What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
Hitting a deer with your vehicle is a common situation, and there’s likely nothing you could’ve done to prevent it. But what should you do afterwards? Here are several steps to take, from ensuring your immediate safety to beginning the collision repair process.
Hit a Deer? Here’s What to Do Afterwards, from Safety Procedures to Collision Repair
Protect Yourself
The first thing to do is to make sure other vehicles can see and avoid you. This is especially important since these collisions often occur around dusk or early morning. Pull as far off the road as you can, then put on your blinkers. Also, stay away from the deer itself: it may be injured or stunned rather than dead, and a frightened, wounded deer can lash out dangerously.
Alert the Authorities
As soon as possible, you should contact the police to let them know what happened, especially if the deer is in a location where it may endanger other vehicles. No one will blame you for striking the deer, but the sooner you record what happened, the better. Try to fix the details of the event in your mind or write them down. If there were witnesses, ask them to stick around, or obtain their contact information.
Inspect Your Vehicle
You shouldn’t assume that your vehicle is good to drive after such a collision. Call an expert. While you wait, inspect the windshield for cracks, the undercarriage for leaking fluids, and the tires for damage. The mechanics at an auto body shop will help determine whether there’s damage that’s not immediately visible and will be able to restore your car to its pre-accident condition by making all the appropriate collision repairs.
If you’re searching for experts to assist with collision repair, dent repair, and more, Specialty Paint & Body is your best option. They help the Athens, GA, community with everything from deer collisions to fender benders. With more than 30 years of experience, they know the best strategies to get your car operational again as soon as possible. Learn more today by visiting them online or calling (706) 353-8126.
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