One thing that makes Texas beautiful is the abundance of wildlife roaming around. However, it also means that residents are more likely to be involved in deer accidents. Do you know what to do after a deer accident in Texas?
If you hit a deer in Texas, the steps you take next are incredibly important. Angel Reyes & Associates is here with deer collision legal advice in Texas, serving Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. In this blog post, we discuss what to do when animal accidents happen.
Understanding Deer Behavior and Migration Patterns
Deer are most active during late fall to early winter as this is their mating season, making their behavior much more erratic. The most dangerous months are October, November, and December.
The Texas Hill Country region is the most heavily populated area for deer. Since they travel in herds, spotting one of them means that there are usually more of them somewhere nearby. While deer accidents can happen at any time, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advises driving carefully and making sure your headlights are in working order to reduce your chances of hitting a deer.
What to Do If You Hit a Wild Animal
If you hit a wild animal in a car accident, it can be frightening though you must know what to do next. Experts always advise that you pull off to a safe location on the side of the road, if your car can still be driven. You should also turn on your hazard lights to indicate that you need assistance.
The next step after you hit a deer is to call your local game warden dispatcher if you think the animal is injured. You might not be certain if it’s still alive, though the warden will likely tell you if there’s a possibility that it’s still alive, you shouldn’t try to approach it.
In Texas, it’s illegal to take a deer or any dead animal with you. Call the police to report collisions to get a police report that documents the accident. Additionally, take photos and videos for evidence, and call your car insurance company to file a claim. While you might be concerned about the harm done to this wild animal, don’t forget to get a medical evaluation. Crashing into a deer is a type of car accident, and you may have injuries that need treatment.
Reporting a Deer Crash to the Authorities
If a deer runs out in front of your car and you hit it, no law requires you to report it to the authorities. Still, you should contact the local game warden or law enforcement office to file an accident report for insurance purposes.
You’ll additionally want to take photos and videos of the damage caused to your vehicle and of the deer itself if that’s possible. This will serve as evidence that can help with your insurance claim while providing an official record of the deer crash.
What to Do If You Hit a Wounded Deer
If a deer or another game animal appears to be wounded in the middle of the road, there are certain steps you should take whether you hit it yourself or you discover it on your travels. Experts advise that you never try to help an injured deer or other injured animals by yourself. They have sharp hooves and may behave aggressively due to their injuries.
It’s illegal to take the deer with you. The best course of action is to contact Texas Parks and Wildlife and let the officials handle it.
What to Do with a Dead Deer
If you hit a deer and the deer is dead, you can remove it from the roadway if it’s blocking traffic to prevent another collision with other cars. While you aren’t required to alert authorities, it’s in your best interest to contact the police who will notify the Texas Department of Transportation to have them move the animal out of the way.
Many drivers think they have killed an animal when it in fact has only sustained injuries in the collision. If you hit a deer, try to remain calm on the accident scene and ensure safety for yourself and your passengers until help arrives.
Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company
When an accident occurs with any form of wildlife, it can be incredibly upsetting. You may have been following the speed limit when it suddenly ran out right in front of your vehicle. Driving in Texas during the active months for deer herds is dangerous, and even drivers who are prudent and aware of their surroundings often find themselves in these scary situations.
Does your insurance cover hitting a deer or other creature? If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your insurance coverage, it will be covered. Insurance coverage can get confusing with property damage, especially if you swerve to avoid hitting the deer and a collision results from this maneuver. You may crash into other drivers or a stationary object in the process.
Unfortunately, this may result in higher insurance premiums due to this collision, though it will depend on the collision coverage and your policy. Every driver should know what is and isn’t included in the terms of their auto insurance.
Tips to Avoid Running into a Deer on the Road
Animal collisions are common in Texas, especially on rural roads. Your best chance at avoiding a car accident is to drive carefully and make sure your headlights are operational to illuminate those dark and desolate stretches of road.
Driving in the center lane is best whenever possible as this gives you a better chance of spotting any deer and having time and space to react if they run across your path. Knowing more about deer behavior and when you would be most likely to encounter them can help you stay alert while you’re on the road.
It should go without saying, but you should avoid distractions that take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving. Stay sober as well, and you’ll be better able to react to anything unexpected. You should also avoid swerving as this can lead to losing control and crashing into other vehicles or objects.
Sometimes, crashing into a deer or other animal is unavoidable. It’s bound to cause damage to your vehicle. It may have visible injuries, and you may as well. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s important to make an official report to report damage and injuries.
When officials arrive, they will create a report and have paramedics check you out. Never refuse medical care, especially if the accident is major and involves other vehicles. You shouldn’t apologize either as investigations often reveal factors that reduce your fault. We’re here to help with legal guidance at Angel Reyes & Associates, so schedule a free consultation to learn more.
