MileCheckWhat should you do if you hit a deer?
Stop and move out of traffic if you can do so safely. Turn on your hazards and stay away from the animal. Call 911 for injuries or an immediate road hazard, then deal with the report and insurance claim.
Facts checked September 2026. Every number links to its source; prices and rules change, so confirm the day you travel.
The first few minutes
Do not approach an injured deer or try to finish it off. Tell the dispatcher if the animal is alive or blocking traffic. Follow instructions about where to wait.
When safe, photograph the vehicle damage and surroundings without entering traffic. Note the location using the road and mile marker. Call your insurer before arranging non-emergency repairs.
Triple-I deer-collision guidance · Oregon wildlife agency salvage rules.
Washington’s reporting threshold
Washington State Patrol says a collision report is required for injury or at least $1,000 damage to any one unit. If an officer says they will file the police collision report, you do not need the separate civilian report.
Confirm who is filing before leaving the matter there. Record the location with the Washington mile-marker guide.
Washington State Patrol collision reports.
Oregon’s report is separate from the police report
Oregon requires a DMV report within 72 hours for injury or death, damage over $2,500 to your vehicle, damage over $2,500 to any vehicle with any vehicle towed, or over $2,500 damage to other property. A police report does not replace it.
Oregon also requires immediate police notification for reportable collisions. Use the non-emergency number unless there is an emergency. The Oregon mile-marker guide helps describe the location.
Oregon DMV collision reporting.
Which insurance covers the damage?
Direct contact with a deer generally falls under comprehensive coverage, if you bought it, subject to the deductible and policy terms. Swerving into a tree or another vehicle is generally a collision claim.
Describe what happened accurately. Liability-only insurance does not provide those coverages for your own car.
Triple-I collision and comprehensive coverage.
Do not assume you can keep the deer
Oregon allows qualifying deer and elk salvage with a permit obtained within 24 hours of possession. The head and antlers must go to ODFW within five business days. White-tailed deer have geographic restrictions, and the whole carcass must be removed.
This is not permission to collect any animal. Check the complete rules and contact the wildlife agency before handling an injured animal. Other states have different rules.
Oregon wildlife agency salvage rules.
If you see a deer before a collision
Brake while keeping control of your lane. Do not swerve into opposing traffic or leave the road to miss the animal. Watch for more than one deer.
Triple-I deer-collision guidance.
Know exactly where you are — live
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Questions, answered
Should you call 911 for every deer collision?
Use 911 for injuries or an immediate danger, including an animal blocking traffic. Otherwise contact the appropriate non-emergency police line and follow reporting rules.
Should you approach an injured deer?
No. Keep your distance and tell the dispatcher.
Does a police report replace Oregon’s DMV report?
No. File the required DMV report too.
Does liability-only insurance cover your damaged car?
It does not provide comprehensive or collision coverage for your car.
Does hitting a deer use comprehensive coverage?
Direct animal contact generally does, subject to your policy and deductible.
Can you take the deer home?
Only if the applicable wildlife rules allow it and you meet their conditions. Do not assume a collision gives you ownership.
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