HOOSICK, N.Y. -- A deer struck by a vehicle and left dead in the road along state Route 7 in Hoosick later caused a head-on accident with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Authorities reported the incident took place at approximately 8:43 p.m. Tuesday. Trooper Mark Cepiel, public information officer for Troop G of New York State Police, said the accident occurred after a deer was struck earlier by another vehicle.

The deer carcass, in the lane of travel, was subsequently struck for a second time by a 2002 Kia sedan operated by 20-year-old Gregory Stifter of Hoosick Falls.

Stifter "failed to see the deer, struck the deer, then went into the opposite lane," Cepiel said. Stifter's car struck a 2008 Chevy sedan driven by 36-year-old Patricia Fisher of Wilmington, Vt. The collision, in a 55 mph zone, was head-on according to a police diagram.

Cepiel said Stifter suffered injuries including a possible fractured/dislocated shoulder, while Fisher suffered a hip injury and fractured/dislocated shoulder.

A 19-year-old passenger in Fisher's vehicle received shoulder bruises, while an infant also in the vehicle was not injured -- "a testament to (child) car seats and 5-point harnesses," Cepiel said.

Stifter and Fisher were transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment while both vehicles were towed by Phil's Automotive in Troy. There were no tickets issued and the investigation is considered closed. Route 7 was closed for at least an hour while the scene was cleared.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there are about a million deer-vehicle accidents in the U.S. every year. Although there is no requirement in New York to report an accident involving wildlife that causes no injuries and less than $1,000 in property damage, officials do recommend alerting the proper authorities to deal with the carcass.

-- Zeke Wright