Hit a Deer? What to Do Next in South Dakota

Right after you hit a deer

1. Don't swerve. If a deer jumps out, brake firmly and stay in your lane. A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper put it this way: swerving can put you off the road, into another vehicle, or into a rollover. Deer often travel in groups, so expect another one.
2. Get to a safe spot. If the vehicle will move, pull onto the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. If you get out, stay off the roadway.
3. Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, or if the deer or your vehicle is blocking a lane.
4. Stay away from the deer. A frightened, wounded deer can be dangerous. Don't try to move it or check on it. Leave that to law enforcement.
5. Take photos. Get the damage, the road, the scene and any injuries. If someone stopped, get their name and number.
6. Call your insurer. The sooner you report it, the sooner the claim gets started.

Want to keep the deer? South Dakota law says you have to notify a conservation officer before you take it. The officer can authorize it at no charge, and no part of the animal can be sold or traded.

Do you have to report hitting a deer in South Dakota?

South Dakota law (SDCL 32-34-7) requires the driver to notify the nearest available law enforcement officer immediately, "by the quickest means of communication," after a crash that causes:

• an injury or death, or
• apparent property damage of $1,000 or more to any one person's property, or $2,000 or more in total.

Failing to report is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If you aren't sure the damage is under $1,000, call. Even when a report isn't required, State Farm notes that a police report can help your claim.

Is it safe to drive after hitting a deer?

Don't assume it is. When the front end takes the hit, the parts that keep you safe are right there. Walk around the vehicle before you drive it, and call for a tow if you find any of these:

• Leaking fluid. A puddle under the engine, or steam from under the hood, can mean a damaged radiator. An engine that loses its coolant can overheat and be ruined.
• Broken lights. You need working headlights and turn signals, and dawn and dusk are prime time for deer.
• A hood that won't latch. If it flies up at highway speed, you can't see.
• Tire or wheel damage. Watch for a cut tire, a bent wheel, a tire rubbing on bodywork, or steering that pulls.
• Loose parts. A bumper cover, grille or panel that is hanging or dragging.
• Airbags or warning lights. If the airbags went off or the dash lights up with warnings, have it towed.

If it does seem fine, drive gently and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it starts to climb, pull over and shut the engine off.

If the hood won't latch or there's coolant on the ground, don't drive it. Call A+ Towing and tell them it's coming to us in Harrisburg.

Patrick Wagner, Insurance Claim and Collision Manager

Will insurance cover hitting a deer?

Usually, if you carry the right coverage. State Farm says damage from hitting a deer is typically covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. If you swerve to miss the deer and hit something else, that is more likely to be treated as a collision claim. Every policy is different, so check your coverage and deductible, or ask your agent.

If your vehicle is financed, read our article on insurance coverage for a financed used car.

Getting it fixed at our Harrisburg body shop

Our body shop repairs deer and animal collision damage on all makes and models, including classics. It works with all major insurers and bills them directly, and estimates are free. We aren't a direct repair program (DRP) shop for any insurer, so our only obligation is to the vehicle owner. Patrick Wagner is your point of contact from the first estimate through the final quality check, and he works directly with your adjuster.

• Where: 47104 Tallgrass Cir, Harrisburg, SD 57032
• Phone: (605) 371-1092, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Towing: Call A+ Towing at (605) 332-8984 and tell them "Frankman's body shop in Harrisburg."
• After hours: Leave your keys in the secure 24/7 key drop at the shop.
• Online: Request an estimate and upload photos on the body shop page.

How long will the repair take? It depends on the damage and on how fast parts arrive. Some damage behind the bumper only shows up once it's taken apart. Patrick's team will look it over, write up an estimate and tell you what to expect. Ask about loaner availability when you schedule.

Take pictures before you move anything, then call your insurer and call us. We'll work with the adjuster so you don't have to.

Patrick Wagner, Insurance Claim and Collision Manager

If it's totaled

Your insurer decides whether a vehicle is a total loss. If yours is totaled, you'll need a replacement, and the grid below shows our vehicles under $25,000. Have another vehicle to trade or sell to make the numbers work? Get a value at value your trade or sell your car. Questions about a replacement? Call sales at (605) 250-5016. Not totaled, but you would rather not fix it? We buy some damaged vehicles, case by case, so ask us about an as-is offer.