What to do after…
What to do after hitting a deer
Deer collisions are common on South Dakota highways, especially at dawn and dusk in the fall. Here is what to do in the minutes and days after one.
Step by step
Safety first
- Pull fully off the road, turn on hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle if traffic is close.
- Do not approach or try to move an injured deer. A frightened, injured animal can be dangerous.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the animal or your vehicle is blocking the road.
Call law enforcement
Report the collision, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or the animal is in the road. Ask for a report number; your insurer may ask for it.
Check whether the vehicle is safe to drive
Look for leaking fluids, broken lights, a loose hood, or a damaged radiator. If in doubt, call for a tow instead of driving.
Take photos
Photograph the damage, the scene, the road, and the animal if it is safe to do so. Hair or blood on the vehicle can help show what happened.
Report it to your insurance company
Call your insurer's claims line or use its app. Write down your claim number, and ask whether you need to use a particular repair shop.
Photograph, write down, and keep
Your record
- Date, time, and location (highway and nearest mile marker or town)
- Law enforcement report number
- Photos of the damage and scene
- Tow and repair receipts
Common regrets to avoid
- Swerving hard to miss a deer, which can lead to a more serious crash
- Driving a vehicle with a damaged radiator or broken headlights
- Waiting to report the damage
Keep your claims numbers in one place
Save each policy in a free PolicyChecked account and print a one-page insurance summary with every insurer's claims phone and your policy numbers. Create a free account
Need a hand?
Claims are reported to and decided by your insurance company. If you are not sure who to call or what your policy says, a licensed agent can help you find out: (888) 509-8502.
Questions
Know what you're covered for before you need it.
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