Hit a Deer? Here’s What to Do Next

Hitting a deer can happen in seconds, especially on the rural roads and highways throughout Southwest Missouri. One moment you're driving normally, and the next you're dealing with vehicle damage, insurance questions, and uncertainty about what to do.

At Lackey Body Works, we understand how overwhelming an unexpected collision can be. Knowing the right steps to take after hitting a deer can help protect you, prevent additional damage, and make repairs easier.

1. Move to Safety and Check for Injuries

Your safety should always come first after a deer collision. If possible, carefully move your vehicle off the road and turn on your hazard lights.

Before checking the damage:

• Check for injuries: Make sure you and your passengers are safe.

• Stay away from the deer: Even an injured deer that appears calm can move unpredictably.

• Watch for traffic: Avoid standing near moving vehicles.

• Call for help: Contact emergency services if anyone is injured or your vehicle creates a road hazard.

Can deer survive after being hit? Sometimes, depending on the impact's severity. However, never approach or attempt to move an injured deer yourself.

2. Report the Accident and Document the Damage

Many drivers wonder, "Do I need a police report after hitting a deer?"

Missouri's driver guidance recommends reporting deer collisions to local law enforcement. A police report may also be necessary for your insurance claim.

Once you're in a safe location, document the accident by taking photos of the damage, recording the location and time, and saving any incident or police reports. 

Having this information available can make filing your insurance claim much easier.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

After documenting the collision with photos and videos and any passenger accounts then contact your insurance provider to report the accident.

Another common concern is whether you're considered at fault for hitting a deer. Generally, direct deer collisions are treated as animal-related accidents rather than at-fault collisions.

When contacting your insurance company, ask about:

• Your comprehensive coverage and deductible

• Whether a police report is required

• Rental car coverage during repairs

• The next steps for getting your vehicle inspected

At Lackey Body Works, we can help coordinate with your insurance company throughout the collision repair process.

4. Schedule Professional Collision Repair

Once you've addressed immediate safety concerns and contacted your insurance company, the next step is to have your vehicle professionally inspected.

A qualified auto body repair shop can assess visible and hidden damage, determine necessary repairs, and help restore your vehicle's appearance and safety.

At Lackey Body Works, we're here to help Southwest Missouri drivers through the collision repair process. Whether your vehicle has minor dents or extensive front-end damage, our team is ready to help.

If you've recently hit a deer, contact Lackey Body Works today for professional collision repair and assistance getting your vehicle back on the road.