Deer can enter the road at any time, which is why you should remain vigilant while driving. Depending on the speed you’re going and the size of the animal, a deer collision can shatter the windshield, tear up the bumper, break headlights, and cause additional auto damage. Although getting the car to an auto body shop might be your primary concern, completing the following tasks first will keep you safe and make the repair process more manageable. 

What You Should Do After a Deer Collision

1. Pull Over

As soon as you hit the deer, look for a safe place on the side of the road to pull over and get your bearings. Next, turn your hazard lights on so that other drivers know to move around your vehicle with caution. Finally, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Remain in the car until help arrives.

2. Contact the Police

If the deer is still in the car, don’t touch it. This could startle the animal and cause it to thrash around and hurt you. Call 911 and tell the dispatcher what happened and a rough location of where you are. They will send police and additional assistance to handle the animal and tend any injuries.

Even if the deer is nowhere near the car, still reach out for help. The police will write a detailed report of the auto damage, which you can include with an insurance claim for repair work. This helps you to receive compensation for any auto damage that the car has.

3. Take Pictures

After the police arrive, take photographs of the inside and outside of the car. Include photos of any debris from the wreck on the road. The pictures will provide a clear picture of the scope of auto damage. This could help them reach the decision faster on how much money is necessary to cover repairs. To start the process, reach out to your insurer before leaving the scene.

Whether you have minor or severe auto damage following a deer collision, contact Schneider Auto Body to restore your ride. Serving motorists in Boone County, MO, since 1989, the technicians at this family-owned and -operation collision shop provide scratch and dent removal, auto painting, and additional services to reverse the damage. Call (573) 815-0198 to schedule an appointment and learn about the limited lifetime warranty on paint. For more information about their services, visit the website.