š¦ What to Do After a Deer Collision in Pennsylvania
- Michael Pampena
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Deer collisions are all too common in Pennsylvania ā especially during the fall months when deer are most active. If youāve ever driven through a rural or wooded area at dawn or dusk, you know how quickly one can dart out in front of your car.If the unfortunate happens and you hit a deer, itās important to stay calm and follow the right steps to stay safe and protect your vehicle ā and your insurance claim.
At 66 Custom & Collision, we see hundreds of deer-related repairs every year. Hereās a simple guide on what to do immediately after a deer accident.
šØ 1. Pull Over Safely and Turn On Your Hazards
If you strike a deer, donāt swerveĀ ā it could cause you to lose control or hit another vehicle. Once youāre able to safely stop, pull over to the side of the roadĀ and turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers and helps prevent further accidents.
š 2. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries.If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if there are no injuries, itās still smart to call local police. In Pennsylvania, youāre required to report a crash if:
Someone is injured or killed
Your vehicle is too damaged to drive
The deer is blocking the roadway
Police will create an official accident report, which helps when filing an insurance claim.
šø 3. Take Photos of the Scene and Damage
Before moving your vehicle, take clear photosĀ of:
Your carās damage
The deer (if itās visible)
Skid marks or debris
The surrounding area
These images can help support your insurance claimĀ and speed up the repair process.
š 4. File a Police Report and Notify Your Insurance Company
Provide accurate details about the incident to the responding officer. Once you have a police report, contact your insurance providerĀ as soon as possible.Most deer collisions are covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage ā so check your policy or ask your insurer for clarification.
If you bring your vehicle to 66 Custom & Collision, weāll help you coordinate directly with your insurance companyĀ to simplify the process and get you back on the road faster.
š¦ 5. Do NOT Approach the Deer
A wounded deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. Stay a safe distance away and wait for authoritiesĀ or animal control to handle it.If the deer is deceased, report it to the local police or Pennsylvania Game CommissionĀ before removing it or claiming it for meat (which is legal in PA with proper permission).
š 6. Assess Vehicle Damage Carefully
Even if your car seems drivable, hidden damage is common after a deer strike ā such as:
Bent frames or suspension
Cracked radiators or coolant leaks
Damaged sensors or safety systems
Driving with unseen damage can be unsafe. Have your vehicle inspected by a professional collision repair shopĀ as soon as possible.
At 66 Custom & Collision, our certified technicians use OEM and CAPA-certified partsĀ and an in-house paint-matching systemĀ to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
š” 7. Take Steps to Prevent Future Collisions
While deer accidents canāt always be avoided, these tips can help reduce your risk:
Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk
Use high beamsĀ when safe to increase visibility
Watch for deer crossing signs
If you see one deer, expect moreĀ to follow
Install deer whistles or alert systems
š ļø Need Help After a Deer Accident?
If your car has been damaged in a deer collision, donāt waitĀ ā contact 66 Custom & CollisionĀ for expert repair work you can trust.
ā Insurance claims assistanceā OEM & CAPA-certified new partsā In-house color-matching paint system
š Serving Murrysville, Export, Delmont, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
š Call 724-519-7449Ā or visit https://www.murrysvilleautosales.com/Ā to schedule a free damage estimate today!
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