Do I have to report hitting a deer in Wisconsin?
Deer Crash Help · Barron, WI
Do I have to report hitting a deer in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
If the crash injures anyone or causes $1,000 or more in damage to a person's vehicle or property, yes. Wis. Stat. 346.70 requires the report, and a deer crash counts like any other. If law enforcement doesn't file it, you file form DT4002 with WisDOT within 10 days.
The details
The rule is about damage, not about whether another car was involved. Modern bumpers, grilles, headlights and sensors add up quickly, so a deer strike can pass $1,000 before it looks serious.
- Report when: anyone is injured; there's $1,000 or more of damage to any person's vehicle or property; or there's $200 or more of damage to government-owned property other than a vehicle.
- Who files: if law enforcement comes, the officer may complete the report. If not, you complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002).
- Deadline: within 10 days of the crash, per 346.70(2).
WisDOT's online crash report asks for your driver license number, the VIN, your insurance information and your Social Security number.
Hit a deer? Have it checked in Barron.
Book a visit with the service department for your brand to have your vehicle looked over, or call with questions.
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Helpful Swant Graber pages
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- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
What is the damage threshold for reporting a crash in Wisconsin?
$1,000 or more to any person's vehicle or property, $200 or more to government property, or any injury, per WisDOT.
How long do I have to file a Wisconsin crash report?
Within 10 days after the crash if law enforcement didn't file a report, per Wis. Stat. 346.70(2).
What form do I use?
The Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash, DT4002, which WisDOT lets you complete online.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- WisDOT: Crash reporting: wisconsindot.gov
- Wis. Stat. 346.70: Duty upon striking; reports: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov