Deer are active in autumn, which is why most drivers have likely seen them crossing the roads. If you have the misfortune to hit a deer, you should respond to the situation safely and take your car to a collision repair center as soon as possible afterward. Here’s a helpful guide on what to do after hitting a deer.

4 Steps to Take After Hitting a Deer

1. Move Your Vehicle 

If your vehicle is still drivable, move it to the side of the road out of the way of oncoming traffic. Avoid rolling over the deer if possible. Put your car into reverse and slowly back away. Turn on your hazards to alert passing vehicles of a problem. 

2. Call the Police 

A police officer will take a statement, file a report, and give you a ride home if your car isn’t safe to drive. If the deer is still alive, they’ll call an animal rescue team to help save it.

3. File an Insurance Claim

Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible to start filing a claim. Take photos of your vehicle at the scene so you can present documentation of the damages to your carrier and receive adequate compensation for repairs. 

4. Contact a Collision Repair Team

Hitting a deer may cause significant damage. Although you can ask your insurance company for a referral, you should also tap friends, family, and business associates for their auto center recommendations. Before agreeing to any plan of action, review the estimate, and assess your out-of-pocket expenses.

If you hit a deer on the road and need emergency collision repairs, get in touch with Precision Collision & Auto Glass in Frankfort, MI. This auto center replaces glass, repairs damage from minor and major collisions, and repaints bodies for clients throughout Benzie County. Call (231) 352-7948 to get a quote on auto restoration, or visit them online to learn more about how they’ll help you restore your damaged vehicle.