Hitting a deer while driving can be a scary and dangerous experience. If you hit a deer high on its body, near the chest or head, the impact could cause significant damage to your vehicle and potentially cause the deer serious injury or even death. Knowing what to do after hitting a deer high on its body is crucial for assessing the situation, protecting yourself, and handling the aftermath properly.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you need to do after hitting a deer high on its body is assess the situation. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that your vehicle is stopped or disabled. Before getting out of your car, check for oncoming traffic to avoid being hit. Once you and the scene are safe, you can begin evaluating the deer and your vehicle for damage.
Check on the condition of the deer. If the deer is still alive but seriously injured, call 911 or local law enforcement right away. Do not try to approach or move an injured deer, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous when wounded. If the deer is dead, move it off the road if you can do so safely to prevent any further collisions. Be aware that deer often travel in groups, so there may be more deer around.
Assess the damage to your vehicle. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, or other signs of significant damage. If your vehicle seems safe to operate, carefully try to start it and check that all lights and signals are working. Determining if your vehicle is drivable will dictate your next steps.
Call for Help if Needed
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive safely or the deer requires emergency care, call 911. Provide details on your exact location and the situation so proper authorities can assist. Remain on the scene in your disabled vehicle with your hazard lights on until help arrives.
If you hit the deer in an area with no cell service and your vehicle is operational, carefully drive to the nearest location where you can get cell service or call for help. Only drive the vehicle if you feel it is safe to do so.
For a minor accident where your vehicle remains functional and the deer carcass requires removal from the road, call local law enforcement’s non-emergency number to report the situation. Officers can help with debris cleanup and removal of the deer’s body.
Document the Scene
While waiting for help to arrive, document the scene with photos or video when it is safe to do so. Capture images showing the position of your vehicle, the deer, and the location of the collision. Photos and video evidence will be useful for insurance claims and accident reports.
Look for any identifying landmarks like road signs and include them in your images. Document all damage to your vehicle thoroughly. Take wide shots to establish the scene as well as close-ups of scratches, dents, and broken parts. Do not move your vehicle or the deer until law enforcement advises that it is okay.
File an Accident Report
You will need to file an official accident report after hitting a deer, especially if there is major damage or injuries. For minor collisions with only vehicle damage, you may file a self-report online or through your insurance company. For severe accidents, wait for the police to arrive on scene and provide you with an incident report.
Exchange insurance and contact information with any other drivers involved. Get their name, address, phone number, insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate number. This information is required for insurance claims and assigning fault.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start a claim. Your provider will advise you on next steps for getting your vehicle repaired, covering damages, and any other help you may need.
Remove the Deer Carcass
If the deer died on impact, the carcass will need to be moved off the road. Do not try moving it yourself if the deer is large. Wait for law enforcement or transportation authorities to arrive safely remove it. They have the proper equipment and vehicles to relocate the body.
In some areas, it may be legal for you to possess the deer carcass if you plan to harvest the venison meat. Check your state’s regulations and consult authorities before claiming the body. It’s recommended to field dress deer as soon as possible to preserve the meat.
If you do not want to keep the deer, do not attach it to or load it in your vehicle. Officers or transportation workers will remove and properly dispose of the carcass.
Be Cautious of Disease
Use caution when handling any part of the deer carcass to avoid exposure to disease. Wear protective gloves if you have to touch the body and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Avoid contact with blood, bodily fluids, or waste material.
Some deer diseases like chronic wasting disease and anthrax can be transmitted to humans. Contact with infected deer can also expose you to rabies. Take proper precautions and minimize handling dead deer without proper training and protection.
Check Yourself for Injuries
Adrenaline after an accident can mask pain from injuries. Once the scene is secure, check yourself for any bumps, bruises, cuts, or other trauma. If you hit the deer at high speed, you may be at risk for whiplash, concussion, or other injuries without realizing it.
Monitor yourself closely for delayed onset of soreness, swelling, stiffness, or other problems in the hours and days after the collision. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Contact a Lawyer if Needed
A lawyer can advise you regarding your rights and help recoup costs if the accident was severe. Contact an attorney if any of the following apply:
- You suffered significant injuries
- Your vehicle was totaled
- There is a dispute over who is at fault
- Your insurance claim is denied
- You are served with any legal notices about the accident
An experienced personal injury or accident attorney will handle negotiations and claims processes to help resolve the situation favorably.
Do Not Flee the Scene
Never drive away from the scene of an accident after hitting a deer. Fleeing shows negligence and reckless disregard for the safety of people, property, and wildlife. It can result in criminal charges and suspension of your driver’s license.
Always stop immediately, assess the situation, document evidence, file a report, and notify authorities. Leaving deer carcasses, vehicle debris, or injured animals unattended in the road also creates a major hazard for other drivers.
Watch for Related Costs
Beyond physical damage to your car, hitting a deer can bring many secondary expenses. Be prepared for costs like:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Towing charges
- Rental car fees during repairs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Medical bills
- Higher insurance premiums
Save all receipts related to the accident to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Your policy may help cover accident-related costs.
Review Insurance Policies
Take time when you get home to thoroughly review your auto insurance policy. Check what is covered for animal collisions, accident claims processes, and steps you need to take. Contact your agent with any questions about filing a claim.
You may need to provide your insurance company crash details, photos/video, medical reports, police reports, vehicle repair estimates, and other documentation. Know what you are responsible for supplying.
Seek Counseling if Struggling
Being involved in any car accident can lead to psychological trauma that manifests days or weeks later. Look out for signs of anxiety, jumpiness, sleep issues, anger, or depression after hitting a deer. Talk to a counselor or therapist if you continue to struggle with the accident’s emotional impact.
Avoiding Deer Collisions
While not much can be done if a deer suddenly darts in front of your vehicle, there are some tips to help avoid deer collisions proactively:
- Use extra caution at dusk and dawn when deer are most active.
- Scan roadsides continuously for deer in wooded and rural areas.
- Slow down when driving through known deer crossing zones.
- Brake firmly but avoid swerving if you spot a deer ahead.
- Honk your horn to try scaring deer away.
- Use your high beam headlights at night to see farther.
- Look for reflective deer warning signs posted by DOTs.
- Avoid distractions and be alert in areas with deer.
- Always wear your seatbelt in case an accident occurs.
Conclusion
Striking a deer high on its body or head results in a very hazardous situation for both you and the animal. Remain calm, pull over, assess damage, document the scene, and call for help immediately. Report the accident properly to authorities and your insurance provider. Monitor yourself for injuries in the following days. Finally, consider preventive habits like driving cautiously in deer zones to avoid collisions. Stay safe on the roadway during deer season.