What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Georgia
If you’ve driven in more rural parts of Georgia, you’ve likely encountered deer on or near the roadway at some point. However, you might not know what to do if you are unfortunate enough to hit one while driving.
First and foremost, don’t panic if you hit a deer. Check yourself and anyone else in your vehicle for injuries, and then follow the steps we’ve listed below to deal with the issue.
What to Do if You Hit a Deer with Your Car
If you hit a deer or are involved in a crash with a driver who swerved to avoid a deer, here’s what you need to do after you’ve checked yourself for any injuries:
- Call 911 — If you have any injuries from hitting a deer, you may need medical attention. Your insurance company may also require you to file an accident report if your vehicle was damaged or anyone was injured in the crash.
- Look for the deer, but don’t touch it — If the deer is dead and safely off the road, you can alert the authorities and be on your way. Local officials will take care of removing the deer if it’s still on the road. However, if the deer is wounded or not entirely off the road, you want to be sure local officials are aware, so they can clear the road before someone else gets hurt. Do not touch the deer, as it may carry diseases/germs that could be harmful.
- Look for possible damage to your car — High-speed collisions involving deer usually leave apparent damage. However, low-speed crashes can still damage your car, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible. Look for any leaking fluids, loose parts, damage to your tires, etc. If your vehicle is damaged, call a tow truck.
- If another driver was involved in the crash, get their information — Many accidents involving deer happen because a driver swerved to avoid hitting one in the road, only to hit another vehicle. If this occurs, make sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information.
Does Insurance Cover Car Accidents with Deer?
Whether your insurance will cover the damage to your car after hitting a deer depends on the specifics of your policy. Deer accidents are typically covered if you have comprehensive collision coverage, but you’ll want to check your policy to be sure. You may also be able to have the repairs paid for under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have it.
Is It Illegal to Hit a Deer in Georgia?
It is not illegal to drive away after hitting a deer in Georgia. However, it is illegal to hit a deer and drive off if the deer is still on the road, as it poses a safety hazard to other drivers. If this is the case, you’ll need to file a report with the local police. You’ll also need to file a police report if anyone else was injured in the accident.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Deer-Car Accident Attorney in Canton, GA Today
Hitting a deer does not happen as frequently as vehicle-on-vehicle collisions, but it can still cause serious injuries and extensive property damage. Depending on the specifics of your situation, an experienced Canton car accident lawyer could help you recover compensation to pay for the losses you’ve incurred. Contact Geiger Legal Group, LLC in Canton, GA today for a free initial consultation with our knowledgeable car accident attorneys today.
