I had a similar problem but not because I ran over anything. I would just get a strong click when I would use the key. I either checked, or replaced, all the different starting components with no luck. I could also start the mower by jumping the solenoid. It turns out it was one of the safety switches. Mine had a pedal that operated forward and reverse and the switch that only allowed it to start in neutral had come loose from the bracket. Yours might be different, but you might double check your safety switches and the wiring to them again.
