Do You Need a Police Report for Hitting a Deer?
If you’ve just hit a deer with your vehicle, you’re likely facing a chaotic and stressful situation. Among the many uncertainties, you may be wondering whether you need to involve the police in the situation. The answer to this question can be complex and depends on several factors. In this article, we will provide you with a straightforward guide to help you understand when a police report for hitting a deer is necessary and what you can do afterwards.
Do You Need a Police Report for Hitting a Deer? (Short Answer)
Contents
In Most Cases: No Police Report is Not Required
In general, if the deer was killed or able to run away, and there are no injuries, you don’t need a police report. You simply need to contact your auto insurance provider to report the incident, and they will guide you through the necessary steps to handle the damages.
Exceptions That Require a Police Report: Injuries or Property Damage
There are some exceptions where it’s mandatory to involve law enforcement and obtain a police report. These situations are:
- Injury to Humans or Animals: If someone was injured as a result of the incident, including yourself, animal control services, or veterinarians, a police report is required.
- Property Damage: If any property was damaged as a result of the incident, such as another vehicle or a structure, a police report is required.
- hit-and-run cases: If you flee the scene or leave your damaged vehicle at the scene of the accident without reporting the incident, you may receive a summons or even go to court.
Do You Need a Police Report for Hitting a Deer? (More Information and Tips)
Here’s a table summarizing when a police report is likely required:
| circumstances | Police Report Required? |
|---|---|
| Deer was injured or killed, no injury to humans or animals and no property damage | Mostly no, but check if you need to report hit-and-run or if vehicle was occupied |
| There were injuries to humans (including yourself) or animals | Yes |
| There was property damage (vehicles, structures) | Yes |
| Deer was in hit-and-run incident | Yes |
Procedures After Hitting a Deer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Remember to take the following steps, even if you do not need a police report:
- Stop safely: Move your vehicle to a safe location, taking care not to further hit the deer or cause traffic congestion.
- Identify the deer: In case of severe injuries to the deer, it might be best to call animal control to attend to the situation.
- Call your insurance: Report the incident to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible. They’ll guide you through the process for handling the damages.
- Exchange information: Be prepared to exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle identification information with other parties (if present).
Potential Consequences of Not Providing a Police Report
Please note that not providing a police report in situations requiring one may result in administrative, financial, or criminal penalties, such as fines, court appearances, license suspension, or even misdemeanor charges. In extreme situations, neglecting to seek medical attention or report critical injuries or property damage to law enforcement could lead to more serious consequences.
Conclusion
Hitting a deer can be a terrifying experience, and the key to resolving the situation depends on various factors. Take a moment to review these guidelines, and you will be better equipped to manage the situation and potentially limit the hassle. Remember: in most cases, an insurance report is sufficient when there are no injuries to humans or animals and property damage is limited. Take a breath, and remember that many auto insurance policies cover incidents involving wildlife impacts.
