What You Should Do After Hitting a Deer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Deer collisions are unfortunately common, especially during the fall and early winter months when deer are more active. If you’ve experienced hitting a deer, you’re probably dealing with the aftermath, which can range from minor dents to significant damage. Here's a practical guide to help you get your vehicle back on the road safely and effectively.
What You Should Do AfterHitting a Deer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Deer collisions are unfortunately common, especially during the fall and early winter months when deer are more active. If you’veexperienced hitting a deer, you’re probably dealing with the aftermath, which can range from minor dents to significant damage. Here's a practical guide to help you get your vehicle back on the road safely and effectively.
1. Ensure Safety First
Before assessing any damage, your safety should be the top priority. Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and makesure you're out of harm's way, especially if the accident occurred on a busyroad. If the vehicle is drivable, move it off the road; if not, call for roadside assistance.
If you’re injured or unsure about the severity of the damage, contact emergency services immediately. It’s also wise to alert local authorities, as hitting a deer may need to be documented, depending on state laws.
2. Assess the Damage
Once you're in a safe location, you can begin to assess the extent of the damage. Common areas of impact include the front bumper, grille,headlights, and windshield. In more severe collisions, the hood, radiator, andeven the engine could be damaged.
Here are some things to check:
- Lights and mirrors: Check if any headlights,taillights, or side mirrors are broken.
- Body panels: Look for dents, scratches, or displaced panels.
- Tires and wheels: Check for any punctures or misalignment that could affect driving.
- Leaks: Look under your vehicle for any leaking fluids(coolant, oil, or transmission fluid), which could indicate deeper damage.
If the vehicle is leaking or missing headlights, it islikely undrivable, you’ll need to call a tow truck and take it to a repair shop immediately. Mobile Magic has in-house flatbed towing capability, so you can call us directly if you prefer.
3. Contact Your Insurance
Hitting a deer is generally considered a no-fault accident,and comprehensive insurance typically covers damage caused by wildlife. As soonas possible, contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Take photos of the damage for documentation and provide them to your insurer.
Be sure to understand what your policy covers and whether you’ll need to pay a deductible before repairs are covered. An insurance adjuster may need to assess the damage before repairs can begin.
5. Choosing aRepair Shop
After reporting the accident and contacting your insurance,it’s time to choose a repair shop. Be sure to select a shop that is certifiedand experienced in collision repairs. Many insurance companies have preferred repair networks, but you have the right to choose where your vehicle isrepaired. Often it is not a good idea togo where your insurance directs you. Manytimes, the insurance company has aligned with a repair shop that is willing towork with substandard parts and paint that will fail much sooner than yourfactory finish. Recently we have seeninsurance companies suggesting that repair shops install used parts fromsalvaged cars and trucks. You have a choice,and it costs you nothing more to exercise your right to a quality repair!
Make sure the shop:
- Provides a detailed estimate of the repairs.
- Is transparent about parts and labor costs.
- Offers a warranty on their work.
If your vehicle requires significant work on components like the radiator, cooling system, or front-end alignment, the process could take several days, so plan for alternative transportation.
6. The Repair Process
The repair process will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Here's what you can generally expect:
- Bodywork and frame repair: Dents and damaged body panels will be repaired or replaced, and the frame will be straightened if necessary.
- Paint: If parts were replaced, your vehicle will likely need to be repainted and blended to match the original color.
- Mechanical repairs: If any mechanical systems, such as the engine, suspension, or radiator, are damaged, these will be inspected and repaired.
- Glass replacement: If your windshield or windows were shattered, they’ll need to be replaced.
7. Inspect the Final Repairs
When your vehicle is ready, inspect the repairs before signing off. Make sure all damage has been addressed, the paint job is smooth,and the vehicle runs well. Test the lights, brakes, and steering to ensure everything is back to normal.
Conclusion
Hitting a deer is an unfortunate and stressful situation but knowing how to handle the aftermath can help you get back on the road safely and with minimal hassle. Always prioritize safety, work with your insurance to ensure the repairs are at the original equipment quality level and look for quality paint suppliers with names you recognize. We use only PPG paints to ensure our repairsare to factory standards.
Choosing a reliable repair shop to ensure your vehicle is restored properly is the key. And, most importantly, stay alert to prevent future accidents.