Car accidents involving deer are fairly rare, on average, but they can be devastating. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute suggest that less than 1% of the driving public will be involved in an animal-related collision in any given year. But it depends on where you live. West Virginia reports the most such collisions; Hawaii reports the least.

If you are ever involved in an accident with a deer, here’s what to do in the aftermath:

Call 911

The first thing you should do is stop and call 911. If you or someone in your car is injured, apply first-aid as best you can. Then wait for the authorities to arrive. If there are no injuries, it might be best to move your car off the road so as to avoid a secondary accident with another car.

Complete the Police Report

Assuming you don’t have to be taken to the hospital, you’ll have to work with the police to complete a report. Do your best to offer as many details as possible. Why? Because your insurance company will use that report to determine its own course of action. Your insurance adjuster is relying on its accuracy.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’re done at the accident scene, it’s time to call your insurance company. Be prepared to learn that your car is totaled. A typical deer accident causes enough damage to make repairs not worth it to insurance companies. On the outside chance your car is not totaled, the final step is to get in touch with a collision shop and arrange for repairs to be made.

Hopefully you never have to experience the aftermath of a collision with a deer. Avoiding an accident is better for you, the deer, and your car.