What to Do if You Hit a Deer on Georgia’s Roads

Hitting a deer with your car in Georgia is fairly common, especially in the fall and early winter seasons when deer are the most active. A collision with a deer may lead to significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Knowing what to do if you hit a deer on Georgia’s roads helps protect you and your passengers, as well as setting you up for success with an insurance claim.

Prioritize Everyone’s Safety

Hitting a deer can be jarring for everyone inside the vehicle. Take a moment to check yourself and all other passengers in the vehicle to ensure no one is injured. After checking on everyone, if you are able to, turn on your hazard lights and pull your car to the side of the road or a safe area.

Even if the deer you hit seems dead or unmoving, do not approach it. Injured animals respond unpredictably, making it dangerous to approach them. Waiting for EMS or animal control services to handle the animal is recommended.

Report the Accident

After an accident, it is the law in Georgia for you to report it if it results in any injuries, significant property damage, or fatalities. If you are not sure what qualifies as significant property damage, calling the authorities regardless of the amount is suggested. An officer on the scene will document evidence of the accident and create an accident report, which may be beneficial when filing a claim with your insurance company. Contacting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recommended if the deer is inhibiting traffic as a hazard.

Gather Evidence from the Scene

After the accident, if it is safe, take some time to collect pictures of the scene for later usage. Pictures of the collision, road conditions, and the deer all fall under collectable evidence. This evidence may later be used in your insurance claim, even helping you fight against disputes regarding the accident. Collecting the contact information of any witnesses to the collision is also suggested, as their statements could help clarify what happened in the accident.

Speak With Your Insurance Provider

With many auto insurance policies, there is an included coverage for animal collisions. This coverage is not guaranteed, so it is crucial to confirm you have the coverage to begin with. After the accident, call your insurance company to file a report and begin your insurance claim. Giving the insurance company as much information related to the accident as possible, such as police reports, pictures, and more, may help your claim.

Should you find that your insurance coverage does not include animal collisions, or if your claim is denied/delayed, getting legal assistance may benefit you.

Reach Out To Smith Hulsey Law After Hitting a Deer on Georgia’s Roads

If you find yourself involved in a deer-related crash that resulted in injuries or damages, getting legal backing may help you when dealing with insurers. Smith Hulsey Law’s experienced attorneys are used to dealing with disputes between insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about what to do if you hit a deer on Georgia’s roads.