As fall arrives and the days get shorter with each passing day, drivers must stay alert during this season as deer and elk frequently cross roads when you least expect it, especially during the early morning and evening hours. The peak time for deer activity coincides with their mating season, which usually falls between late October and through Thanksgiving in November . Male deer are known to be more active and unpredictable during this period when venturing out in search of a mate. This increased movement significantly raises the risk of collisions between vehicles and deer.
Accidents involving deer can be hazardous and expensive, ranging from marks and scrapes to extensive front-end damage or even a car or truck that is considered to be totaled. Although preventing these accidents is preferred, they can occur suddenly without warning, leaving drivers with minimal opportunity to respond.
If you see a deer ahead of you while driving, hitting your brakes and slowing down as quickly as possible while staying in your lane is the best alternative. It can also be very helpful to blow the vehicles horn in one long blast so the deer knows that something is approaching it quickly, especaily at night so they can get out of the way. Sometimes even that doesn’t work, and if the deer is still in your vehicles lanel lane, hit the deer vs swerving to avoid it.
So I Hit a Deer – Now What?
Suppose you are unfortunate enough to hit a deer while driving your car. In that case, it is essential to know the necessary steps to take after the fact! Here are some crucial guidelines to keep in mind;
- Your first concern should be your safety above all else. Pull over to the side of the road immediately. Switch on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the situation. Ensure that your vehicle is off the road to prevent additional accidents.
- Check for any injuries by examining yourself and all occupants in the vehicle to ensure everyone is safe and uninjured after the collision.
- Contact the authorities if you come across any wildlife-related accidents. It’s important to report these incidents promptly for documentation and safety reasons to protect other drivers in the area.
- Capture the moment by documenting the situation. Pictures of the damage to your car and the surrounding area where the deer incident occurred are helpful for future reference when dealing with insurance matters.
- Get in touch with your insurance agent to initiate the claims procedure. They will provide instructions on the required documentation, like photographs and the police report.
What is Comprehensive Coverage?
Knowing how comprehensive insurance works is essential should you hit a deer. Comprehensive coverage is sometimes referred to as “Other than Collision” coverage. Deer hits are covered under this coverage.
Comprehensive coverage includes protection for damages to your vehicle not caused by a collision. Examples include theft, vandalism, or accidents involving wildlifeor other moving objects, and weather conditions such as a tree falling on the vehicle or hail.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Fixing a car following a deer collision can be pretty pricey. Even a slight run-in with a deer might lead to headlights getting damaged, the hood getting dented, or windows getting shattered. Severe impacts could harm the engine sensors or safety components such as airbags. On average, fixing a car-deer hit costs between $4,500 and $8500, or more in some cases. The price could climb higher for larger vehicles, like trucks or SUVs. Another thing to consider is that many of today’s cars come with technology that can lead to much higher repair expenses; hence, another reason to opt for comprehensive.
Summary
As we wrap up our discussion, here’s a reminder: With deer becoming more active in the fall season, it’s crucial to drive cautiously especially in areas that deer frequent such as wooded areas and where deer crossing signs are placed. Remember to stay vigilant and be ready for any deer encounters on the road – both your safety and your passengers.
