Steps To Take After Hitting A Deer

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If you are driving along and a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle, you will most likely slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid hitting the animal. Unfortunately, deer will run into your vehicle on their own sometimes and sometimes it is just impossible to avoid them. If you hit a deer with your vehicle, you will be shaken up and may not know what the proper protocol is for handling the situation. Here are some guidelines to follow after you hit a deer with your vehicle.

Injuries And Safety

You will first want to make sure you are not injured in any way before trying to move from your vehicle. If you are having any pain at all, you may want to wait until you are checked by medical personnel so you do not aggravate the injury. Call 911 and report the accident. If you are injured, let them know when you call that you will need an ambulance.

If you are able to move around without pain, see if you are able to drive the vehicle to the side of the road to get it out of the way of any oncoming traffic. If it is not able to be driven, get out of the vehicle and move yourself out of the way so you are safe. You will want to put the hazard lights on in your vehicle regardless of whether you are inside waiting for help or if you have gotten out. This will alert other drivers that there is an accident in the road.

Wait For Authorities

When you call 911, the local police will be alerted to come to the scene to check on the status of the accident. If the deer is still in the road, they may need to shoot it if it is in pain. If it is deceased, they will alert the town to come remove the carcass. You will be asked a series of questions about what had happened leading up to the accident and an official report will be made and filed in the police station.

Call A Towing Company

You will want to get your vehicle off the roadway and to safety. You may also need some extensive repair. Call a towing service like Darryll's Towing to come and remove your vehicle. Have them bring it to an auto body shop of your choice to be assessed for damage. A tow truck driver will be able to bring you to your home, as well.

Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance to report the accident and start the process of having the vehicle checked so you can have it repaired. An insurance adjuster will be sent to see how much damage your vehicle has sustained and they will give you a quotation on the amount they will pay for repair. You may need to pay a deductible in order to have the repairs done.

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14 January 2015

About Greg Chapman

When I was little, I'd watch old movies with my grandfather. One of my favorite scenes was when Steve McQueen tried to jump that big fence on his motorcycle in "The Great Escape." After I saw that, I just wanted a motorcycle. I was obsessed with them! My grandpa knew that, and he helped me build one for myself. He took me shopping for all the parts, taught me about the mechanics of it all, and walked me through all the building and repairs. Since then, my love has expanded to all things that run with a motor, including cars. Even though I'm not a professional, I'm quite skilled, and that has proven handy when it comes to my own repairs and the simple enjoyment of riding my bikes. Check out my blog!