It’s no fun when you’re driving along during the early day or night, and suddenly a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle. You either have to avoid the run-in or plow right into the animal and experience the risks and damages that it does to possibly you, passengers, and your vehicle. What should you do in case you are involved in a deer-related collision?
Accident Avoidance
Whatever you do, don’t swerve when you encounter a deer. If you swerve, you’re at risk of causing an accident or hitting a light pole, ditch, or anything else in the way. Hitting a deer is not as bad as colliding with another car or other objects. Release the gas pedal, use the brake safely and stay on a straight pathway. A given is to wear a seatbelt at all times.
You also want to drive cautiously, particularly during the early morning and evening hours, and stay alert to your surroundings. Take notice of any deer crossing signs and limit your speed to what is posted and keep plenty of clearance between you and the next car. Maintain your vehicle as well. You want the tires, brakes, and lights in top working condition. Remember, if you’re in deer country, you want to be prepared for anything.
Park Your Vehicle
When a collision does occur with a deer, you’ll want to park your vehicle on the roadside and immediately engage your hazard lights. Get off the road or highway and stay out of the way of any traffic. Use your hazard lights or flares to alert other motorists. Since deer are out and about in the early morning and evening hours, other drivers do not see your vehicle, so it’s important to steer clear of the road.
Contact The Authorities
If you’re able, contact the police or any wildlife authorities. They’ll want to know if the deer is impeding traffic and creating a hazard to drivers in the area. If there are injuries or any kind of property damage, you’ll probably have to complete a report, which will be of help if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Record The Events
With safety in mind, you can take pictures of the roadway where the collision occurred along with any surroundings and damage to your vehicle. You’ll also want to note injuries that may have happened with any passengers. If there are witnesses to the accident, record what they have seen and be sure and get their information for future contact.
Animal Safety
For your own safety and the safety of others, steer clear of the deer. A deer that has been hurt can still move its legs and hooves which can hurt you or someone else.
Insurance Coverage
Before you have a collision with a deer or any other mishap, you’ll want to check on the right insurance to carry. When you hit a deer, comprehensive insurance coverage is what you want as most automotive collision policies don’t cover an accident where it involves an animal. If you live in a region of the country where deer are prevalent, look into a comprehensive policy that definitely covers animal accidents. You usually have to pay a deductible with such a policy when you hit an animal.
Insurance Agent Contact
You should report any damages or injuries and file a report with your insurance agent as soon as possible. Do make sure that your vehicle is operating properly after a collision with a deer. Watch for things like any leaks, broken lights, an unhinged hood, damaged tires, and any other hazards that would affect your vehicle’s safety. Contact a towing service if there are any doubts in your mind that your vehicle is not drivable or is unsafe.
Repairing Your Vehicle
When you experience a collision with a deer or other larger animal, the damage is usually considerable, and your vehicle may even be unrepairable. After consulting with your insurance company and assessing the damage, you can file a claim for repairs or replacement. Your car may have a broken bumper, smashed headlights, dents in the front end, a punctured radiator, and many other issues.
If the deer or other animal moves up onto the windshield area, there is the chance for bodily injury of you or any passengers along with extreme damage to your vehicle. There is even the possibility with that kind of encounter that the impact could force your car from the main road and hit another obstacle besides the deer. Whatever the case, you’re going to have to consider finding someone that can take on the repairs of your vehicle when damage occurs because of a collision with an animal.
You’ll want to contact your insurance company and start the claims process. With those details being negotiated, you can take the next steps to have any necessary repairs made to your vehicle. One thing you’ll think of doing almost right away is finding an auto body shop near me.
Deer Related Collision Frequency
In particular regions of the country, the frequency of deer and other larger animal-related accidents are many. When you know and understand how to respond to an encounter with a large animal on
the road, you can diminish any injuries and insurance bills. You also need to know your insurance comprehensive plan and any deductibles in that plan. Just be sure and speak with your insurance company and understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover.
If you want to know more about auto body work related to a collision with a deer or other animal, or you just have general questions or want to schedule an appointment for repair, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. Call them at (856) 218-0202. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you repair your vehicle after an unforeseen accident involving a deer or other animal.
