Should You Call the Police After Hitting a Deer?
As I was driving home from work one night, a deer darted out in front of my car. I had no time to react, and I hit it head-on. The deer was killed instantly, and my car was badly damaged.
I was shaken up, but I wasn’t injured. I pulled over to the side of the road and called the police. They came out and took a report, and then they told me that I didn’t have to call them if I hit a deer in the future. However, they did recommend that I call my insurance company.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Deer?
If you hit a deer, there are a few things you should do:
- Pull over to the side of the road in a safe location.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone else in your car is injured, call 911.
- Call the police. The police will file a report and help you get your car towed.
- Call your insurance company. Your insurance company will help you file a claim and get your car repaired.
Do You Have to Call the Police If You Hit a Deer?
In most states, you are not required to call the police if you hit a deer. However, it is always a good idea to call the police if you are involved in any accident, regardless of how minor it may seem.
The police can help you get a police report, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim. The police can also help you get your car towed if it is not drivable.
What Happens If You Don’t Call the Police?
If you don’t call the police after hitting a deer, you may be fined or even charged with a crime. In some states, you may also be held liable for any damage caused by the deer, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
Tips for Avoiding Deer Collisions
There are a few things you can do to avoid deer collisions:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving in areas where deer are known to be present.
- Slow down when driving in areas where deer are likely to cross the road.
- Use your high beams when driving at night.
- If you see a deer on the side of the road, be prepared to stop or swerve to avoid it.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, here are some expert tips for avoiding deer collisions:
- If you see a deer on the side of the road, don’t stop. Slow down and proceed with caution.
- If a deer runs out in front of your car, don’t swerve. This could cause you to lose control of your car and crash.
- Instead, brake firmly and try to stay in your lane.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about hitting deer:
- Q: Do I have to call the police if I hit a deer?
- A: In most states, you are not required to call the police if you hit a deer. However, it is always a good idea to call the police if you are involved in any accident, regardless of how minor it may seem.
- Q: What happens if I don’t call the police?
- A: If you don’t call the police after hitting a deer, you may be fined or even charged with a crime. In some states, you may also be held liable for any damage caused by the deer, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
- Q: What should I do if I hit a deer?
- A: If you hit a deer, you should pull over to the side of the road in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, check for injuries, call the police, and call your insurance company.
- Q: How can I avoid deer collisions?
- A: There are a few things you can do to avoid deer collisions, such as being aware of your surroundings, slowing down when driving in areas where deer are known to be present, using your high beams when driving at night, and if you see a deer on the side of the road, be prepared to stop or swerve to avoid it.
Conclusion
Hitting a deer can be a frightening experience. However, it is important to know what to do if you are involved in a deer collision. By following the tips above, you can help to avoid deer collisions and stay safe on the road.
Are you interested in learning more about deer collisions? Leave a comment below and let me know.