A Dowagiac woman and toddler were both injured in a deer-related car accident early Monday morning, according to a release from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, 27-year-old Samantha Weaver and her 2-year-old passenger, Maddix Weaver, were traveling northbound on Brosnan Road in Silver Creek Township around 7:46 a.m. when a deer ran out in front of the vehicle near Downey Street. While swerving out of the way to avoid the animal, she began to panic and lost control of the vehicle, striking a utility box and tree.

Paramedics with Pride Care Ambulance were dispatched to the scene of the accident, transporting the two occupants to Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac for treatment.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash and seat belts were used, though it appears that the child restraint device was not used properly, police said.

The case remains under investigation.