It happens in a split second. A deer jumps out of the tree line, you hit the brakes, and then you hear the thud. If you just hit a deer in Ohio, you are not alone, and the next few minutes matter a lot for your safety, your car, and your insurance claim.
This guide walks you through what to do right after a deer collision, how to check your car, how to handle the insurance side, and when it makes more sense to call for accident towing in Columbus than to drive away.
Why Deer Crashes Spike in Central Ohio This Time of Year
Fall is deer breeding season. From late October through December, deer move more, travel farther, and cross roads with very little warning. Ohio State Highway Patrol data shows that nearly half of all deer-related crashes in the state happen in October, November, and December, and November is the worst single month of the year.
Most drivers who hit a deer in Ohio do it at dawn or dusk, the riskiest hours, which line up with the morning and evening commute for a lot of drivers. That puts roads like I-71, I-270, US-33, and the two-lane routes around Galloway, Lockbourne, and Groveport right in the danger zone. Deer also rarely travel alone, so if one crosses in front of you, slow down and expect more to follow.
What to Do Right After You Hit a Deer in Ohio
Your first job is to keep yourself and everyone in the car safe. The car can wait. Follow these steps in order.
Pull Over and Turn On Your Hazard Lights
If the car still moves, pull onto the shoulder or the nearest safe spot away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights right away so other drivers can see you. On a busy highway at night, it is usually safer to stay inside with your seat belt on while you make calls.
Stay Away From the Deer
An injured deer is scared and strong. It can kick or thrash and cause serious injuries. Do not try to drag it off the road or check on it. Leave that to law enforcement or wildlife officers.
Call #677 or 911 to Report the Crash
In Ohio, you can dial #677 from your cell phone to reach the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol post. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the deer or your car is blocking a lane. A police report gives your insurance company an official record of the crash and can make your claim go much faster.
Take Photos Before Anything Moves
Snap clear pictures of the damage, the deer if it is safe to do so, the road, and any mile markers or street signs. Photos taken right at the scene are the best proof you will have when you talk to your insurance company.
A Quick Damage Check Before You Decide Anything
Once you are safe after you hit a deer in Ohio, take a slow walk around your car with a flashlight. Look at the front bumper, grille, headlights, hood, and windshield. Then look under the front of the car for leaking fluids like green, orange, or pink coolant, or dark oil. Get back in and check the dashboard for new warning lights or a temperature gauge that is climbing.
A deer can crack parts you cannot see from the outside, so a clean-looking bumper does not always mean the car is fine. If anything looks off, it is better to stop here than to find out on the highway.
When to Call a Tow Truck After You Hit a Deer in Ohio
Some damage makes driving unsafe or illegal, even for a short trip. If you hit a deer in Ohio and you notice fluid on the ground, steam coming from under the hood, or a hood that will not close, do not drive the car. The same goes for airbags that went off, a tire that rubs when you turn, a car that pulls hard to one side, or headlights that no longer work after dark.
In those cases, a tow is the smart move. A flatbed tow truck carries the whole car off the ground, so damaged parts like the radiator, suspension, or wheels do not get worse on the way to the shop. In Ohio, you also get to choose where your car goes, so you can send it straight to the body shop you trust.
How to File a Deer Damage Insurance Claim in Ohio
Hitting an animal is usually covered under the “other than collision” part of your auto policy, not your collision coverage. That matters because the deductible can be different. Recent data from Ohio puts the average insurance claim for deer damage at close to $5,000, so even a crash that looks minor can add up fast.
If you hit a deer in Ohio, call your insurance company as soon as you are safe and share your photos and the police report number. Ask if your policy includes roadside assistance coverage, since many plans pay for some or all of the tow. Keep every receipt, including the towing bill, so you can get paid back for what is covered.
How to Lower Your Chances of Another Deer Crash
Slow down in wooded areas and near fields, especially at sunrise and sunset. Use your high beams on dark roads when there is no oncoming traffic, because they help you spot the glow of deer eyes sooner. Pay attention to yellow deer crossing signs, since they are placed where crashes happen most.
If a deer jumps out and a crash cannot be avoided, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving is one of the main reasons a deer crash turns into a much worse crash with another car, a tree, or a ditch. Always wear your seat belt, because many people hurt in deer crashes were not buckled in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report it if I hit a deer in Ohio?
If anyone is hurt, you need to call 911. For damage-only crashes, calling #677 is still a good idea. Most insurance companies ask for a police report, and having one makes your claim easier.
Should I keep driving after hitting a deer?
Only if there are no leaks, no warning lights, no steam, working headlights, and the car drives straight. If you see any of those problems, call a tow truck instead of risking a breakdown or a second crash.
Does car insurance pay for hitting a deer in Ohio?
In most cases, yes. Deer damage usually falls under the “other than collision” part of your policy. If you only carry liability coverage, your own repairs will likely not be covered.
Can I choose where my car gets towed after a deer crash?
Yes. You can ask the tow driver to take your car to your home, your mechanic, or the body shop your insurance company recommends.
What time of day do most deer crashes happen in Ohio?
Most happen between dusk and dawn. Fall evenings are the highest-risk time because deer are most active and many people are driving home from work.
Should I swerve to miss a deer?
No. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can send you into oncoming traffic, a ditch, or a tree, which is often far more dangerous than hitting the deer.
Need a Tow After a Deer Crash? We Are On the Way
When your car is not safe to drive, Burm’s Towing can get it off the road and to the shop you choose. Our trucks cover Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Grove City, and the towns nearby, day or night.
Do not wait on the side of the road longer than you have to. Call Burm’s Towing now at (614) 290-8512 for fast 24/7 emergency towing anywhere in Central Ohio.