What should I do right after hitting a deer?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Get your vehicle safely off the road if you can. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the deer is in the active lane. Otherwise, report the crash or call local law enforcement. Stay buckled inside your vehicle while you wait, and never try to move an injured deer.
The details
Those steps come straight from WisDOT. A few practical additions for Barron-area roads:
- Turn on your hazards. Walking along the highway is dangerous, so WisDOT advises staying in the vehicle.
- For a dead deer that needs removal, call the county sheriff's non-emergency line (or 911 if it's in the roadway), per WisDOT's car-killed deer page.
- Take photos of the vehicle and the scene for your insurer once it's safe.
- Before you drive on, check for fluid leaks, a damaged radiator, broken lights and anything rubbing a tire.
If the vehicle still drives but something feels off, our service department can inspect it. Our service departments are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday hours are for sales only. We don't service electric vehicles.
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.
More Deer Crash Help answers
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Do I have to report hitting a deer in Wisconsin?
- Can I keep a deer I hit with my car in Wisconsin?
- Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?
- When are deer crashes most common in Wisconsin?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- 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
Should I swerve to miss a deer?
WisDOT says if you can't avoid hitting a deer, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Sudden swerving can cause a more serious crash.
Who do I call to remove a dead deer?
WisDOT says to call the county sheriff's non-emergency line for a deer off the roadway, or 911 if it's on the roadway.
Should I get out of the car after hitting a deer?
WisDOT advises staying buckled up inside your vehicle and waiting for help.
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 news release (May 2026): Deer crashes spike in late spring, early summer: wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: Car-killed deer: wisconsindot.gov