What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Texas

Deer are abundant in Texas. There are more than 5 million white-tailed deer alone in the state. It’s possible that these deer can enter the roadway and cause an accident, so as a motorist, you need to be prepared.

You may not know the proper course of action to take. Game wardens offer this advice: Maintain your course and avoid swerving. You may end up hitting the deer, but that’s better than swerving or slamming on the brakes. This can cause you to lose control or hit other cars. It’s best to just maintain your speed and direction, but sometimes hitting a deer is an unavoidable accident. If you do get into an accident, here’s how to handle it.

Ensure Safety First

Move your vehicle to a safe location off the road, if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Check for Injuries

Make sure you and your passengers are unharmed. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

Call Local Authorities

In Texas, you’re not legally required to report hitting a deer unless there is property damage over $1,000, someone is injured, or another vehicle is involved. However, it’s a good idea to call the police or sheriff’s department to report the accident, especially if the deer is blocking the roadway. If the deer is still alive but injured, notify local animal control or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to handle the situation.

Avoid Approaching the Deer

Deer, especially when injured, can be dangerous and unpredictable. Keep your distance and avoid attempting to move the animal yourself.

Document the Scene

Document the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. Photos can be useful for insurance claims. Record where the accident happened, including any nearby landmarks or mile markers.

Assess Vehicle Damage

If your vehicle is still drivable, proceed cautiously. Check for leaking fluids, broken lights, or damage to the tires or engine. If the vehicle is not safe to drive, call for a tow truck.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance provider to report the accident and begin the claims process. Hitting a deer typically falls under comprehensive coverage, so make sure you have that type of insurance. Note that this coverage is not required in Texas, but you will need it to pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you hit a deer.

Comprehensive coverage is not the same as collision coverage. That’s because comprehensive coverage helps cover damage to your car from random, unpredictable incidents, such as hitting a deer, theft, vandalism, and fire.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

A car accident can happen at any time. You may have insurance to cover a collision with another car, but what about a deer or other animal?

Do you have the right insurance coverage? Is your insurer refusing to pay up for your deer accident? If so, seek legal help from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We’ll help you understand your legal rights. Schedule a consultation today by calling  281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.

Source:

allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/deer-hit-by-car