I Hit a Deer. Now What?

Driving can be stressful enough with having to pay attention to all the safety and road signs and rules. It can be even more overwhelming when you hit your car with a deer. You not only need to make sure that you’re okay and well but there’s also the unknown about whether or not your car will run properly after hitting a deer. Your situation may even require collision repair, depending on the damage and speeds. It’s best to be prepared and know what to do next after you hit a deer while driving.

Move Your Vehicle Off the Road

Avoid more chaos and another accident by quickly moving your vehicle off the road and out of the way. It may require contacting a towing service if your car is inoperable. If your car is up and running then turn on your emergency flashers, and immediately get it out of the way to avoid any immediate danger. 

It’s best if you can park it safely on the shoulder where you’re out of the way completely. You want to do your best to avoid another collision with a car that may not see that you’re stopped. 

Contact the Authorities

After you hit a deer, you must contact the authorities as soon as possible. Your best option is to make immediate contact by dialing 911, even if there are no injuries, and it’s a single-car collision. You must remain calm and explain what’s going on so the dispatcher can send the authorities your way.

Gather & Submit Documentation  

It’s wise to take down detailed notes of what occurred, especially if there are injuries and other vehicles involved. Take pictures, video, and write down notes to use as evidence. Get as detailed as possible and gather input from any witnesses that may have been in the car, or nearby. 

You want to confirm that your recollection of what happened aligns with the report the authorities will file. It’ll be a smoother and easier process when filing a claim later on this way. You’ll likely have to complete a report of the incident when you hit a deer on the road too.

Steer Clear of the Animal

The deer is still a liability and may harm you if it’s injured or traumatized and tries to get up and move. It’s advised that you not touch the deer or try to help with its injuries. It’s not your responsibility to provide it with medical care. Let the local authorities handle the deer you hit for you.

Take Care of Your Vehicle

Another step you want to take when you hit a deer is to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Check it over in detail and get help from roadside assistance if you can’t drive it. Also, get on the phone with your insurance agent and send them over your documentation and report. 

You’ll want to start the claim process if your car is damaged. Finally, find a good collision repair shop to receive an estimate for your insurance coverage approval. It can be a costly accident, but you want to ensure you are taken care of, and your car is put back into good, working order.

Conclusion

Hitting a deer is an involved process and can be very stressful. Always drive safely and without distractions to help you avoid this situation. Deer are quick and hard to see at times so you must have fast reflexes and be prepared for the unexpected while driving your vehicle. 

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