The state of ohio let its wild stock run free and strike your car and they owe the money to make you whole.
Where do you come up with this stuff? That has to be the most absurd statement I have ever seen on this site. Yes the state needs to corral all of their deer so they’re not running around and causing accidents. (Rolleyes)…
I have fixed several deer strikes, but none on a Prius. They are some of my favorite body work. Although rare, the unibody “frame” can indeed be bent by a big deer, especially if you hit them from the front or rear. I have seen the right side pushed over slightly by a left side impact. How is the door alignment on the opposite side?
Does NY have an insurance commissioner or someone in charge of oversight of insurance companies doing business in the state? If so, contact them. No need for a lawyer at this point. In fact if you mention to the company that you have or are considering retaining one, you may be forced to because they will be turning your claim over to their legal dept forthwith. Believe me, they have more lawyers and more $$ than you do.
Note: Deer strikes are usually a claim on the comprehensive portion of your policy.
A large deer may be almost 200 pounds (not 800, that would be a moose or elk). I have totaled two compact cars on Michigan deer at 55 mph. One was an '85 diesel Ford Escort station wagon.