Deer-Vehicle Collisions — Tennessee
Dead Deer Hit by Car?
What to Do After a Deer-Vehicle Collision in Tennessee
A deer-vehicle collision leaves you dealing with a damaged car, a dead or injured animal, and a lot of questions about what happens next. Here's exactly what to do — from the moment of impact through carcass removal and insurance.
(615) 613-5992 — Private Removal
What to Do Right After the Collision
Move to safety first
Pull your vehicle off the road if it's drivable. Turn on hazard lights. Do not stand in the roadway to check on the deer — your safety comes first.
Do not approach a live deer
A deer that appears dead may still be alive and dangerous. An injured deer can kick hard enough to cause serious injury. Keep your distance and call authorities if the deer is still moving.
Call 911 if there are injuries or road hazards
If anyone is injured or the deer is blocking a lane of traffic, call 911 immediately. Tennessee law requires you to report accidents involving injury or significant property damage.
Document the scene for insurance
Photograph your vehicle damage, the deer's location, the road, and any skid marks. Note the road name, mile marker, and time. This documentation supports your insurance claim.
File a police report
Contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol or local police to file a report. Many insurance companies require a police report for comprehensive deer-collision claims.
Report the carcass to the right agency
On state highways, call TDOT Region 3 at (615) 350-4405. On Nashville city streets, call Metro Public Works at (615) 862-5000. On private property, call us directly.
Insurance After a Deer Collision
Deer-vehicle collisions are typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance — not collision coverage. Key facts for Tennessee drivers:
Comprehensive coverage applies
Hitting a deer is considered a collision with an animal, which falls under comprehensive coverage. If you only carry liability insurance, deer damage is typically not covered.
No fault is assigned
Deer collisions are not considered at-fault accidents in Tennessee. Filing a comprehensive claim should not raise your rates the way an at-fault collision would.
Document everything at the scene
Photos of the deer, your vehicle, and the road — plus a police report number — are the most important items for a smooth claim.
You cannot keep the deer without a permit
Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 70-4-115) requires a TWRA salvage permit to keep a deer carcass from a vehicle collision. Picking it up without a permit is illegal.
Who Removes the Deer Carcass?
On a state highway or interstate
Call to report. Response times vary — can be same day or several days depending on crew availability.
On a Nashville city street
Metro handles Davidson County city streets. Not responsible for state highways within Nashville.
On a county road
Contact your county highway department for county-maintained roads in Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, Maury, or Robertson counties.
On private property or your driveway
Government services do not come onto private land. We provide same-day private removal anywhere in Middle Tennessee.
TDOT was called but hasn't responded
When government response is delayed and you need the carcass gone today, we're your fastest option.
Tennessee Law on Deer Carcasses After a Collision
- You may not keep a deer killed by a vehicle without a TWRA salvage permit (T.C.A. § 70-4-115)
- Salvage permits are issued by TWRA and allow you to keep the deer for personal use — not for sale
- Moving a carcass across county lines without a permit is prohibited
- Leaving a carcass on private property in a way that creates a public nuisance is subject to fines
- TWRA-permitted removal companies provide the safest, fully legal disposal option
What If the Deer Is Still Alive?
An injured deer after a collision is a TWRA matter, not a removal call. Do not attempt to handle or move a live deer. Contact Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or local animal control. A severely injured deer that cannot be saved may be humanely dispatched by a TWRA officer. Once the deer has died, carcass removal follows the same process as any other roadkill.
Deer on Your Property After a Collision? Call Us.
If the deer ended up on private property, in your yard, or on your driveway — that's our call. Same-day service across Middle Tennessee.
(615) 613-5992 — Call Now