Hitting a deer with your car can be a scary and confusing experience. It happens more often than you might think, especially in areas with much wildlife. Knowing what to do next is essential for your safety and to ensure you handle the situation correctly. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps you should take if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Before you do anything, check your safety first. Pull over to a safe location and make sure to turn on your hazard light so that other drivers are aware you are stopping. Check your surroundings. If the area is not safe, it is better to stay in your car, slow down, and check your surroundings so that they are safe.

Next, you check for injuries. First, examine yourself for injuries. Even if you are feeling okay, you still need to check because adrenaline can mask the pain. If you have any passengers in the car, ensure they are safe and not hurt. Ask them if they are feeling okay. If you or anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Be calm and explain the situation to them. Give them clear details about your location and the type of injuries.

Next, check out the scene. Take a look at the deer. Is it still alive, wounded, or has it moved away? Never approach a wounded deer because it can be very dangerous.

Check your vehicle, look for any damages, check if the car is still drivable, and check the front end, windshield, and other parts. Also, check the road for parts of your vehicle that might have broken off, and remove any hazards if it is safe to protect other drivers. 

The next thing to do is to contact the authorities and call the police to report the accident. They will help you manage the situation and file an official report, which is essential for your insurance claims. Give the police detailed information about what happened, the time, and the location. Also, remember to mention if the deer is hurt or blocking the road. Listen carefully to the instructions the police provide. They might need to come to the scene to check for themselves or guide you on what to do next. Make sure you get a copy of the police report.

Remember to document the incident. Take pictures of the scene, your car's damage, the deer, and any relevant road conditions and signs. Remember to write down the date and time and the exact location. You can also write details about the weather conditions and any other information that you think is relevant. If there are any witnesses, you can get their names and contact information because their statements will be helpful for the insurance claims. Briefly describe what happened, how the accident occurred, and what you did immediately. It will help you remember the details later.

Next, contact your insurance company, provide them with all the information they require, and follow their instructions on how to proceed. Share the photos, police report, and notes with them; this will help you support your claim. Ask about your cover for animal collisions. Make sure you know what your policy covers and what your deductible will be. Keep in touch with your insurance company to track the progress of your claim. Give them any additional information.

How to avoid hitting a deer

Always be alert, watch the road, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas known for wildlife crossings. Also, when driving at night, use your high beams when there's no oncoming traffic. This helps you see animals from a greater distance.

Pay attention to deer crossing signs. These are placed in areas with a high likelihood of deer activity. Reduce your speed in these areas, especially in the evenings, because deer are more active at night. If you see a deer on or near the road, honk your horn in short bursts to scare it away. Always assume there may be more deer nearby if you see one.

If possible, travel with other vehicles. Deer are more likely to be scared away by multiple cars.

Always wear your seatbelt; the chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don't have it on your seatbelt.

If you can not avoid hitting the deer

Don't swerve. Swerving is by far the biggest mistake you can make right before you hit a deer. Although swerving might feel natural, it can cause more damage to other vehicles or people's property, as well as injuries to you and your passengers.

Another misconception is that speeding up will reduce the damage. Speeding up before hitting a deer will not help, but it can cause more damage to you and your vehicle. The best thing is to apply your brakes, hold your steering wheel, and try to come to a complete stop. Braking is the best way to hit a deer and will decrease the damage to your car.

Do I need to report hitting a deer?

You are not legally obligated to report the auto-deer collision to the police or call your insurance company. If you report it to the police, they will help walk you through the situation step-by-step. The police will be able to guide you through the process and ensure you're taking proper safety measures. Calling the police will help with your insurance claim if you file one. An official police report can help aid you when speaking with your insurance company.

Unless the damage is small or you plan to pay out of pocket, you will want to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you inform them, the sooner your insurance company can process your claim.  

Conclusion

Encountering a deer on the road can be a frightening experience, but knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference. By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road:

• Pull over to a safe location and assess the situation.

• Check for injuries and contact emergency services if needed.

• Evaluate the scene and document the incident.

• Contact your insurance company to report the accident.

• Consider preventive measures for the future to avoid similar incidents.

Remember, staying alert and practicing safe driving habits can help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Drive cautiously, especially in areas known for wildlife crossings, and always be prepared for the unexpected.

When you have car insurance with Tennessee Insurance Agency, you can get on with your life confident that your journeys are future proofed. Click here to get a quote. 

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