It’s late at night and you’re driving on a country road in Hamilton, Ontario until suddenly, out of nowhere, a deer hits your car. Do you know what to do next?

Hitting a deer can be a traumatic experience – especially if you or your passengers get hurt. To make the circumstance easier to handle if it ever happens to you, it’s best to be prepared.

Here are four important steps to take if you if hit a deer with your car.

Step #1: Get Your Car to a Safe Location

If you’re physically and mentally capable to operate your vehicle after hitting a deer, you should get your vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights so that other traffic is made aware of your stopped vehicle.

Hopefully, you or your passengers are not suffering from any physical injuries. If someone is injured, don’t try to move them as this could worsen potential spinal injuries. Instead, call emergency services (or have a bystander make the call) so that an ambulance can be dispatched right away.

If you need to leave your vehicle, stay off the road and away from other traffic.

Step #2: Alert the Authorities

Call the police to let them know that a deer is blocking the road and creating a threat to oncoming traffic. The police can assist with the scene clean-up and complete an accident report for you which will be needed for an insurance claim.

Your insurance company should also be called so that they can provide assistance with the next steps that you should take. The sooner that they are aware of your incident, the quicker the claims process can be underway.

Step #3: Document the Incident

Although the police will be taking their own photos, your insurance company will also want pictures. If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, your surroundings, vehicle damage and any injuries you notice to yourself or your passengers.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, record their account of what happened along with their contact information. Your insurance company or the police may need to follow up with them.

Step #4: Make Arrangements for Your Vehicle

More than likely, your car has suffered extensive damage after hitting a deer.

Check for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other safety hazards. If your car seems unsafe at all to drive, arrange for a tow truck.

Any repairs to your vehicle can be made in our high-quality collision repair centre that services Burlington, Hamilton and Flamborough. As an I-Car “GOLD CLASS” rated facility with all insurance companies, we have plenty of experience with insurance claims.

Contact us today for more details about our service offerings.