Orlando Harmon
Hitting a deer with your car can be a distressing experience and can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Even careful and vigilant drivers can experience an auto-deer collision, as deer can be frightened and confused by car headlights, causing them to behave erratically. If you hit a deer, it is important to know what to do next and how to report it to your insurance company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of year with the most deer-vehicle collisions | October to December |
| Time of day with the most deer-vehicle collisions | Dusk to dawn |
| Type of road with the most deer-vehicle collisions | High-speed rural roads |
| Actions to take after hitting a deer | Call the police, take pictures of the road, surroundings, damages, injuries, any traces of the deer on your vehicle, document accounts of witnesses and ask for their contact information |
| How to report to insurance | Call your insurance agent or contact them through their website |
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What You'll Learn
Know your insurance policy and state laws
It is essential to know your insurance policy and state laws when reporting a deer accident to your insurance company. While deer accidents are generally considered unavoidable and not-at-fault accidents, the impact on your insurance rate and driving record can vary depending on your state and insurer.
Firstly, review your insurance policy to understand your coverage options and selected deductible amounts. Comprehensive coverage typically covers vehicle damage caused by events out of your control, such as hitting a deer. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your vehicle if you swerve to avoid the deer and collide with another object or vehicle. Some insurers include collision coverage with comprehensive coverage, but it is essential to verify this in your policy. Additionally, medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can help cover injury-related expenses after a deer accident.
Secondly, understand the laws in your state regarding deer accidents. In some states, you may be allowed to leave the scene after hitting a deer, while other states may require you to report it. Certain states, like California, prohibit insurers from raising rates due to comprehensive claims, while other states may allow rate increases after a certain number of claims within a specified period. Additionally, some states may require a police or crash report for accidents resulting in injury or property damage above a certain amount. Knowing your state's requirements will help you navigate the claims process effectively.
It is worth noting that even if your state does not require a police report for a deer accident, filing one can be beneficial for your insurance claim. A police report can help validate your claim and expedite the process. Additionally, the police will handle the situation with the deer, ensuring the safety of other drivers. Remember to document the incident by taking photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, vehicle damage, and any injuries sustained by you or your passengers. Obtaining witness accounts and contact information can also strengthen your claim.
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Document the incident and take photos
Documenting the incident and taking photos are crucial steps to take after hitting a deer with your car. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:
First and foremost, ensure your safety and that of your passengers. Pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and assess if anyone in your vehicle has sustained any injuries. If there are any injuries, no matter how minor, call for emergency medical services immediately. Even if there are no apparent injuries, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as some injuries, especially those to the neck, may not be immediately obvious.
Once you have ensured everyone's safety, begin documenting the incident. Use your phone or camera to take comprehensive photographs of the entire scene. Capture images of the roadway, your surroundings, the damaged vehicle, and any visible injuries. Take close-up photos of specific damage, such as leaking fluids, broken lights, a damaged hood, or a cracked windshield. If the deer has run away, look for any traces it may have left behind, such as blood, hair, or fur, and include those in your photo documentation.
In addition to visual documentation, it is important to record witness accounts. If another motorist stops to help or if there are any bystanders, ask for their account of what occurred and take notes. Be sure to obtain their contact information, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses, as their testimony may be valuable for insurance purposes.
Remember, it is crucial to remain a safe distance away from the deer, even if it is still at the scene. A frightened and injured deer can be dangerous and may use its hooves or antlers to harm you or others. Leave the handling of the deer to the authorities, who will determine the appropriate course of action upon their arrival.
By thoroughly documenting the incident and taking detailed photographs, you will have comprehensive evidence to support your insurance claim and facilitate the claims process.
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Call the police and EMT services
If you've hit a deer, it is important to call the police and EMT services, if needed. Even if you are uninjured, the police will need to assess the threat the deer may pose to other drivers. A frightened, wounded deer can be dangerous and could harm people with its sharp hooves or antlers. The deer may also be blocking traffic.
If you are able to, alert the authorities to the threat the deer poses to other drivers. The deer may be blocking traffic or creating a hazard. The police will handle the situation when they arrive, determining what to do with the animal.
If there are any injuries, call the EMT services. If the collision has resulted in injuries or property damage, you will need to fill out an official report. This report will be useful when filing your insurance claim.
If you are unsure about what to do, it is better to call the police. Having a police report can be very helpful in filing a claim for damages. The report will also help with the claims process for any property damage or injuries.
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Contact your insurance agent
If you've hit a deer with your car, it's important to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. The sooner you report the incident, the sooner your agent can begin processing your claim. Most insurance companies allow you to make a claim by calling your agent or contacting them through their website.
Before contacting your agent, it's important to review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and any deductibles you may be responsible for. Animal collisions, especially with deer, can cause significant damage to your vehicle, and repairs can be expensive. Knowing what is covered under your policy will help you make informed decisions about the next steps.
When you contact your insurance agent, be prepared to provide detailed information about the incident. This includes documentation such as photographs of the accident scene, including the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries sustained by you or your passengers. If there were any witnesses to the incident, it's important to obtain their account of what occurred and their contact information.
In some states, it may be permissible to leave the scene after hitting a deer, while in other states, you may be required to report it. It's important to know the laws in your state and contact the local authorities if needed. A police report can be helpful in filing an insurance claim, especially if there is property damage or injuries involved. Remember to stay away from the deer, as a frightened and wounded animal can be dangerous.
By contacting your insurance agent promptly and providing them with comprehensive information about the incident, you can ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and that you receive the necessary support and coverage for any repairs or injuries resulting from the collision.
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Be aware of potential hidden damage
Hitting a deer with your car can cause significant damage to your vehicle, even if it doesn't appear to be damaged at first glance. It is crucial to proceed cautiously and methodically after such an incident. Even if you are a vigilant driver, auto-deer collisions can happen, and they often do—1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year, resulting in over $3.6 billion in vehicle damage.
After hitting a deer, pull over to a safe location on the side of the road, ensuring you're not obstructing traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Even if you don't see any damage, take a moment to assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so be thorough.
Next, carefully inspect your vehicle for hidden damage. While you might not see anything obvious, look closely at the front bumper, headlights, grille, and hood. Check for small dents, scratches, or cracks that might not be immediately apparent. Even a slight bump could cause minor damage that's not visible right away. Variables such as speed and point of impact can factor into the extent of the damage. In some cases, hitting a deer can render your car undrivable. Look for leaking fluids, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, or a hood that won't latch. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.
Remember, it is important to be aware of the potential for hidden damage when hitting a deer. By following the above steps, you can help ensure your safety and protect yourself from potential complications down the road.
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Frequently asked questions
First, call the police and EMT services if anyone is injured. If the deer is blocking traffic, alert the authorities. Document the incident by taking photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
Damage to your vehicle from hitting a deer falls under your comprehensive coverage. You will need to pay your deductible, and your insurance will cover the rest.
File a police report, as this will help with the claims process for any property damage or injuries. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to start the claim process.
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts paying for a covered loss.
If the deer runs away, take pictures of any blood, hair, or fur left behind on your vehicle.
