Hit a Deer in East Tennessee? What to Do Next
If you drive around here long enough, you'll either hit a deer or come close. It happens on the Parkway, on 411, on back roads outside Morristown, and on Highway 129. Here's what to do if it happens to you, from folks who fix these cars every week.
What to do at the scene
Get safe first. Pull as far off the road as you can, turn on your flashers, and stay buckled until you know it's safe to get out. Watch for traffic, especially at night.
Leave the deer alone. A hurt deer can kick hard. Don't try to move it or check on it.
Call the police. Tennessee law says to notify law enforcement right away if anyone is hurt or there's apparent property damage of $50 or more. Dial 911 if anyone is hurt or the car is blocking the road. Otherwise call local police or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Most deer hits that damage a car meet that bar, and your insurance company will likely ask for a police report.
Take photos. Get the front of the car, any fluid under it, the road, and the deer if you can do it safely. A wide shot that shows where you were helps too.
Don't drive it if it isn't safe. If a headlight is out, the hood won't latch, something is dragging, a warning light is on, or anything is leaking, call a tow. A car that looks fine can still have a damaged radiator or cooling fan, and driving it hot can turn a body repair into an engine repair.
Calling police and reporting the crash
Tennessee law says the driver in a crash with injury, death, or apparent property damage of $50 or more has to notify law enforcement right away. Inside city limits, call the local police. Outside city limits, call the county sheriff's office or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A police report also helps with your insurance claim.
Separately, if the crash caused injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage, Tennessee requires an Owner Operator Report to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days. You can file it online through the state's e-Services site. If you're not sure whether it applies to you, ask the officer or your insurance agent.
Insurance basics
Hitting a deer is usually covered under the comprehensive part of an auto policy, not collision. That matters because the two often have different deductibles. Swerving to miss a deer and hitting a guardrail or tree instead may be handled as a collision claim.
Every policy is different, so check yours or call your agent to see what you have. If you only carry liability, damage to your own car usually isn't covered.
When you call to start a claim, write down your claim number. You'll want it when you bring the car in.
When deer season peaks in Tennessee
Tennessee drivers had 8,036 deer-related crashes in 2024, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. November is historically the worst month, with October and December close behind as deer move around during mating season. Most of these crashes happen between dusk and dawn.
A few habits help:
Slow down at dawn and dusk, especially near fields and woods.
Where you see one deer, expect more behind it.
Use high beams when there's no oncoming traffic.
Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving is how a lot of deer hits turn into worse wrecks.
Damage you can’t see
Deer hits land right where modern cars keep a lot of their technology. Behind the bumper and grille there may be radar sensors, parking sensors, cameras, and the cooling system. A cracked bumper cover can hide a bent bracket or a sensor that's knocked out of line.
If your car has features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, or adaptive cruise control, those systems may need to be scanned and calibrated after the repair so they work the way they should. That's why a scan or calibration line can show up on a repair estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Is hitting a deer covered by insurance?
It's usually covered under the comprehensive part of an auto policy, not collision. Every policy is different, so check yours or call your agent.
Do I need a police report after hitting a deer?
Tennessee law says to notify law enforcement right away if anyone is hurt or there's apparent property damage of $50 or more, and most deer hits that damage a car meet that bar. Many insurance companies also ask for a police report.
Can I drive my car after hitting a deer?
Only if it's clearly safe. If a light is out, the hood won't latch, something is leaking or dragging, or a warning light is on, have it towed.
When are deer crashes most common in Tennessee?
November is historically the peak month, with October and December close behind. Most deer crashes happen between dusk and dawn.
Why would my car need a calibration after hitting a deer?
Many newer cars have cameras and radar sensors in the bumper and grille. After a front end repair, those safety systems may need to be checked and calibrated so they work correctly.
Which Stinnett Collision shop should I call?
Call the one closest to you. We have shops in Sevierville, Maryville, and Morristown, and each one has a Schedule Estimate button on this page.
Our shops
Stinnett Collision Sevierville: 2007 Roberts Ct, Sevierville, TN 37862, 865-505-1505.
Stinnett Collision Maryville: 1755 William Blount Dr, Maryville, TN 37801, 865-982-7050.
Stinnett Collision Morristown (formerly M & M Body Shop): 620 Jarnigan Ave, Morristown, TN 37813, 423-581-2854.
Choose the shop closest to you and schedule an estimate below.