What to do if you hit a deer with your car

Quick insights

• Most car collisions are disruptive, but you may feel especially uneasy after striking a deer.
• When you hit a deer with a car, many things could happen depending on your speed, the animal’s size and the angle of the collision.
• The main steps you’d usually take after hitting a deer are getting to a safe place and contacting authorities.

Collisions on the road don’t happen exclusively between vehicles. Unfortunately, hitting deer or other large wildlife can create just as challenging of a situation. This guide offers a course of action if you ever hit a deer with your car.

What to do immediately after hitting a deer

Below, we’ve provided some direction on what to do should the car you’re traveling in unexpectedly hit a deer.

1. Make sure the people involved are safe

Try to ensure anyone involved is not hurt as a result of hitting a deer with your car. Safety is a priority in the aftermath of a car accident, so check for injuries and call emergency services when needed.

2. Move the vehicle to safety

A collision can leave your car in harm’s way. If possible, turn on your hazard lights and move your car to a shoulder or away from traffic, preferably where you can also stay with it. When a car seems unsafe to drive, call for a tow.

3. Don’t approach the deer

If the deer is still nearby after you’ve hit it with your car, it’s important to stay away. Whether or not they’re injured, animals can react to people unpredictably. If the deer is dead, leave it in place for professionals to relocate.

4. Assess the damage

Evaluate the damage to your car. This is important because you may need to relay the condition to your insurance company if you file a claim.

5. Document the incident

Take photos of the vehicle, animal and surrounding area as clearly as you can. Write down any details you remember about the collision, too. Timely, accurate documentation should be useful when dealing with insurance companies and local authorities. If there are any witnesses, see if they’ll stick around to support your version of the events.

6. Stay at the scene if you contact local authorities

State requirements for reporting car collisions with deer and other wildlife vary. However, if you call someone for assistance, wait for them to arrive.

Legal obligations and reporting a car accident involving deer

When in doubt, notify authorities about a car collision with a deer sooner rather than later. State requirements for notifying police and wildlife authorities may vary. Your state’s DMV may post guidelines and contact information online for reporting collisions with wildlife.

If local police arrive on the scene, you can ask them whether you should report the accident. If an animal is deceased, police may also be able to report the animal to agencies who can remove it.

Does car insurance cover a collision with a deer?

Comprehensive car insurance may cover collisions with animals, including deer. Repairs may not be covered under a collision or liability policy. In general, coverage for hitting a deer would include the cost of repairs minus your deductible.

After any accident, your insurance company may need to assess the damage. They could send an adjuster or ask you to bring the car to an approved location. Check your terms to understand your coverage, deductible and how to file a claim.

Long-term considerations after a deer collision

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath, here are some additional steps to consider taking:

• Monitor your car’s performance as you drive. Any damage to your car could present problems down the road, long after repairs are completed.
• Keep up with annual inspections. These and regular maintenance can identify potential issues that aren’t easy to spot.
• Regularly evaluate your car insurance. Consider comprehensive coverage if you often drive in high-risk areas. Also keep in mind that filing insurance claims frequently can affect your premiums, but it depends on the insurance company.

How you could avoid wildlife collisions when driving

Driving visibility tends to go down at night, and you may not see a deer before you hit it with your car. Some defensive driving techniques could help you avoid striking animals. These include adhering to speed limits, using high beams and watching for road signs that indicate high deer activity.

Here are some circumstances when you may need to be extra cautious when driving:

• During active deer seasons
• In known areas of high deer population
• At dawn and dusk, when deer tend to feed

In summary

After hitting a deer with your car, it’s usually best to make sure you and the car are safe, first. Then, contact the police for assistance (and emergency services in case of serious injury). In most states, you may be required to report the incident—check with the state’s DMV for guidance. Finally, document the scene of the accident; this can be very useful when explaining what occurred to local authorities and insurance representatives if you file a claim.