Hitting a deer can be a traumatic experience. These graceful animals may seemingly come out of nowhere, making a collision unavoidable. While it’s important to remain calm if you’re involved in a deer accident, there are also actions you should take in the aftermath to ensure you get prompt help and collision repairs. Here are a few steps to keep in mind.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer

1. Move Your Car

If possible, move your car onto the shoulder of the road and away from traffic. Turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers to your presence. When you’re safely off the road, contact your local authorities. Even if no one suffers an injury or only your car is involved, make sure to inform law enforcement of the collision. Let them know if the deer is in the road, too, so they can send someone to safely remove it.

2. Gather Documentation

Just as you would if you were involved in a car accident, create some documentation of the event in case you need to file an incident report with the police. This is more likely to be the case if someone is injured or the car is damaged. Take pictures or videos of the site, the entire road, any damage your car incurred, and any injuries that occurred. Exchange contact information with witnesses so they can share what they saw, too.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Let your insurance agent know about the incident as soon as you can. This is the first step in filing a claim. Many comprehensive plans provide coverage for deer accidents, paying the costs for any collision repair work necessary. You might also need to pay a deductible before your insurer will reimburse the remaining amount for the damages.

If you’ve struck a deer, trust in the professionals at Precision Collision & Auto Glass of Frankfort, MI, to restore your car to its previous condition. Proudly serving drivers throughout the area, they handle collision repair, car detailing, and windshield replacement to ensure your safety on the road. They also work closely with insurance companies to simplify the claims process for you. Visit the website for more information, or call (231) 352-7948 to schedule an appointment.