1. Get to a Safe Location
Your first priority after a deer collision is personal safety. If the vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it out of the travel lane — onto the shoulder, into a parking area, or another location away from active traffic.
Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you cannot move the vehicle safely, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and keep hazard lights on until help arrives.
2. Check for Injuries
Once you are in a safe location, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if the impact seemed minor, adrenaline can mask pain in the immediate aftermath of a collision.
If anyone is injured or you are uncertain, call 911. Do not delay seeking emergency assistance out of concern for the vehicle.
3. Do Not Approach an Injured Deer
An injured or frightened deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. Deer can kick with significant force, and a panicked animal may cause additional injury if approached.
If the deer is in the roadway and poses a hazard to other drivers, contact local law enforcement or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources rather than attempting to move the animal yourself.
4. When to Contact Law Enforcement
Contact law enforcement — local police, the county sheriff, or the Ohio State Highway Patrol — when any of the following apply:
- Anyone involved has been injured.
- The vehicle or the deer creates a hazard in the roadway.
- You need emergency assistance.
- There are other safety concerns at the scene.
Even when a report is not required, having an official record of the incident can be useful when working with your insurance company. If you are uncertain, contacting the non-emergency line for your local agency is a reasonable step.
Ohio law and deer possession
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 1533.121, if a driver strikes and kills a deer and wants to take possession of the carcass, the driver must report the incident to a wildlife officer or other law enforcement officer within 24 hours so the officer can investigate and issue the required certificate for legal possession. This reporting requirement applies specifically to drivers who wish to keep the deer — it is not a general requirement that applies to every deer collision. Ohio Revised Code Section 1533.121.
This is general guidance only. For questions about specific legal requirements in your situation, consult your local law enforcement agency or a qualified legal professional.
5. Document the Collision
Once you are safely off the road and emergency needs have been addressed, document the scene. Photographs and notes taken at the time of the collision can be valuable when filing an insurance claim. Only photograph from a safe location — do not stand in or near active traffic to take pictures.
Useful information to capture includes:
- Photographs of all visible vehicle damage from multiple angles, taken from a safe position.
- The overall scene, if it can be documented safely.
- The location of the collision — road name, mile marker, or GPS coordinates.
- Road and weather conditions at the time.
- The date and time of the collision.
- Police report number and responding officer's name, if a report was filed.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
After a deer collision, contact your insurance company to report the incident and begin the claims process. Your insurer can walk you through your specific coverage, deductible, and next steps.
Whether deer collision damage is covered — and under what terms — depends on your individual policy and circumstances. Coverage for animal collisions is often handled differently than collision coverage, but policies vary. Do not assume what is or is not covered; review your policy details with your insurer directly.
Your insurance company can also advise on whether you need to obtain repair estimates and how to proceed with getting your vehicle repaired.
7. Can You Drive After Hitting a Deer?
Visible damage does not always reflect the full extent of what a deer collision can do to a vehicle. Before deciding to drive, take a careful look at the condition of the vehicle.
Warning signs that may indicate the vehicle should not be driven include:
- Fluid leaks under or around the vehicle — coolant, oil, or other fluids pooling beneath the car.
- Overheating or temperature warning lights — which may indicate damage to the radiator or cooling system.
- Damaged, flat, or rubbing tires — including tires that contact the wheel well when turning.
- Loose or hanging body panels — which can become a road hazard at speed.
- Broken or non-functioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals.
- Hood latch damage — a hood that cannot be fully secured is a serious safety risk.
- Steering that pulls, feels loose, or does not respond normally.
- Unusual noises — grinding, scraping, or knocking sounds that were not present before the collision.
- Dashboard warning lights that were not on before the collision.
- Damage that affects your ability to see clearly through the windshield or mirrors.
If you're unsure whether the vehicle is safe to drive, don't take the chance. Arrange for the vehicle to be inspected or towed.
8. Deer Collision Damage Can Be More Than Cosmetic
A deer collision can affect more than the surface of a vehicle. Depending on the speed and angle of impact, damage may involve the bumper, grille, headlights, hood, fenders, and the cooling components behind the front fascia.
Damage behind the bumper or front-end panels may not be obvious while standing beside the vehicle after the collision.
Components such as the radiator, condenser or mounting brackets can sometimes be affected even when the full extent of the damage isn't obvious from the outside.
In some cases — particularly at higher speeds or when the impact involves the front corner of the vehicle — there may also be effects on structural areas or components that are not immediately visible.
A thorough inspection by a qualified body shop can identify damage that is not obvious from a visual check alone.
9. What Happens During the Collision Repair Process?
If you have not been through the collision repair process before, here is a general overview of what to expect.
Inspection and estimate: A technician will inspect the vehicle to identify visible damage and put together a repair estimate. This typically covers all affected panels, components, and systems.
Identifying additional damage: Once disassembly begins, damage that was not visible during the initial inspection may be found. Your shop and insurer will work through any supplements to the original estimate as needed.
Repair planning: Based on the inspection findings, the shop will plan the repair sequence — which components need to be replaced, which can be repaired, and what other work may be required.
Body work: Damaged panels are repaired or replaced. If structural components were affected, they are addressed using appropriate equipment and procedures — though not every deer collision involves structural damage.
Refinishing: Repaired and replaced panels are prepared and painted to match the vehicle's original finish as closely as possible.
Final review: Before the vehicle is returned, the shop performs a final inspection to verify that the repair meets quality standards and that all components are functioning properly.
Deer Collision Repair in West Union, Ohio
Adams County Collision & Repair helps drivers in West Union, Adams County, Peebles, Seaman, Manchester, Winchester, and surrounding Southern Ohio communities after deer collisions. Whether your vehicle needs collision and body repair, paint and refinishing, or frame and structural work, we can assess the damage and walk you through the repair process.
If you have been in a deer collision and need your vehicle looked at, we are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do immediately after hitting a deer?
- Move to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the deer is blocking the road. Once safe, document the scene from a safe position and contact your insurance company.
- Should I call the police after hitting a deer in Ohio?
- Contact law enforcement if there are injuries, if the vehicle or deer creates a roadway hazard, or if you need emergency assistance. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 1533.121, if you want to take possession of the deer, you must report the incident to a wildlife officer or law enforcement within 24 hours to obtain the required certificate. This possession rule does not mean every deer collision has the same reporting requirement.
- Can I drive my car after hitting a deer?
- It depends on the condition of the vehicle. Warning signs that may mean you should not drive include fluid leaks, overheating, tire damage, loose body panels, broken lights, hood latch problems, steering issues, unusual noises, or dashboard warning lights. If you are unsure, arrange for the vehicle to be inspected or towed rather than risk driving it.
- Does insurance cover damage from hitting a deer?
- Whether deer collision damage is covered depends on your individual policy and circumstances. Coverage for animal collisions is often handled differently than standard collision coverage, but policies vary. Contact your insurer directly to review your coverage, deductible, and claims process.
- What damage can a deer collision cause?
- Deer collisions can damage bumpers, grilles, headlights, hoods, fenders, and cooling components. Damage behind the front-end panels — such as the radiator or condenser — may not be visible from the outside. In some cases, structural areas may also be affected depending on the speed and angle of impact.
- Where can I get deer collision damage inspected near West Union, Ohio?
- Adams County Collision & Repair is located at 11380 State Route 41 in West Union, Ohio. We serve Adams County and surrounding Southern Ohio communities. Contact us to schedule an inspection or estimate.