulrich
To those of us who ride in the country, this cautionary tale is all too real. We tend to confront five types of animals with some regularity: deer, dogs, cattle, birds, and horses in roughly that order of frequency.
There are some things they don’t teach you in the BRSC.
The Basic Rider Safety Course is amazing and we highly recommend it to all riders. The reality is that there are some things they don’t teach you. Not because they don’t want to or want you not to know, but because they can’t.
Sure they warn you about pooling water, the danger of potholes, wildlife, and riding with safety in mind, but unfortunately, some things you only learn from experience. With so many types of animal types common across the Midwest that could pose a collision threat, what’s the best way to practice road safety and protect yourself?
The obvious best solution is to see the animal before it becomes a danger. We all know, however, that is not always possible. So what to do when an animal unexpectedly appears on the roadway?
Swerve or panic brake?
What is the best response to seeing an animal in the road ahead of you?
It’s critical to think about this choice before actually being presented with it. If one thinks it through in advance, the chances of a proper reaction in the heat of the moment are increased greatly.
Swerving is almost always the wrong choice. Seriously – does anybody have a clue where that animal will be two seconds from now? It may change course, right into the motorcycle’s swerve.
When a motorcycle swerves, a certain amount of control is lost, but not speed. The swerve often leads to a biker losing control, leaving the roadway, or hitting a fixed object like a tree or fencepost.
Panic braking (emergency breaking) is almost always the correct choice.
If the bike has to hit something, it’s best to hit it at the slowest speed possible. Hold the steering line, and brake as hard as possible in a controlled way. That means brake hard, but do not lose control of the bike. The bike naturally wants to stay upright. Braking hard and not swerving betters the chances of not hitting the pavement.
Hitting an animal at 60 mph causes a biker to end up in worse shape than if it had been hit at 15 mph. Swerving does not reduce speed. Braking does. Take the time to practice panic braking regularly. It may end up being the difference in avoiding a serious injury someday.
As fun as it may be to test the upper limits of your bike, it’s always a good idea to obey traffic laws, including the speed limit. We should also be sure to watch for signs, especially those that warn about deer (or other animals) crossing areas.
Understanding Deer Behavior
Keep in mind that deer typically stick together in groups of 3 so if you see (or have a near-miss with) one, be alert for others that may be near. If you do happen to see a solo deer grazing on the side of the road, assume it will jump in front of you, even if it doesn’t look like it will.
This is because, unlike many animals that react to sound and sight right away, deer tend to wait until a threat is within about 60 feet or so. Often they will leap forward, then in a zig-zag pattern to avoid a perceived threat. This is yet another reason it is a good idea to break early to give yourself time to react.
Ultimately, your safety on the roadways is in your hands. Avoiding “single-motor vehicle” accidents is all about being vigilant. We hope this blog post helps prepare you for any animals you may encounter on the road. We focused on deer here, but much of the braking advice we offered is pretty solid for most other animals too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hitting a Deer on a Motorcycle
Click the (+) on any of the questions below.How often do motorcycles collide with deer?
Deer-related crashes happen more often than people think, especially in areas with high wildlife populations. Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of serious injury because they don’t have the same protection as drivers in enclosed vehicles. The fall season, particularly October and November, sees the highest number of deer collisions due to mating season and increased movement.
What time of day are deer most active?
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, typically in the early morning and evening hours. This is when visibility is lower, making it harder for riders to spot them in time. If you're riding during these hours, stay extra alert, use your high beams when possible, and reduce speed in areas where deer are known to be active.
What should I do if I hit a deer on my motorcycle?
If you hit a deer while riding, follow these steps:
- Ensure your safety – If possible, move yourself and your bike out of the roadway to avoid additional accidents.
- Do not approach the deer – Injured deer can be unpredictable and may react aggressively.
- Call for help – Dial 911 to report the accident, especially if you or someone else is injured.
- Document the scene – Take photos of your bike, any injuries, and the surrounding area for insurance and legal purposes.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries, so it’s best to get checked out.
Will my motorcycle insurance cover a deer collision?
Coverage depends on your policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, it generally includes accidents involving animals. However, liability-only policies won’t cover damage to your bike. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
How can I avoid hitting a deer while riding?
To lower your chances of a deer collision, follow these tips:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in wooded or rural areas.
- Watch for deer crossing signs—they’re placed in high-activity areas.
- Ride with high beams when possible to increase your visibility.
- Slow down at night and in deer-prone areas—higher speeds mean less reaction time.
- Don’t swerve suddenly—braking in a straight line is safer than swerving, which could cause a worse crash.
- Ride in groups when possible—deer tend to be more cautious around multiple vehicles.
If I swerve to avoid a deer and crash, does that change my insurance claim?
Yes, swerving and crashing without actually hitting the deer can complicate an insurance claim. Some policies consider it a single-vehicle accident rather than a comprehensive claim. This means it may be treated differently in terms of coverage and fault. Always check your policy to see how it applies in these situations.
What legal steps should I take after a deer-related crash?
If you’ve been injured or suffered significant damages, consider these legal steps:
- Report the accident – In some states, a police report is required for insurance claims.
- Gather evidence – Photos, witness statements, and medical records will help support your case.
- Contact your insurance company – File a claim as soon as possible.
- Consult a motorcycle accident attorney – If injuries or insurance disputes arise, a lawyer can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I take the deer if I hit it with my motorcycle?
Rules vary by state. Some states allow drivers to claim roadkill for consumption if they report it, while others require a permit. If you're unsure, contact local law enforcement to ask about regulations in your area.
Reader shares her son’s devastating story
“Great advice shared here. My son was on his bike, coming home from his 2nd shift job around 11:30 pm. He was on a 4 lane divided highway, speed limit 70, it was dark, hit 2 deer. He lost his life that night, not from hitting the pavement from the deer accident, but unable to get up off the highway where an SUV struck and killed him, while he was slightly raised, trying to move out of harm’s way. The skid marks show he did not swerve, but panic braked to not hit at 70 mph….and “he” was thrown over the handbars when striking the deer. He was an expert rider, doing what he loved. My son left behind a wife and 14 yr old son – plus this grieving mother. Such a tragic death. But brake, slow down, don’t swerve is great advice.” – Carla A Harbert
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