What To Do if You Hit a Deer While Driving in PA
Many drivers aren’t sure what to do if they hit a deer — from car damage and insurance claims to potential injuries and police reports, there is a lot to handle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including what kind of insurance covers deer collisions, how it affects your rates, and when to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers in Bethlehem.
Hitting a deer while driving in Pennsylvania can be scary, and not just because of the adrenaline. The average deer car accident in Pennsylvania costs $4,300, but that estimate doesn’t always include the extent of physical injuries. After the accident, you may be left struggling with medical bills and vehicle repair expenses. This level of physical risk, coupled with financial strain, makes understanding what to do if you hit a deer very important.
Is Hitting a Deer an At-Fault Accident?
In Pennsylvania, hitting a deer is generally not considered an at-fault accident. That’s because it’s usually viewed as an unavoidable act of nature, not the result of reckless or negligent driving. This far north, deer-related crashes are especially common, particularly in October to November/early December, when deer activity increases due to mating season.
Does Liability Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer in Pennsylvania?
If you only have liability insurance in Pennsylvania, it likely won’t cover damage to your car after a deer car crash. That’s because liability insurance is meant to cover the other driver’s expenses if you cause a crash — not damage to your own vehicle. So, if a deer darts into the road and you hit it, liability insurance probably won’t help with repair costs.
To be covered in the event of a deer collision, comprehensive coverage is generally recommended. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage from events other than crashes, like falling trees, floods, or vandalism.
Does Hitting a Deer Raise Your Insurance in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, hitting a deer won’t cause your car insurance rates to go up in Pennsylvania (as long as you have comprehensive coverage). That’s because insurance companies generally don’t treat animal-related accidents the same way they treat at-fault crashes with another driver. Hitting a deer just happens sometimes, and it’s not the same as reckless driving.
That said, each insurance company is different. Some may still raise your premium after you file a comprehensive claim, especially if you’ve had multiple claims in a short period. However, it’s less likely than if you filed a collision claim after a vehicle-on-vehicle accident.
If you’re not sure what to do if you hit a deer and you’re worried about your rates going up, check your insurance provider’s policy on comprehensive claims. In Pennsylvania, however, many insurers expect these types of claims and may not penalize you as harshly.
Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Damage?
Whether or not your car insurance covers animal damage depends on your type of coverage:
- Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by animals, like hitting a deer or finding raccoon scratches on your hood. It also covers events like fire, theft, and weather damage.
- Collision coverage, on the other hand, pays for damage from car accidents, like if you rear-end someone or hit a guardrail.
The Lehigh Valley News reported that Pennsylvania drivers have the highest number of animal collision insurance claims in the nation. Pennsylvanians are also more likely to hit an animal than those living in other states, with residents having about a 1-in-59 chance every year. That makes it even more important for residents to know what to do after hitting a deer.
Having comprehensive coverage is generally a smart choice for those living in Pennsylvania. If you only have liability or collision insurance, you won’t be covered for damage caused by animals. Our car accident injury lawyers in Bethlehem would be happy to review your declaration sheet and go over what your policy covers. They can answer any questions you have, including what to do if you hit a deer.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Required by Law in Pennsylvania?
No, comprehensive insurance is not required by law in Pennsylvania. The state only requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which covers injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident, and a minimum amount of medical benefits. That means you can legally drive without comprehensive or collision coverage.
However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender may require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage until the vehicle is paid off. This is because the lender wants to protect their investment in case the car is damaged or totaled.
How Long Do You Have to Report Hitting a Deer to Insurance?
Trying to figure out what to do if you hit a deer can be overwhelming if you’ve never been through the process. In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, there’s no hard deadline set by law for reporting a deer collision to your insurance.
That being said, it’s generally best to do it as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Insurance companies often have their own time limits for filing a claim, so check your policy or contact your agent to confirm the deadline.
If you wait too long, your claim might be denied. And if your vehicle needs repairs, delaying could make things more complicated or expensive. Quick reporting also helps your insurer verify that the damage was caused by a deer and not something else.
Even if you’re not sure you’ll file a claim, it’s smart to notify your insurer. That way, you’ll have a record of the incident in case something comes up later, like hidden damage or injuries. When in doubt, document everything — take pictures, write down the time and location, and file a car accident report promptly.
I Was Injured in a Deer/Car Accident. What Do I Do?
If you’re wondering what to do if you hit a deer, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and having a medical record is important if you later file an insurance or injury claim.
If the accident was caused by another driver swerving to avoid a deer and hitting you instead, or if they were speeding or distracted, you may have a personal injury case. In this situation, a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer can help. They can deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight to get you compensation for your losses.
Financial compensation from a deer car accident claim can help cover economic damages (like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs). In severe cases, long-term disability or rehabilitation costs may also be included.
Injuries from deer-related crashes can be serious, including broken bones, concussions, or worse. If someone else’s negligence contributed to the crash, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Recovering damages ensures you’re not paying out-of-pocket for something that wasn’t your fault.
The Bethlehem personal injury attorneys at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can investigate your case, talk to witnesses, work with experts, and negotiate a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, they can take your case to court. Having an experienced team on your side can give you a chance to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
What To Do if You Hit a Deer While Driving
If you hit a deer while driving, it’s likely that your vehicle will sustain some damage. Depending on how fast you were going and where the point of collision was, you may also have some injuries that could range from minimal to serious. Hitting a deer can also cause a multiple-car accident, especially on busy highways or areas with poor visibility.
Do You Need to Call the Police if You Hit a Deer in PA?
If you’re not sure what to do if you hit a deer, you may be wondering whether you should call the police. You are not required to call the police if you hit a deer in Pennsylvania, but it’s usually a good idea.
If there’s major damage, someone is injured, or the deer is still alive and suffering, you should notify authorities. Police can help control the scene, file a report, and safely manage the injured animal.
What Happens if You Hit a Deer and Don’t Call the Police?
If no one is hurt and your car only has minor damage, failing to call the police may not lead to legal trouble. However, without a police report, your insurance company may question your claim or deny coverage.
Do You Have to File a Police Report if You Hit a Deer?
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you’re required to file a police report if an accident causes injury, death, or if a vehicle cannot be driven from the scene. If no police officer investigates the crash at the scene, the driver must submit a written report within five days. This applies to animal collisions as well when there’s significant damage or injury.
How Do I Report a Deer Hit by a Car in PA?
If you’re not familiar with what to do after hitting a deer, you have a few options. If you hit a deer in Pennsylvania and want to claim the carcass, only state residents are allowed to do so.
You must call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD or your local regional office within 24 hours of taking the deer. A Pennsylvania Game Commission dispatcher will give you a free permit number (write this number down for your records). If the person who originally hit the deer does not wish to claim it, another individual may do so.
If the animal is injured but still alive, report it to your local police or township animal control officer for safe handling.
How To Avoid Hitting a Deer
Deer car collisions can happen in an instant, particularly in Pennsylvania. Here’s how to reduce your chances of hitting a deer:
- Be extra alert during peak seasons: Fall is peak mating season, and spring brings out fawns. Both increase deer activity.
- Slow down in rural and wooded areas: Take extra care, especially from 8 to 10 p.m., when the Lehigh Valley Live reports that deer are most active.
- Use high beams at night: This can help you spot deer eyeshine. However, remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.
- Watch for deer crossing signs: These are placed in known hot spots.
- If you see one deer, expect more: They often travel in groups.
- Don’t swerve sharply: Brake firmly, keep control, and try to stay in your lane.
If You’ve Been in an Accident, Don’t Wait
If you were injured in a crash involving a deer, particularly if another vehicle was involved, it’s worth speaking with the personal injury lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo.
Insurance claims can be complicated, and our team can help you understand your coverage, handle negotiations after an accident, and navigate what to do if you hit a deer. Depending on the facts of your case, we can review your policy and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t navigate this alone. Contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and get the support you need to move forward.