Minnesota drivers from Morris to Fargo know that deer encounters can happen in an instant—usually around dawn or dusk and especially during the fall migration season. If you ever find yourself in this stressful situation, knowing what to do next can make all the difference for your safety and peace of mind, not to mention your vehicle.
1. Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely
If you have a collision with a deer and are still moving, immediately slow down and pull over to the shoulder as soon as you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights and take a moment to collect yourself with a few slow, deep breaths. Avoid getting out of the vehicle until it is safe to do so, especially if you're on a busy road or visibility is low. If the deer is still nearby, do not approach it, as it could be injured and act unpredictably.
2. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Check that everyone in your vehicle is okay, then call 911. This is vital in Minnesota, as you're required to report any crash that results in injury or property damage. A police report will also help with the insurance claim later on.
3. Document the Scene
If it's safe and you have a camera or smartphone on you, note the location and time and take photos of the scene and vehicle damage, being careful to document any visible deer hair or debris. These details can help the insurance adjuster and the collision repair team understand what happened.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Most policies cover animal collisions under comprehensive coverage. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident and start a claim.
5. Schedule Repairs with the Experts
Even if your vehicle looks okay from the outside, it may still have sustained critical damage to hidden areas like the radiator, driver-assistance sensors, the frame, or tie rods. At Nelson Collision Center in Fergus Falls, our collision experts provide certified repairs with genuine OEM parts and paint matching, restoring your vehicle's safety, alignment, and appearance so that you can return to your life as soon as possible.
Get Expert Collision Repair near Detroit Lakes and Alexandria, MN
If your vehicle has been involved in a collision or you'd just like more information about the process, please reach out to Nelson Collision Center in Fergus Falls at your convenience. It will be our pleasure to assist you.