Driving in rural Iowa often means sharing the road with wildlife, particularly deer as fields become clear with harvest and hunting begins in earnest. While encountering a deer can be a jarring experience (trust me I know), understanding how to respond can make a big difference in ensuring your safety, protecting your vehicle, and keeping your insurance costs down. Here’s a guide on what you should and shouldn’t do if you hit a deer while driving in Iowa.

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Do Pull Over to a Safe Location

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The first thing you should do after hitting a deer is to safely pull over to the side of the road, if possible. It’s important to get out of the flow of traffic to avoid causing any further accidents or injuries. This allows you to assess the situation without endangering yourself or others.

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Don't Approach the Injured Deer

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It may be tempting to check on the deer, but approaching an injured animal can be dangerous. Deer are unpredictable, especially when they are frightened or in pain, and they may kick or thrash. You don't want to get swiped by an antler or hoof, so it's best to keep a safe distance and wait for police to arrive. They can assess the need for action in that moment and what steps to take.

Do Turn On Your Hazard Lights

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Once you’ve pulled over, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. This warns other drivers that there is a hazard on the road, which is especially important if the deer is still in or near the driving lanes. Hazard lights are essential for avoiding secondary accidents in low visibility or during nighttime driving.

Don’t Try to Move the Deer Yourself

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Even if the deer appears to be dead, do not attempt to move it. Not only can the deer suddenly regain consciousness, but it’s also possible to hurt yourself while moving such a large animal. Law enforcement or animal control professionals are better equipped to handle the situation safely and efficiently.

Do Call 911 or Local Authorities to Report the Accident

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In Iowa, it’s important to notify law enforcement of any accident involving a deer, especially if there is significant vehicle damage. By calling 911 or your local authorities, you can ensure that a report is filed. This may be necessary for insurance claims later, and to clear the road of debris immediately following the accident. A Police report will also help you document the incident fully, which, again, can help when dealing with insurance.

Don’t Assume There’s No Damage

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After an accident with a deer, even if your vehicle seems to be functioning, hidden damage can occur. Your car might have some internal damage (wiring, brakes, belts) or a weakened structure, which could compromise the vehicles safety. It’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic before driving any further.

Do Document the Scene

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If it’s safe, take photos of the scene. Capture images of the deer, the damage to your vehicle, and the surrounding environment. This documentation can be useful when filing an insurance claim or for law enforcement records. The more information you can provide, the smoother the claims process will go, and the less the wreck will affect your future pricing.

Don’t Leave Without Assessing Damage

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Before driving away, check your car for any signs of problematic damage. If it effects the way the car drives or operates, leave the car be and call for a ride & tow. Even if it appears minimal, an accident with a deer can cause problems such as cracked radiators, bent frames, or malfunctioning airbags. Continuing to drive without a proper assessment could lead to bigger issues down the road, or an additional accident before you make it home.

Do Contact Your Insurance Company

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After you’ve ensured your safety and reported the incident, reach out to your insurance company to file a claim. Most comprehensive insurance policies cover collisions with animals, including deer. Providing detailed information and photos will help expedite the claims process.

Don’t Assume the Deer is Dead

If the deer looks lifeless, it may just be stunned and could regain movement suddenly. Seriously, I've seen this happen several times while hunting. A startled, injured deer is quite dangerous and unpredictable, so it’s best to stay in your car or a safe distance away until authorities arrive. If the animal needs humanely put down officer will attend to it. And, if you like venison, you can always ask the arriving officer if you can keep your deer for processing.

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Hitting a deer is an unfortunate but common occurrence in Iowa. But by following these steps, you can minimize the risks associated with the accident and ensure a smoother recovery process; thats for both your own health, car, and wallet. Always remember to prioritize safety, document the incident, and notify the proper authorities. I've been through the process, it's never fun, but going about it the right way is always your best bet.

LOOK: Here are the states where you are most likely to hit an animal

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