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
Maryland’s abundant deer population and extensive road network create frequent opportunities for wildlife collisions.
With over 2,000 deer-vehicle incidents reported annually in Maryland, these accidents represent a significant safety concern for drivers, particularly during the October-December rutting season when deer are most active.
Despite the large deer population in Maryland, it’s not a given that you’ll know what to do when you hit a deer. Follow the subsequent steps to keep yourself safe after a deer collision.
Immediate Actions After a Deer Collision
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, 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 – deployed airbags 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. 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 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.
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you need professional assistance is the deployment of airbags or visible extensive damage to your vehicle’s front end. In these cases, attempting to drive could compromise your safety and potentially cause more damage.
Remember, modern vehicles have complex electronic and safety systems that can be affected even if the damage appears superficial.
Legal Considerations for When You Hit a Deer 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
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. Geyer’s Towing provides comprehensive post-collision services:
- 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
Effective Driving Strategies to Avoid Hitting a Deer
The best defense against deer collisions starts with proactive driving habits. Constantly scan road edges, especially in rural or wooded areas, and use high beams when possible to spot the reflective glow of deer eyes.
When you see deer crossing signs or drive through known deer-heavy areas, reduce your speed – if one deer crosses, others likely follow.
Understanding Seasonal Deer Patterns in Maryland
Deer activity in Maryland follows predictable patterns. The highest risk occurs during mating season (October through December) and during dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
Full moons increase nighttime deer movement, while spring brings additional risks as young deer begin exploring independently. Understanding these patterns helps you stay alert when risks are highest.
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.
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.
