What should you do immediately after hitting a deer?

After hitting a deer, the appropriate course of action is to report the incident to law enforcement. This is important for several reasons. First, hitting a deer can cause significant damage to your vehicle as well as pose a safety hazard to other drivers on the road. Reporting the accident helps ensure that proper documentation is created, which can be useful for insurance claims and for tracking wildlife collisions in the area.

Additionally, law enforcement can assist with assessing the situation. They may need to ensure that the deer is removed from the roadway to prevent further accidents. Reporting the accident also contributes to local wildlife management efforts, giving authorities information needed to understand and respond to the frequency of deer collisions.

Driving away quickly or checking for damage without reporting could lead to legal repercussions, particularly if the deer is injured or needs to be managed. Leaving a note on the car does not address the necessary protocols for safety and reporting. Thus, reporting to law enforcement is the most responsible action to take after such an incident.