Every day, at least one Wisconsin driver hits a deer. Here's what to do when it's you.

Joe Taschler | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Show Caption Hide Caption Tips on how to avoid deer and what to do if you hit one Tips on how to avoid deer and what to do if you hit one

With more than 20,000 deer crashes in the state in a year, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has developed somewhat of a how-to guide for motorists who strike deer.

Here are some of the DOT's recommendations:

Get your vehicle off the road, and stay inside

If your vehicle is still drivable, move it safely off the road.

It's generally safest to stay buckled up inside your vehicle. "Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle," according to the DOT.

Don't attempt to help or move the deer

Even if the deer is only injured, it's best to stay in your car and call law enforcement.

If the carcass is off the traveled portion of the roadway, contact the appropriate county sheriff’s department using the agency’s nonemergency phone number. Reporting the specific location of a carcass is essential to facilitate removal.

Be prepared to describe your specific location, i.e., the specific highway; direction of travel; milepost; nearest intersecting highway, exit or mailbox number.

Call 911 if the deer carcass is on the road

Deer carcasses on the active, traveled portion of a highway represent an urgent safety hazard and should be reported immediately by calling 911.

Find out if your car insurance covers damage from a deer collision

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage will cover the damage from a collision with a deer or another animal. But comprehensive coverage is optional, so check your policy for specifics.

Last year, American Family Insurance paid out more than $149 million to almost 40,000 customers who had hit animals. The most were in Wisconsin.

Decide who gets to keep the deer

According to the state Department of Natural Resources, any person may claim a deer (or bear or turkey) that has been accidentally killed by a motor vehicle.

"The driver of a vehicle that collides with and kills a deer, bear or turkey has first priority to the carcass," according to the DNR. "If the driver does not want the carcass, any other person who arrives at the scene may request possession of the carcass."

For deer that no one claims, the DOT works with private vendors, county highway departments and law enforcement to remove the carcasses.

State law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency responders, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles — including crews removing deer carcasses.

Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554 or jtaschler@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeTaschler or Facebook at facebook.com/joe.taschler.1.