When figuring out what to do when you hit a deer in Maryland, you need clear, actionable advice that prioritizes safety and proper procedure. These unexpected collisions can be traumatic, causing both vehicle damage and emotional distress that require immediate attention.
As Maryland’s trusted roadside assistance provider for over two decades, Geyer’s Towing delivers professional emergency response services with the expertise that comes from handling thousands of wildlife-related accidents across the region.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand what to do when you hit a deer in Maryland.
Key Takeaways:
- Ensure Safety First: Pull over safely, use hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle if conditions are dangerous.
- Check for Injuries and Vehicle Damage: Assess yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle for visible or hidden damage before deciding to drive or call for towing.
- Document the Scene: Take photos, note the location and time, and gather details to support insurance claims and legal requirements.
- Follow Maryland Laws: Report accidents with injuries or damages over $1,500 and file insurance claims with proper documentation.
- Prevent Future Collisions: Stay alert in high-risk areas, use high beams, and reduce speed during deer-heavy seasons (October-December).
Understanding Deer-Vehicle Collisions in Maryland: What Drivers Need to Know
Every year, thousands of Maryland drivers find themselves wondering what to do when they hit a deer. Understanding the scope and nature of these collisions is crucial for every motorist in our state, whether they’re traveling urban highways or rural roads.
Maryland’s Deer Population: Impact on Road Safety
With over 200,000 white-tailed deer across Maryland, the likelihood of hitting a deer is significant, particularly during the October-December rutting season. Over 2,000 drivers hit deer annually in Maryland, with these incidents peaking during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Understanding what to do after hitting a deer starts with knowing when and where these collisions are most likely to occur.
Maryland’s Road Network: Where Deer Collisions Commonly Occur
Maryland’s 32,000-mile road network creates numerous high-risk zones where drivers commonly hit deer. These collision hotspots include major corridors like I-95 and I-70, as well as suburban roads that intersect with deer habitats. Knowing how to stay safe on Maryland roads is especially important in these areas, where quick response and proper safety procedures can make a crucial difference.
Immediate Actions After a Deer Collision
The first few minutes after hitting a deer are crucial for your safety and proper incident handling. Knowing exactly what to do when you hit a deer can help you stay calm and take appropriate action, even in a stressful situation. Following these six essential steps will help protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle while ensuring you meet all legal and insurance requirements. Remember to prioritize personal safety above all else as you work through each step.
Step 1: Secure Your Position
The moments immediately after impact are crucial. Take your foot off the accelerator while firmly gripping the steering wheel with both hands.
Brake in a controlled manner and guide your vehicle completely onto the shoulder, positioning it as far from traffic as possible.
Once stopped, put your vehicle in park, engage the parking brake, and activate your hazard lights. Keep your seatbelt fastened until you’re absolutely certain it’s safe to move.
Step 2: Assess Your Surroundings
Take a moment to observe your surroundings carefully. Look for oncoming traffic and potential hazards like loose wires or leaking fluids.
If you find yourself on a busy highway or in low-visibility conditions, the safest course of action is to remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.
Call for emergency assistance and wait for help to arrive rather than risking exposure to traffic.
Step 3: Check for Injuries
After a collision, adrenaline can mask pain and injury, so take your time with this assessment. Begin by taking several deep breaths to calm yourself. Then, carefully move each limb and note any pain or discomfort.
For your passengers, ask specifically about pain or dizziness, paying extra attention to children and elderly passengers who might not immediately recognize their symptoms.
Don’t hesitate to call 911 if anyone reports pain, shows signs of injury, or lost consciousness – even briefly. When in doubt, let medical professionals make the assessment.
Step 4: Perform Initial Vehicle Assessment
Start your vehicle assessment from the safety of the driver’s seat. Notice any steam rising from the hood, understanding the warning lights on your dashboard, unusual sounds, or burning smells. If your surroundings are secure and you’re physically able, conduct a careful external inspection.
Walk around your vehicle looking for fluid leaks, tire damage, broken lights, hood misalignment, and windshield damage. Stay alert for passing traffic while conducting this inspection.
Step 5: Document the Scene
When it’s safe to do so, use your phone to photograph the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. Capture the accident scene from multiple angles, being sure to include any evidence of deer contact.
Make a mental note or use your phone to record the exact time, your location (cross streets or mile markers), weather conditions, and the direction you were traveling. This documentation will prove invaluable for your insurance claim.
Step 6: Assess Vehicle Operability
Several critical issues require immediate professional towing. First, check your safety systems – what to do when airbags deploy or illuminated warning lights indicate potential dangers. Next, watch for mechanical red flags such as leaking fluids or steam from the engine.
Pay attention to any unusual noises or visible parts that appear loose or damaged. If you notice steering misalignment, frame damage, or electrical problems like non-functioning headlights, it’s time to call for professional help.
A post-collision inspection by qualified technicians can identify hidden damage that might compromise your safety.
When to Call for Professional Towing
After a deer collision, knowing when to call for professional towing can prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure your safety. Here are the key signs that indicate you need professional assistance.
Visible Signs of Severe Damage
Your senses are your best initial guide – start by looking for any fluids leaking from your vehicle, which often appear as colorful puddles beneath your car. The distinct smell and sight of steam rising from under the hood can indicate potential cooling system damage that requires immediate attention. If you see deployed airbags or extensive front-end damage, preparing your vehicle for professional transport should be your next step.
Mechanical and Handling Issues
If you attempt to move your vehicle, pay close attention to how it responds. Strange noises, especially grinding or scraping sounds, signal potentially serious mechanical issues. You might also notice the steering wheel pulling to one side or the vehicle handling differently – these alignment problems often result from the impact’s force on your vehicle’s frame or suspension system.
Hidden Damage Concerns
Remember, modern vehicles have complex electronic and safety systems that can be affected even if the damage appears superficial. These systems include:
- Advanced driver assistance features
- Electronic stability controls
- Sensor networks
- Safety restraint systems
Given the sophistication of these vehicle systems, what might seem like minor collision damage could affect critical safety components. Professional assessment after a deer collision ensures that all these systems are functioning correctly, protecting you and your passengers on future trips. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have your vehicle professionally evaluated.
Legal Considerations for When You Hit a Deer in Maryland
Understanding Maryland’s legal requirements after hitting a deer is crucial for protecting yourself and ensuring a smooth insurance claims process. While deer collisions are common in our state, failing to follow proper legal procedures can complicate your situation and potentially lead to issues with insurance coverage or legal compliance. Here’s what you need to know about reporting requirements and documentation in Maryland.
Reporting Requirements
Maryland law requires reporting any accident resulting in injury or property damage exceeding $1,500. Even if the damage appears minor, filing a police report can help with insurance claims and protect you legally.
Documentation for Insurance
Proper documentation supports your insurance claim:
- Take photos from multiple angles
- Note the exact location and time
- Gather witness information if available
- Keep all repair and towing receipts
- Record the responding officer’s name and badge number
Managing the Aftermath of Hitting a Deer
The moments after you’ve hit a deer require careful consideration of both immediate safety and proper handling procedures. From dealing with the animal to ensuring your vehicle receives appropriate care, knowing what to do when you hit a deer involves managing several critical aspects of the aftermath. Here’s what you need to know about handling the deer and getting your vehicle back on the road safely.
Handling the Deer
Never approach an injured deer – they can be dangerous when frightened. If the deer is deceased, Maryland law enforcement or animal control will handle removal. Document the animal’s location relative to your vehicle for insurance purposes.
Vehicle Recovery Options
With over 20 years serving the Maryland community, we’ve built our reputation on reliability and professional expertise. At Geyers Towing, we provide a guide to towing your car to the mechanic, and comprehensive post-collision services including:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Professional damage assessment
- Safe vehicle transport to repair facilities
- Coordination with insurance providers
- Experienced handling of complex collision scenarios
Preventing Future Deer Collisions
While knowing what to do when you hit a deer is crucial, prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath. Understanding both practical driving techniques and deer behavior patterns can significantly reduce your risk of collision on Maryland roads. By combining defensive driving strategies with knowledge of when deer are most active, you can better protect yourself and your vehicle.
Effective Driving Strategies to Avoid Hitting a Deer
The best defense against deer collisions starts with proactive driving habits. Here’s how specific driving techniques can help you avoid deer encounters:
- Continuous Scanning: Keep your eyes moving between the road and both shoulders, scanning at least 200 feet ahead. This gives you crucial extra seconds to react if a deer appears.
- High Beam Usage: When safe and legal, use your high beams at night. They illuminate deer eyes up to 500 feet away, compared to regular headlights which only reach about 250 feet.
- Speed Management: Reducing speed in deer-prone areas gives you more reaction time. A vehicle traveling at 60 mph needs about 300 feet to stop, while at 45 mph, stopping distance decreases to about 200 feet.
- Group Awareness: When one deer crosses, wait at least 30 seconds before proceeding – deer typically travel in groups, and others are likely nearby.
Implementing these defensive driving strategies consistently can significantly reduce your risk of deer collisions. Remember that while these techniques are particularly important during high-risk seasons, they should become part of your regular driving habits throughout the year in Maryland.
Understanding Seasonal Deer Patterns in Maryland
Deer activity in Maryland follows predictable seasonal patterns, each presenting unique risks for drivers:
- Mating season (October-December): During this season, deer movement reaches its peak as bucks actively pursue mates. This rutting period represents the highest collision risk of the year, with deer being particularly active during dawn and dusk hours. The increased territorial behavior during this time leads to more frequent road crossings, making it essential for drivers to remain especially vigilant.
- Spring months (March-May) bring their own set of challenges as young deer begin exploring independently. Does searching for birthing locations often venture into new areas, including suburban neighborhoods. This increased movement, particularly during dawn and dusk, creates additional risk for drivers in residential areas.
- Summer (June-August) sees deer drawn to roadways by abundant vegetation along shoulders and medians. Agricultural areas experience heightened deer activity as crops provide attractive feeding opportunities. Early morning and evening hours continue to be the riskiest times for deer encounters.
- Full Moon Periods: During full moon periods throughout the year, increased nighttime visibility encourages extended deer movement and feeding times. These bright nights often lead to more road crossings during nighttime hours, requiring drivers to maintain extra caution even during typically lower-risk time periods.
Regardless of the season or time of day, remaining aware of these deer activity patterns is crucial for Maryland drivers. By combining this knowledge with proper driving techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk of hitting a deer.
What to Do When You Hit a Deer? Call Geyer’s Towing!
As vehicle technology evolves, so do collision recovery techniques. Modern vehicles with advanced safety systems require specialized handling after wildlife collisions.
At Geyer’s Towing, we continuously update our equipment and training to stay ahead of these automotive advances. Contact Geyer’s Towing today for reliable collision recovery service across Maryland! Our professional technicians provide prompt, 24/7 emergency response throughout Baltimore, Montgomery County, and all surrounding areas. Save our number now to ensure immediate assistance when you need it most.
FAQs About What to Do When You Hit a Deer
How much does collision recovery service cost in Maryland?
Recovery service costs vary based on your location, time of day, and specific circumstances. Contact Geyer’s Towing for a transparent quote. We maintain competitive rates while ensuring professional, reliable service.
Will my insurance cover a deer collision?
Comprehensive coverage typically includes deer collisions. However, coverage varies by policy. We can work directly with your insurance provider to facilitate claims processing.
What if the deer runs away after the collision?
Document everything possible about the incident. Take photos of any vehicle damage, hair, or other evidence of deer contact. This documentation helps support insurance claims even without the animal present.
Is it safe to drive my car after hitting a deer?
Even if your vehicle seems driveable, hidden damage could make it unsafe. Our professionals can assess your vehicle’s condition and recommend whether immediate towing is necessary.
How long should I wait after seeing one deer cross the road?
When you see a deer cross the road, wait at least 30 seconds before proceeding. Deer typically travel in groups, and where there’s one, there are usually more nearby. This waiting period gives time for any additional deer following the first one to emerge and cross safely.
What are the most dangerous times of day for deer collisions in Maryland?
Dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times for deer collisions in Maryland. These periods, roughly from 5-8 AM and 6-9 PM, coincide with both high deer activity and busy commuting hours. The risk increases further during mating season (October-December) and on nights with a full moon when deer are more active.