If you live in Montana, you know how common deer strikes are on our roads, especially at dawn and dusk during the fall season. These accidents can happen suddenly, leaving you shaken—and your vehicle damaged. While it’s tempting to just fix the obvious dents and keep driving, a deer strike can cause serious hidden damage that affects your safety and your vehicle’s performance.
At OHS Body Shop, we understand the unique challenges Montana drivers face with wildlife collisions. From the moment you bring your vehicle in for an estimate, we focus on thorough inspections and expert repairs that get you back on the road safely and with confidence.
The Initial Estimate: More Than Meets the Eye
When you first bring in your car after hitting a deer, it’s natural to look at the damage and think, “It’s just a dent,” or “Maybe just the bumper needs fixing.” But we know from experience that the visible damage is often only part of the story.
During the initial estimate, our technicians carefully inspect your vehicle inside and out. We don’t just look at the obvious dents, scratches, or broken headlights. We check the frame for bends or cracks, assess the suspension components, and evaluate all safety systems. Modern vehicles are packed with sensors—especially for ADAS features—and these can be damaged or misaligned during a deer strike. We also look closely at your windshield and glass, since many deer strikes result in chips or cracks that affect your visibility and safety.
Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools help us detect damage you can’t see, which means your estimate covers everything—no surprises down the road.
Repair Process: Skilled Work for Complex Damage
Once we have the full picture, we develop a repair plan tailored to your vehicle’s needs. For some cars, that means frame straightening to restore structural integrity. For others, it’s windshield replacement or sensor recalibration to ensure safety systems function properly. Our expert technicians use OEM parts when replacements are needed, preserving your car’s original quality and value.
Because deer strikes often happen at higher speeds, your vehicle’s frame can take a serious hit. That’s why frame repair is one of our specialties here at OHS Body Shop. We don’t just patch up cosmetic damage—we restore the foundation of your vehicle, so it handles and performs safely.
Paint repair is another critical step. The scratches and scrapes left behind need to be blended flawlessly with the rest of your vehicle’s finish. This not only looks better but also prevents rust and corrosion—especially important given Montana’s harsh winters.
Why Safety Systems Matter Post-Deer Strike
Your car’s safety systems are designed to protect you, but they depend on precise sensor alignment. A misaligned radar or camera sensor from a collision—even one with a deer—can mean that automatic braking or lane assist won’t work as intended. We offer ADAS sensor recalibration as part of our comprehensive repair service to make sure every safety feature is working perfectly when you drive away.
Getting Back on the Road Safely
At the end of the repair process, our team performs a full quality check to make sure your vehicle is not just looking great but is safe and roadworthy. We take pride in delivering repairs that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.
We know how stressful and inconvenient collisions can be. That’s why we work with your insurance company to simplify the claims process and keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to make your repair experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Why Montana Drivers Trust OHS Body Shop
We’ve been serving the Kalispell area for years, and we know this terrain and its unique challenges better than anyone. Deer strike damage isn’t just a “scratch and dent” issue here; it’s a safety concern we take seriously. Our technicians are trained, certified, and equipped with the latest tools to handle everything from minor repairs to major collision restoration.
If you’ve recently had a deer strike or are worried about potential hidden damage, don’t wait. Bring your vehicle to OHS Body Shop. We’ll provide a thorough inspection, honest estimate, and expert repairs to get you safely back on Montana’s roads.
