Hit a deer

PayTul · May 15, 2017

Hit a deer Saturday traveling home from a baseball tourney. Considering the alternative all was good, just took a little damage to bumper, grill, headlight, etc.

So, here is the question; back to stock or replace with aftermarket?

2017 High Country with RC 2.5" level, stock wheels & tires for time being. I like a lot of the off-road bumpers and I had been considering a Bull Bar with LED so this could help solve that. Just not sure it would look right with just a level kit and stock wheels.

Lgetz · May 15, 2017

Sorry for your misfortunes and glad everyone is alright save the deer. Completely demolished the front of a Passat in a collision with a deer and it's a traumatic experience. Go with what works regarding the repairs and hope your truck gets fixed sooner rather than later.

aseibel · May 15, 2017

Will you be getting a check from the insurance co for repairs? That answer may dictate your decision. When deer bust up all that plastic crap on the front end, it gets expensive fast.

I hit a deer going 35 mph years ago and still racked up $1000 worth of repairs. Glad we had the 0$ deductible then.

but anyway, if you are able to get that bumper you want and have insurance pay you- go for it!

muddkatt · May 15, 2017

I hit a deer in back in 2002 with the 01 Sierra. Way back then it nearly $6000.00 in damages. I had all OEM parts used by the dealer. I don't remember every part used, but I know for sure they replaced the hood, drivers fender, drivers headlight and parking light, front bumper, plastic bumper cover, brackets, grill, AC condenser, radiator.

dasimmon · May 15, 2017

not as bad as i was expecting, glad yall are ok

gmckenzie · May 15, 2017

D'oh

I'd get something beafier, especially if there are more deer out there.

tnchevy · May 15, 2017

I would go with one of those black steel front bumpers. I was in Idaho last year and noticed all of the state troopers out there were in Silverados with the 2 inch spacer lift and aftermarket bumpers with a winch, pretty cool looking trucks.

PayTul · May 15, 2017

agree that it could have been WAY worse. I've known of and seen a lot worse!!

Yes, it looks like insurance is just going to offer me a check minus deductible. Ran around a little today and found a few good options that should be manageable choices. Didn't know it but biggest problem might be finding an aftermarket with parking sensors. Go figure.

slee3247 · May 16, 2017

Nothing beats the fit, finish, and luster of OEM parts

However, aftermarket always has decent alternatives if you're into the "off road" style bumpers

SilveradoSaver · May 16, 2017

Glad you're ok. It could have definitely been much worse... Least it wasn't a moose!

If you have a lot of wildlife where you live, getting an aftermarket bumper might be the best way to go. Lots of nice looking ones to choose from and that offer good protection.

huey62 · May 16, 2017

I did almost the same thing. Last month swerved to miss a deer ahd hit guardrail. Damaged bumper,foglight,tow ring had a slight chip, and broke the headlight tabs. Total bill was $3700. $1079 of that was for headlight. $600 for bumper. $216 for foglight. Should have hit the deer as I had to claim it collision instead of comp. Goes on Carfax now because of this. Deductible costed me $400 more also.

Donstar · May 16, 2017

I did almost the same thing. Last month swerved to miss a deer ahd hit guardrail. Damaged bumper,foglight,tow ring had a slight chip, and broke the headlight tabs. Total bill was $3700. $1079 of that was for headlight. $600 for bumper. $216 for foglight. Should have hit the deer as I had to claim it collision instead of comp. Goes on Carfax now because of this. Deductible costed me $400 more also.

Tough decision! Sorry about your collision. I've had one hit and several exceptionally close calls! Most of us want to avoid hitting an animal but sometimes sudden braking or swerving can endanger human life. You aren't given a lot of time to ponder on such a decision when a deer darts on to your path!

KMGZ400 · May 16, 2017

had a deer slam into the side of a rental C300 Mercedes I had about 3 weeks ago, scared the sh*t out of me.. the buck slammed into the front fender and front door and then swung around and slammed in to the rear door and quarter panel, about 12k worth of damage! thank god it wasn't my car! lol

Lgetz · May 16, 2017

I agree with Don it is a tough decision regarding swerving, heavy braking or other maneuver instead of hitting an animal. Very fortunate with my accident the deer carcass flew up and struck the A pillar. I dread to think what would happen if it had gone through the windshield and struck my brother. Long time truck driver once told me to let off gas and simply hold steering wheel straight and soft if a collision was imminent. Don't know if you can process this in a split second or two.

PayTul · May 16, 2017

its funny to think back about Saturday. I saw him come up out of the ditch on the opposite of the road, i tapped brakes to kill cruise and just then he darted. Instinct and voice in my head said just go through him, don't swerve. I had brakes on but not locked and hit him. After pulling over 75yds or so and getting out of truck I looked at damage and went back to see where he was. Had I swerved I would have without a doubt either been upside down or in a tree. Like everyone else said, it sucks to have killed the deer, and the truck has a little damage but the two 13 year old boys in back seat were 100% unharmed and I'll take that any day.