Spring in the Ozarks means looking at green scenery along the highways, wildflowers growing in meadows, and animals emerging from hibernation. As you drive along our highways, it’s essential to look out for deer crossing the road. They usually come out at sunrise or sunset. In today’s blog from Cox Collision, we explain what to do if you need major collision repair from a deer strike.
Slow Down and Pay Attention
The best way to deal with a deer strike is to avoid one. Slow down when driving at sunrise and sunset, the times when deer are most active. Pay attention to the sides of the road by taking glances to the side every once in a while. Unfortunately, hitting a deer usually leads to major collision repair because deer are big animals and deer strikes occur at high speeds.
Pull Over
If you hit a deer, slow down and pull over onto the shoulder. Turn on your emergency flashers to indicate there’s a problem. Make sure everyone in your car is okay. It’s important to stay in your vehicle and remain buckled up in case the deer strike causes an accident due to traffic avoiding the deer. You don’t want to deal with a secondary major collision repair aside from the one caused by the deer strike.
Call Authorities
Call 9-1-1 to let local authorities know about the deer strike. Don’t worry about the animal. Local authorities will dispatch a crew to clean it up. The responding law enforcement officer will fill out a report for you to view later. Your insurance carrier may need this report to help finalize any insurance claim for a major collision repair.
Stay Alert for Traffic
When you get out of your vehicle, stay alert for traffic. Oncoming cars may not realize a deer strike occurred. Look both ways before exiting your vehicle to look at the damage. You’re worried about the damage from the deer, but you also need to be aware of traffic.
Assess If Your Car Is Drivable
Determine if your car is in drivable condition. Look over the tires, radiator, and undercarriage. Pay particular attention to leaking fluids underneath your car. That’s a sign your vehicle may not be drivable. Also, check for loose parts, broken lights, tire damage, and a hood that won’t latch. You might take photos to document what happened ahead of discussing the incident with your insurance company.
Start the engine, then gradually put your foot on the accelerator. Listen for any grinding noises or odd sounds. If your car isn’t drivable, call for a tow truck to take it home or to a major collision repair center. Drive your car slowly at first if you determine it’s in good enough condition to make it further along the road.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Before getting a major collision repair, notify your insurance carrier. Deer collisions usually fall under the umbrella of a full coverage policy. Liability-only insurance won’t cover this type of major collision repair. Liability-only insurance covers damage you do to other vehicles, not your own car.
Major Collision Repair at Cox Collision
Cox Collision specializes in collision repair, door ding repair, paintless dent repair, and hail damage repair. If you hit a deer on the highway, you need your car to be in safe, working condition as soon as possible. Contact Cox Collision or call (417) 877-0077 for more details on our services.