Collisions with deer are common, often occurring during the low visibility hours of dusk and dawn. The impact from a deer, which can weigh over 150 pounds, frequently results in extensive vehicle damage. Knowing how to proceed methodically is the most effective way to manage the aftermath and navigate the subsequent administrative and financial processes.
Prioritizing Safety and Immediate Action
The first action after striking a deer is ensuring the immediate safety of yourself and your passengers. Pull the vehicle over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe, activating your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Check for any injuries to yourself or others inside the car. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
If your car is disabled and cannot be safely moved off a busy roadway, remain inside the vehicle with hazard lights flashing until law enforcement arrives. Do not attempt to approach or move the deer, whether it appears injured or deceased. Wounded animals are unpredictable and can inflict serious injury, so they should only be handled by trained authorities.
Necessary Reporting and Documentation
Once the scene is secured, contacting the proper authorities is the next step. Call the local police or state highway patrol to report the collision, especially if the vehicle is disabled, someone is injured, or the deer is blocking traffic. Obtaining an official police report is important, as this document provides objective, third-party validation of the incident for your insurance claim.
While waiting for law enforcement, begin documenting the scene if it is safe to exit your vehicle and stay clear of the roadway. Take photographs of the vehicle damage, the accident location, and any debris. Note the exact time, date, and location using mile markers or street addresses, as these details are necessary for the police report and claims process. Also, inquire about local regulations concerning the animal carcass, as removal procedures or possession requirements vary by state.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Financial coverage for vehicle damage resulting from hitting a deer falls under your Comprehensive Coverage, not standard Collision Coverage. Comprehensive coverage handles damages from events generally considered out of the driver’s control, such as theft, fire, hail, and impacts with animals. Collision Coverage is reserved for accidents involving contact with another vehicle or a stationary object, like a guardrail or tree.
If you swerve to avoid the deer and strike a telephone pole or another car, that damage falls under Collision Coverage. For a direct deer strike, the Comprehensive deductible must be paid out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the remaining repair costs. These claims are classified as “no-fault” incidents, meaning the accident is not considered the result of driver negligence. Filing a claim for a deer strike will generally not cause your premium to increase, though you may lose a “claims-free” discount.
Managing Vehicle Repair and Recovery
After reporting the incident and initiating the claim, the focus shifts to getting your vehicle assessed and repaired. If the collision resulted in fluid leaks, a broken wheel, or severe front-end damage, the vehicle is non-drivable, and you must arrange for a tow. Common damage includes crushed bumpers, damaged hoods, broken headlights, and punctured radiators, as the deer often impacts the front of the vehicle.
A comprehensive diagnostic assessment is necessary because the collision’s force can cause significant, non-visible damage. Technicians inspect for issues like a bent frame, suspension misalignment, or damage to underhood components such as the cooling system. Once the repair shop provides an estimate, the insurance adjuster reviews the costs, approves the claim, and authorizes the necessary repairs.