While car-and-deer collisions can occur during any time of the day and cause you to call a towing service, the hooved animals are most active—and more likely to be on roads and highways—at dawn and dusk. If this unfortunate collision ever happens to you, there are a few tips to follow to take as much stress and shock out of the situation as possible.

What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?

1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location

Put your hazards on to let other drivers know a collision has just occurred. Ask if everyone in your vehicle is OK as you look for a safe place to pull over, such as the side of the road or a parking lot. You might need to drive in reverse to avoid hitting the deer further. If you have any flares in the car, use them to keep other drivers away from your vehicle, as well as the deer.

2. Call the Police

Contact the police and let them know if anyone is injured. If you are certain the deer is still alive, the police will alert local wildlife authorities to either euthanize the animal or take it to a sanctuary for rehabilitation. Do not go near the deer, as it can cause serious injuries if it feels threatened.

3. Document the Accident

Take photos of the accident, including all damage to your vehicle, for insurance purposes. If the animal hit your vehicle and caused damage, repairs are paid for under comprehensive coverage. If you swerved to miss the deer but accidentally hit something else instead, collision insurance will usually pay for repairs.

4. Get Roadside Assistance

Request towing service from a reputable roadside assistance company. While you might be able to drive away once the police arrive, it’s still a good idea to have a towing company take your vehicle to an auto repair shop. Technicians will easily identify any damage you might have missed and provide any necessary auto body repairs.

5. File an Insurance Claim

Make an insurance claim as soon as possible to get vehicular damage fixed. Avoid driving the car until it has been serviced, as parts might loosen or start leaking, which can further damage the vehicle.

If you need towing service after hitting a deer, contact Mayse’s Towing in Wapakoneta, OH. The company serves drivers throughout Auglaize County and also provides roadside assistance, vehicle transport, and flatbed towing. Call (419) 738-2055 today to schedule towing, or visit their website to learn more about their services.