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What should you do when you hit a raccoon?
Help! I hit a raccoon with my car! It came out of nowhere, and I couldn’t veer in time. What should I do?!
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If the animal is still on the road, you should call the police and possibly contact animal control, then check your car for damages caused by the accident.
Although you may feel bad, you should avoid trying to help the raccoon—there’s not a lot you can do, and you don’t want to risk disease.
Instead, you should call the police and do the following:
- Step 1: Let them know where the animal is.
- Step 2: Explain the situation.
- Step 3: Ask if animal control should be contacted. These agencies will probably be better equipped to deal with the animal.
Next, you’ll need to evaluate your vehicle. Even hitting a smaller animal like a raccoon can cause car damage, so take the following steps after the accident:
- Step 1: Pull over when you can and check your car for obvious damage.
- Step 2: Take pictures of any car damage and the scene of the accident.
- Step 3: Have your car inspected for any undercarriage damage even if there’s no visible damage.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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