What should I do if I hit a deer while driving in Michigan this fall?

Michigan consistently ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions, and fall is peak season due to mating activity. If it happens to you:

• Move to a safe location if possible, and turn on hazard lights
• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before assessing the vehicle
• Do not approach the deer, since an injured animal can be dangerous
• Call police to file a report, especially if there's significant vehicle damage or an injury
• Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and the road conditions
• Contact your insurance company to begin a claim

Deer collisions are typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance rather than liability coverage, since there's no other driver at fault. But if swerving to avoid a deer caused a secondary crash involving another vehicle, or if a road hazard contributed to the collision, additional claims may come into play.