🦌 What to Do After a Deer Collision in Pennsylvania
- Michael Pampena
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
Deer collisions are all too common in Pennsylvania — especially during the fall months when deer are most active. If you’ve 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, it’s important to stay calm and follow the right steps to stay safe and protect your vehicle — and your insurance claim.
At 66 Custom & Collision, we see hundreds of deer-related repairs every year. Here’s a simple guide on what to do immediately after a deer accident.
🚨 1. Pull Over Safely and Turn On Your Hazards
If you strike a deer, don’t swerve — it could cause you to lose control or hit another vehicle. Once you’re able to safely stop, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers and helps prevent further accidents.
📞 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, it’s still smart to call local police. In Pennsylvania, you’re 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.
📸 3. Take Photos of the Scene and Damage
Before moving your vehicle, take clear photos of:
Your car’s damage
The deer (if it’s visible)
Skid marks or debris
The surrounding area
These images can help support your insurance claim and speed up the repair process.
📄 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 provider as soon as possible.Most deer collisions are covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage — so check your policy or ask your insurer for clarification.
If you bring your vehicle to 66 Custom & Collision, we’ll help you coordinate directly with your insurance company to simplify the process and get you back on the road faster.
🦌 5. Do NOT Approach the Deer
A wounded deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. Stay a safe distance away and wait for authorities or animal control to handle it.If the deer is deceased, report it to the local police or Pennsylvania Game Commission before removing it or claiming it for meat (which is legal in PA with proper permission).
🚗 6. Assess Vehicle Damage Carefully
Even if your car seems drivable, hidden damage is common after a deer strike — 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 shop as soon as possible.
At 66 Custom & Collision, our certified technicians use OEM and CAPA-certified parts and an in-house paint-matching system to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
💡 7. Take Steps to Prevent Future Collisions
While deer accidents can’t always be avoided, these tips can help reduce your risk:
Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk
Use high beams when safe to increase visibility
Watch for deer crossing signs
If you see one deer, expect more to follow
Install deer whistles or alert systems
🛠️ Need Help After a Deer Accident?
If your car has been damaged in a deer collision, don’t wait — contact 66 Custom & Collision for expert repair work you can trust.
✅ Insurance claims assistance✅ OEM & CAPA-certified new parts✅ In-house color-matching paint system
📍 Serving Murrysville, Export, Delmont, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
📞 Call 724-519-7449 or visit https://www.murrysvilleautosales.com/ to schedule a free damage estimate today!
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