What To Do When You Hit A Deer With Your Car In New York

Some people live their entire lives without ever hitting a deer with their car.  It doesn't happen often, but when it does, what should you do?

The first thing to do is to try not to hit one at all

The easiest way to avoid having to do anything after hitting a deer is to avoid hitting one in the first place.  However, people who live in New York know they can come from nowhere.  Here are some things to do to avoid it.

1. If you see deer, slow down. It doesn't mean you need to slam on the brakes, but be prepared to stop if you have to.

2. The two most common times to see deer around roadways is at dusk and dawn.  Those times are when deer will be most active, and also the times when you'll probably have the hardest time seeing them.

3. You've heard the phrase, if you see one, there are more waiting.  Deer travel in groups.  So if you see one run in front of you, just wait a second.  There could be more coming.

Click here to see more tips to avoid hitting a deer.

Let's say that those tips didn't work and you hit one anyway, what should you do?

If you are unfortunate enough to still hit a deer, what steps should you take?

1.  Move your car to the side of the road if you can - You just hit a deer.  You don't want to have an accident with a car too.  Moving your car gives you a chance to check everyone in your vehicle to make sure they are ok and if it is safe, to assess the damage to your vehicle.  If no one is hurt, and there's no damage, you don't have to do anything else  You can just leave.  However, if your car is damaged, or someone is injured, you should move on to step 2.

2.  Call the police - Do you have to?  There are two instances when calling them is mandatory.

If the damage caused is worth more than $1000.

OR...

If someone in the car is injured.  Normally if you hit a deer, the damage cost can quickly add up to over $1000.  It's best to call them just in case.  Calling the police should make it easier to report to your insurance company.

3.  Do not attempt to go near the deer - Stay clear.  That animal just got hit and it's scared.  You could be hurt if it feels threatened.

4. File a claim with your insurance company if the damage is significant.  If you plan to have work done on your vehicle, you're probably going to need them.

5. If your car is safe to drive, you can leave.