SUMMARY

• First, stay in control of the vehicle and move to a safe location if the vehicle can be driven safely.
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 when anyone is hurt, the vehicle is disabled in a dangerous location, or the animal creates an immediate roadway hazard. TxDOT directs drivers to call 911 for immediate road hazards.
• Do not approach an injured wild animal. Texas Parks and Wildlife advises contacting a local game warden dispatcher for an injured deer and warns against attempting to handle injured wildlife yourself.
• Photograph the vehicle damage, roadway, and relevant surroundings when it is safe to do so.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife says a dead deer may be moved off the roadway if you are absolutely sure it is dead, but you may not tag it and take it with you.
• Contact your insurance company promptly. The Texas Department of Insurance states that damage from hitting an animal is generally covered by comprehensive coverage, subject to your policy and deductible.
• Do not assume the vehicle is safe because the exterior damage looks minor. Animal impacts can damage bumpers, headlights, cooling components, glass, wiring, sensors, and underlying structures.
• Grimes Paint & Body, located at 11804 N Profit Row, Forney, TX 75126, United States, can evaluate collision-related body damage and help determine the appropriate repair plan.

Animal collisions can happen quickly and with very little warning.

A deer may run across a rural highway at dusk. A loose dog could enter a residential street. A wild hog may appear on an unlit Texas road at night. Even a relatively small animal can cause significant vehicle damage when the impact occurs at highway speed.

For drivers in Forney, TX, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make an already stressful situation easier to manage.

The first priorities are always people and immediate roadway safety. Once everyone is safe, you can document the damage, report the incident when appropriate, contact your insurance company, and have the vehicle professionally inspected.

That last step matters because animal collisions can cause much more than a visible dent. Damage may extend behind the bumper, beneath the hood, into lighting assemblies, or around electronic sensors.

Grimes Paint & Body at 11804 N Profit Row, Forney, TX 75126, United States provides professional collision repair and auto body repair for drivers dealing with accident-related vehicle damage.

What Should You Do Immediately After Hitting an Animal?

Your first reaction should be to maintain control of the vehicle.

Avoid sudden movements that could turn one collision into a more severe crash.

When possible:

• Reduce speed safely
• Pull out of active traffic
• Turn on hazard lights
• Check yourself and passengers
• Call emergency services when necessary
• Remain aware of approaching vehicles
• Stay away from the animal

If the vehicle is blocking traffic or the animal creates an immediate roadway hazard, call 911. TxDOT specifically instructs drivers to use 911 for immediate hazards in the roadway because its online reporting system is not monitored around the clock.

Do not stand in a travel lane to inspect damage or photograph the scene.

Your vehicle can be repaired later. Protecting yourself from secondary collisions comes first.

Should You Approach an Injured Animal?

Generally, no.

An injured wild animal can be frightened, unpredictable, and dangerous.

Texas Parks and Wildlife advises motorists who encounter an injured deer on the highway to contact the local game warden dispatcher.

TPWD also warns people not to attempt to care for injured wildlife themselves because doing so can create risks for both the person and the animal.

Potential dangers can include:

• Bites
• Kicks
• Antlers
• Sudden movement
• Disease exposure

Even an animal that initially appears unable to move may react when approached.

Maintain a safe distance and let qualified authorities determine what should happen next.

What Should You Do If the Animal Is Dead?

Do not immediately assume that a motionless animal is safe to approach.

If you are absolutely certain a deer is dead, Texas Parks and Wildlife says it may be moved off the roadway and left there so that TxDOT can remove it.

However, do not put yourself in danger to move an animal from an active roadway.

If traffic conditions make it unsafe, contact law enforcement or report the immediate roadway hazard.

Also note an important Texas rule:

You cannot simply take a road-killed deer or other game animal with you.

TPWD states that it is illegal to tag the animal and take it after a highway collision.

Should You Call the Police After Hitting an Animal?

Call 911 when the situation involves:

• Injuries
• A vehicle that cannot be moved safely
• A dangerous traffic obstruction
• An immediate roadway hazard
• A situation where you feel unsafe

If nobody is hurt, the vehicle is safely off the road, and no immediate hazard remains, emergency response may not always be necessary.

For an injured deer, Texas Parks and Wildlife directs motorists toward the local game warden dispatcher.

When in doubt about an immediate safety issue, calling 911 is appropriate.

What Should You Photograph After an Animal Collision?

Once you are safely away from moving traffic, document the incident.

Useful photographs may include:

• Front of the vehicle
• Rear of the vehicle
• Both sides
• Close-ups of damaged panels
• Broken lights
• Bumper damage
• Hood damage
• Windshield damage
• Debris
• Roadway surroundings

Also record:

• Approximate time
• Location
• Weather
• Direction you were traveling
• What type of animal was involved, if known

Avoid approaching the animal merely to obtain a better photograph.

Your vehicle and surroundings generally provide more useful documentation for the repair and insurance process than a close-up image of injured wildlife.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Hitting an Animal in Texas?

Usually, if you purchased the applicable comprehensive coverage.

The Texas Department of Insurance specifically states that comprehensive coverage can pay for vehicle damage caused by hitting an animal. You will generally be responsible for the applicable deductible.

TDI’s current auto insurance guide likewise lists hitting an animal among losses commonly covered when comprehensive coverage has been purchased.

Coverage still depends on your individual:

• Policy
• Deductible
• Exclusions
• Claim circumstances

Contact the insurer rather than assuming coverage based on another driver’s experience.

Is an Animal Strike Covered by Collision or Comprehensive Insurance?

Damage caused by directly hitting an animal is generally associated with comprehensive coverage.

The Texas Department of Insurance describes comprehensive as coverage for losses including:

• Fire
• Flood
• Hail
• Theft
• Animal collisions

That distinction can matter because collision and comprehensive may have different deductibles.

If the incident involved something more complicated, such as swerving to avoid an animal and then striking another vehicle or fixed object, ask your insurer how it will classify the claim.

The actual circumstances matter.

Can Your Insurance Company Drop You for an Animal Collision Claim?

Texas provides some protections regarding nonrenewal.

The Texas Department of Insurance states that an insurance company cannot refuse to renew a policy merely because of a claim involving damage from hitting an animal. However, TDI notes that the insurer could potentially change your rate at renewal.

Your exact premium outcome depends on the insurer and circumstances.

If you have concerns about how a claim may affect your policy, ask your agent or insurer before assuming that filing a comprehensive claim automatically results in cancellation.

When Should You File the Insurance Claim?

Promptly.

The Texas Department of Insurance recommends filing claims as soon as possible and documenting damage with photos and videos.

When contacting your insurer, have available:

• Policy information
• Date and time
• Accident location
• Photos
• Description of the impact
• Information about towing
• Police or incident report information, if applicable

Ask:

• Does comprehensive coverage apply?
• What deductible applies?
• Does the insurer need to inspect the vehicle?
• Is towing covered?
• Do I have rental reimbursement?
• What repair documentation will be required?

Keeping this information organized can make the claims process easier.

Can You Choose Your Own Auto Body Shop in Texas?

Yes.

The Texas Department of Insurance says an insurance company may provide a list of body shops, but you can take your vehicle to any shop you choose.

That means you can select a facility based on factors such as:

• Repair capabilities
• Experience
• Communication
• Location
• Warranty
• Repair procedures

Grimes Paint & Body provides professional collision repair for Forney drivers and can prepare a repair estimate after animal-related vehicle damage.

Should You Drive the Car After Hitting an Animal?

Only if the vehicle appears safe to operate.

An animal collision can cause damage that makes continued driving unsafe even when the engine still runs.

Before driving, look for:

• Fluid leaks
• Steam
• Loose bumper parts
• Tire rubbing
• Broken headlights
• Damaged windshield
• Hood blocking visibility
• Steering problems
• New warning lights
• Unusual noises

If you are uncertain, have the vehicle towed.

Driving a damaged vehicle can worsen the problem or create another safety issue.

The fact that the vehicle starts is not enough to establish that it is safe for the road.

Can Animal Collisions Cause Hidden Damage?

Yes.

A bumper or body panel may hide components damaged behind the exterior surface.

Depending on the impact location, concealed damage can involve:

• Bumper reinforcement
• Energy absorbers
• Mounting brackets
• Wiring
• Cooling components
• Sensor mounts
• Inner body panels

A plastic bumper cover can deform during impact and then partially return toward its original position.

The outside may therefore look relatively normal while components underneath remain damaged.

Professional auto body repair should evaluate more than the most visible dent.

Can Hitting a Deer Damage the Cooling System?

Yes, especially during a front-end impact.

Behind the grille and front bumper may be components such as:

• Radiator
• Air-conditioning condenser
• Cooling fans
• Hoses
• Supports

Watch for:

• Coolant leaks
• Steam
• Rising temperature gauge
• Overheating warning
• Unusual smells

Do not continue driving an overheating vehicle.

An initially manageable body repair can become considerably more serious if an engine is damaged because the cooling system no longer operates correctly.

Can an Animal Collision Damage Headlights?

Yes.

Headlights are common impact points during deer and other animal collisions.

Damage may include:

• Broken lens
• Cracked housing
• Broken mounting tabs
• Wiring problems
• Internal damage
• Misalignment

A headlight can still illuminate even when its mounting structure is broken.

That is why simply checking whether the light turns on does not provide a complete inspection.

If the housing is cracked, moisture can also enter and create additional problems over time.

Can Hitting an Animal Damage the Hood?

Yes.

Larger animals such as deer can be thrown upward after the initial front-end impact.

That can damage:

• Hood
• Hinges
• Latch
• Fenders
• Windshield

A bent hood needs more than cosmetic evaluation.

Technicians should determine whether:

• Latch is secure
• Hinges are damaged
• Adjacent panels shifted
• Underlying components were affected

Do not continue driving with a hood that appears unable to latch securely.

What If the Windshield Is Cracked?

A larger animal impact can damage the windshield directly.

Avoid driving when windshield damage:

• Severely interferes with visibility
• Creates loose or unstable glass
• Extends through an important viewing area

Modern windshields may also support forward-facing cameras associated with driver-assistance technology.

If windshield replacement affects one of those cameras, the manufacturer may require a calibration procedure.

The vehicle should therefore be evaluated according to its specific equipment and OEM requirements.

Can an Animal Collision Damage ADAS Sensors?

Potentially.

Modern vehicles frequently use cameras, radar, and other sensors around areas commonly damaged in animal impacts, including:

• Bumper
• Grille
• Windshield
• Mirrors

These technologies may support:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Lane assistance
• Parking systems

NHTSA explains that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems depend on cameras, radar, and other sensors to monitor surrounding conditions.

A sensor may survive the impact while its mounting bracket or surrounding component moves.

That is why technicians need to evaluate the complete affected area.

Does an Animal Collision Automatically Require ADAS Calibration?

No.

Calibration depends on:

• Vehicle
• Sensor equipment
• Damage location
• Components removed
• Components replaced
• Repairs performed

For example, calibration may become relevant when repairs involve:

• Radar removal
• Windshield replacement
• Bumper replacement
• Suspension work
• Structural repairs

The correct requirement should come from manufacturer-specific repair information rather than a universal assumption.

What If a Dashboard Warning Appears After the Collision?

Do not automatically clear it.

An animal impact may potentially create warnings involving:

• Check engine system
• Airbags
• ABS
• Stability control
• ADAS
• Parking sensors

A diagnostic scan can help identify stored trouble codes that require further investigation.

The warning itself does not necessarily tell technicians exactly which component failed.

Physical inspection and diagnostic information should be considered together.

If multiple warning lights appear or the vehicle drives differently, be cautious about continuing to operate it.

Can Hitting an Animal Damage the Suspension?

Yes, depending on how the accident unfolds.

The initial animal impact may not directly strike the suspension, but the driver may:

• Hit a curb
• Leave the roadway
• Strike debris
• Impact a ditch

Suspension-related warning signs can include:

• Vehicle pulling
• Crooked steering wheel
• Vibration
• Tire rubbing
• New clunking noises
• One wheel sitting differently

Tell the repair facility about the entire incident, including what happened after the animal entered the road.

That information can guide the inspection.

Why Can the Repair Estimate Increase After Disassembly?

An initial estimate can only account for damage that technicians can identify at that stage.

After removing a bumper, headlight, fender, or other damaged component, technicians may discover:

• Broken reinforcement
• Bent brackets
• Cooling-system damage
• Wiring concerns
• Additional body damage
• Sensor damage

Those findings can require a supplemental estimate.

The shop may document the additional damage and communicate it to the insurer when applicable.

This does not necessarily mean the first estimate was incorrect. Some collision damage is physically hidden until the vehicle is taken apart.

Why Does Professional Paint Repair Matter After an Animal Strike?

Animal collisions can scrape, chip, crack, or remove paint.

If the damage penetrates the protective finish, technicians may need to address:

• Exposed primer
• Exposed metal
• Denting
• Scratches
• Panel deformation

Professional refinishing can involve:

• Surface preparation
• Primer
• Color matching
• Basecoat
• Clear coat
• Final inspection

This is particularly important where collision damage exposes steel because damaged protective coatings can leave the underlying material more vulnerable to corrosion.

Can Paintless Dent Repair Be Used After an Animal Collision?

Sometimes.

If the impact creates a relatively shallow dent and:

• Factory paint remains intact
• Metal is not severely stretched
• Panel remains accessible
• No structural damage exists

then Paintless Dent Repair may be an option.

However, animal impacts frequently involve:

• Cracked paint
• Sharp deformation
• Multiple damaged components

which can make conventional repair more appropriate.

A technician should inspect the panel before determining whether PDR is suitable.

Should You Try to Repair Animal Collision Damage Yourself?

Minor cosmetic cleaning is one thing. Collision repair is another.

DIY repair can make it difficult to identify:

• Hidden brackets
• Structural concerns
• Sensor issues
• Wiring damage
• Cooling-system problems

Modern vehicle repair can also require:

• Manufacturer procedures
• Specialized measuring
• Diagnostic tools
• Professional refinishing

Trying to straighten damaged panels or cover deeper paint damage without understanding the underlying condition may create more work later.

A professional inspection gives you a clearer picture before deciding what repairs are actually necessary.

What Should You Ask the Body Shop?

Useful questions include:

• Is the visible damage the full extent of the impact?
• Does the bumper need to come off for inspection?
• Are cooling components damaged?
• Are headlights or mounts affected?
• Does the vehicle have sensors behind the damaged area?
• Could diagnostic scanning be required?
• Does anything need calibration?
• Is the damaged panel repairable?
• Will the estimate change if hidden damage is found?
• How will you communicate with my insurance company?

Grimes Paint & Body provides repair estimates and can explain the repair plan before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after hitting an animal in Texas?

Get yourself and passengers to a safe location, check for injuries, activate hazard lights, and call 911 when there is an immediate roadway hazard, injury, or unsafe situation.

Should I approach an injured deer?

No. Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends contacting a local game warden dispatcher for an injured deer and advises people not to attempt to care for injured wildlife themselves.

Can I take a dead deer home after hitting it?

No. Texas Parks and Wildlife says it is illegal to tag a road-killed deer or other game animal and take it with you.

Does Texas car insurance cover hitting an animal?

If you carry applicable comprehensive coverage, it generally covers damage caused by hitting an animal, subject to your deductible and policy terms.

Can I choose my own collision repair shop?

Yes. The Texas Department of Insurance states that insurers may provide body shop lists, but customers can choose where their vehicle is repaired.

Can hitting an animal cause hidden damage?

Yes. Bumpers and exterior panels can conceal reinforcement, brackets, cooling components, wiring, sensors, and additional body damage.

Is it safe to drive after hitting a deer?

Only if the vehicle remains safe to operate. Fluid leaks, overheating, severe steering changes, broken glass, loose body components, tire interference, or significant warning lights are reasons to arrange towing or professional assistance.

Where can I get animal collision damage repaired in Forney, TX?

Grimes Paint & Body provides professional collision and auto body repair at 11804 N Profit Row, Forney, TX 75126, United States.

Hit an Animal? Get the Damage Checked in Forney, TX

Animal collisions can cause far more than a cracked bumper or dented hood. Depending on the impact, damage may extend to headlights, cooling components, wiring, glass, suspension, body structures, or driver-assistance sensors hidden behind exterior panels.

After getting safely off the road, avoid approaching injured wildlife, document the damage, contact the appropriate authorities when necessary, and notify your insurer. If you carry comprehensive coverage, the Texas Department of Insurance states that damage from hitting an animal is generally covered subject to your policy and deductible.

If your vehicle has been involved in an animal collision, visit Grimes Paint & Body at 11804 N Profit Row, Forney, TX 75126, United States. The team provides professional collision repair, auto body repair, and Paintless Dent Repair to identify visible and potentially concealed accident damage and develop an appropriate repair plan.