You’ve Hit  a Deer, Now What?

Deer collisions happen, no matter how cautious you may be. So what do you do if a deer hit happens to you? Below are our Xpert Tips to take if you have been involved in an accident with a deer.

1. Slow down, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. If you have a cell phone contact the police.
2. Do not worry about the animal. Local law enforcement will worry about removing the animal from the road. If the animal is in the road, tell the dispatcher when you call for help.
3. If possible, remain in your vehicle and buckled up, so if a crash occurs involving your car or another vehicle nearby, you are more protected than if you are in the roadway or on the shoulder.
4. If you must be outside of your vehicle, make sure it is as far off the road as possible and your hazard lights are on. Don’t stand between your vehicle and another vehicle and make sure your children are kept properly restrained in your vehicle.
5. If you have exited your vehicle, stay alert for traffic. If your vehicle is disabled at night, wait for law enforcement with extra lights so your vehicle is more visible to other motorists.
6. Tell your tow truck driver to take your vehicle to Auto Body Xperts! Auto Body Xperts offers free loaner vehicles so you don’t miss a beat!

Whether you hit a deer or it jumps into the side of your vehicle, such collisions can cause significant injuries and property damage. Therefore, it is important to fill out an accident report with the police as soon as possible for the benefit of your insurance company. The police will also be able to arrange for the animal to be moved by the appropriate authorities. Take note, it is illegal to remove a deer carcass without an appropriate permit (or carcass tag); you may be able to obtain one from the police officer.