What happens if you hit a deer and don t call the police

The beauty and wildlife throughout many parts of New York can be breathtaking. However, a sudden collision with wildlife can be a serious risk to your health and cause enormous damage to your vehicle. Vehicle collisions with deer are commonplace. In fact, New York State Police reported more than 1,000 collisions between vehicles and deer in 2018 alone. Given the frequency with which these accidents occur, it is helpful to understand what should be done following a collision. You might be surprised to learn that reporting a crash with a deer is mandatory in some situations. Our New York City personal injury lawyers can help.

New York Accident Reporting Requirements

Under New York state law, only certain accidents must be reported. This applies not only to collisions between two vehicles but also in one-car collisions involving fixed objects or wildlife. When you hit a deer, you face the same reporting requirements as if you were involved in a fender bender. There are two circumstances where reporting a crash is mandatory:

• When the damage to the vehicle is more than $1,000, or
• When someone suffers a bodily injury.

While this may sound like reporting is often not required, the reality is that a collision with a deer will almost always result in more than $1,000 damage. Even minor vehicle bodywork can cost that much, and the potential cost could be far more if the deer struck the windshield or damaged the underside of the vehicle.

Injuries are not uncommon in these accidents, either. Many drivers reflexively swerve to avoid a deer. However, it is not uncommon for a driver to not only strike a deer but also crash into a tree or other fixed object afterward. In many cases, a collision with a deer could result in severe injury.

In these cases, it is usually best to dial 911. Not only will this alert law enforcement to a potential injury, it will also trigger the filing of a police report about the crash. In addition to providing a report, dialing 911 and calling the police to the scene will help you meet your notice requirement. That said, you have 10 days under state law to report the accident following the date the collision occurs.

Consequences of Not Reporting an Accident

Unfortunately, the failure to report an accident is a criminal offense under state law. When the accident involves a bodily injury or death, the consequences of a failure to report an accident could involve steep fines or even jail time.

What to Do After Hitting a Deer with your Vehicle

Before you worry about meeting the notice requirements under state law, your first step should be to ensure you and your passengers are safe. As long as no one in your vehicle is in peril, it is important to move out of the roadway and onto the shoulder, if possible.

From there, assess the nature of the damage and your injuries. If no one in the vehicle is injured and the damage to the front bumper seems minor, there is no need to report anything to law enforcement. However, if you or a passenger are injured or your vehicle has sustained serious damage, you must inform law enforcement as soon as you are able to do so. Complying with these rules can keep you from running afoul of the law and provide your insurance carrier with helpful reports.

How an Accident Attorney can Help

If you are involved in a collision with a deer or other animal, the damage to your vehicle could be significant. Regardless of the circumstances of the crash, you might benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. At Douglas and London, our New York City car accident lawyers can assist you with the process of recovering compensation for your accident. If another person is responsible for causing you to collide with a deer, we can help you pursue a negligence claim against the responsible party. Even if there were no other motorists present, we can work with your insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. Call right away to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your options.

Is hitting a deer covered by comprehensive or collision coverage?

Vehicle damage from hitting a deer is covered by your auto policy's comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive can cover damages to your car caused by events that are out of your control, like hitting a deer or other animal. For your comprehensive coverage to cover the accident, your car must come in contact with the animal. Here are a few common scenarios that can occur:

• You run into a deer or other animal on the road.
• An animal runs into your car.
• An animal burrows into your car (It sounds crazy, but raccoons can tear into seat cushions and rodents can chew wires under the hood.) Depending on the circumstances, coverage may apply.

Note: If you swerve to avoid hitting a deer or other animal and then hit another vehicle, collide with an object, or overturn your car, you'd need collision coverage to cover damage to your vehicle. If you have comprehensive, you likely also have collision, but check your policy to be sure.

See a comparison of comprehensive vs. collision.

Are injuries from a deer accident covered?

Because comprehensive and collision only cover vehicle damage, claims for medical bills after hitting a deer would be covered by your medical payments coverage or your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage — if you have either. Regardless, be sure to give your health insurance information to your health care providers. The injury-related coverage your auto insurance provides could pale in comparison to your total medical bills, and health insurance can help cover the difference.

What to do if you hit a deer

1. Move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the animal

   Turn on your car's hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until it's safe to exit.

2. Call the police

   Let them know if the animal is blocking the road, as it could pose a danger to oncoming drivers.

3. Stay clear of the deer or animal

   When a deer is hit by a car, it will be frightened and could harm people. The police will handle the situation once they arrive.

4. When it's safe, document the accident

   Take pictures of the road, surroundings, damages, and any injuries to you or your passengers. If another motorist stops to help, document their account of the incident and ask for their contact information.

5. Contact your insurance company to file a claim

   Progressive customers: Log in to your policy or call 1-866-749-7436.

6. Make sure your car is safe to drive

   Look specifically for things like leaking fluids, broken lights, or a hood that won't stay latched. If you have roadside assistance or comprehensive coverage on your Progressive auto insurance policy, we can help with towing your vehicle.

Common questions about hitting a deer

Do you have to call the police if you hit a deer?

Yes, you should always call the police because the deer could pose a potential threat to other drivers. Filing a police report can also help with the claims process for any property damage or injuries.

Remember, it's up to the authorities to move the deer if needed. For your safety, never approach or try to move an animal after an accident.

Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit a deer?

When you added comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy, you chose a deductible amount (typically between $100 and $2,000). If you hit a deer and file a claim, you'll have to pay that deductible, and your insurer can cover the rest. If your car gets totaled in the accident, your comprehensive coverage can pay out the actual cash value of your car, minus the deductible.

Learn more about how car insurance deductibles work.

Will hitting a deer make my insurance go up?

That depends on your state and insurer. You have little control over a random event like accidentally striking an animal in the road, so hitting a deer is usually a not-at-fault accident. Therefore, in some states, your rate won't increase at all; but in other states, your insurer could still increase your rate.

Can hitting a deer total your car?

Yes, your car can be totaled in a deer vs. car incident. Speed, point of impact, car size, and animal size can all play a role in how much damage your vehicle sustains. Smaller cars like sedans are more likely to be totaled than larger SUVs and trucks.

Learn more about what happens if your car is totaled in an accident.

Pro tip:

Even if your vehicle isn't damaged beyond repair, hitting a deer can result in broken headlights, windshield damage, a crushed bumper, and more. Make sure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage in case expensive repairs are needed.

Does hitting a deer go on your driving record?

A deer accident won't go on your driving record (formally known as your motor vehicle report) unless another person's vehicle or property sustains damage. If you file a claim with your insurance, though, it will be added to your claims history.

How to avoid hitting a deer

A few simple tips can help you avoid hitting a deer on or near the road. Deer often travel in groups, so slow down and stay alert for more if you see one while driving. Pay attention if you see a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a deer on it — a signal that deer frequently cross the road in that area. Also, your headlights can reflect light off a deer's eyes, making them easier to spot while driving.

Most deer accidents occur during mating season, between October and December. Be especially vigilant during this time of year, particularly if you're driving at dawn or dusk when deer are most active.