Animals and Car Accidents

Animals and Car Accidents: Legal Considerations

When animals are involved in car accidents, determining legal liability can be complex. These incidents can range from collisions with domesticated pets like dogs or cats to accidents involving wild animals such as deer. The impact on a claim can vary based on factors like the type of animal, where the accident occurred, and local laws regarding pet or wildlife management. At 770GoodLaw, we understand the intricacies of such cases and guide clients through the unique legal challenges they present.

Types of Animal-Related Car Accidents

Animal-related car accidents typically fall into a few categories:

1. Domestic Animal Collisions: These involve pets such as dogs, cats, or livestock like cows or horses that have wandered into roadways. In these cases, the animal’s owner may be liable if they failed to properly contain the animal.
2. Wild Animal Incidents: Collisions with wild animals (e.g., deer, moose) are more common in rural or forested areas. These cases are often treated differently, as there is generally no single party responsible for a wild animal’s presence on the road.
3. Farm or Ranch Accidents: In rural regions, farm animals like cattle or horses may stray onto highways, creating dangerous situations. The responsibility often falls on the owner if the animal’s presence results from inadequate fencing or improper supervision.

Key Legal Factors in Animal-Related Car Accidents

In animal-related car accident cases, several factors influence the outcome:

• Negligence and Liability: For domestic animals, pet owners or animal handlers have a duty to prevent their animals from causing harm or accidents. If a dog, for example, escapes from an unfenced yard and causes an accident, the owner may be found negligent and responsible for damages.
• Local and State Laws: Some states have strict liability laws for pet owners, meaning owners are automatically liable if their pet causes an accident. In other states, the court examines whether the owner was negligent in restraining the animal.
• Insurance Implications: Insurance policies may or may not cover animal-related car accidents, depending on the policy type and whether it involves a wild or domestic animal. Claims may become more complicated if they include injury to the driver, passenger, or pet itself.

Wild Animals: A Different Scenario

Collisions with wild animals bring distinct legal challenges. Generally, no one owns wild animals, so liability is rarely assigned. In many areas, road signs warn drivers of high-risk zones for deer or other animals, and drivers are expected to be cautious. However, a government entity might share liability if poor road design or lack of wildlife management directly contributed to the accident.

For example, if an area has an unusually high number of wildlife-related accidents, yet no safety measures like fencing or signage are in place, an argument could be made that state or local authorities neglected their duty of care to drivers. In these rare cases, a claim could be filed against the municipality, though such cases are challenging and require a thorough understanding of local laws.

Steps to Take After an Animal-Related Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident involving an animal, taking the following steps can strengthen your claim:

1. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the vehicle, animal (if safe and possible), and any relevant surroundings (e.g., broken fencing, road signs). This can help establish what happened and any signs of negligence.
2. Contact Local Authorities: Reporting the accident can help with documentation. Police or animal control may need to create an official record, especially if the animal was domesticated.
3. Get Medical Attention: Animal-related car accidents can cause severe injuries, and immediate medical attention is essential to prioritize your well-being and build a record of your injuries.
4. Report to Insurance: Inform your insurance company as soon as possible, providing all documented evidence and reports to support your claim.

How 770GoodLaw Handles Animal-Related Car Accident Claims

At 770GoodLaw, we recognize the unique circumstances these accidents present. Our approach includes:

• Determining Liability: We carefully investigate who may bear responsibility, whether it’s a pet owner, farm operator, or even a government entity.
• Navigating Complex Insurance Claims: Insurance companies may dispute claims involving animals, particularly wild animals. Our team ensures that every piece of evidence is thoroughly documented and effectively presented, maximizing your chances of securing compensation.
• Pursuing Comprehensive Compensation: Beyond vehicle repair, animal-related accidents can involve medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income. We work to recover all eligible damages, supporting clients’ recovery and financial stability.

Common Damages in Animal-Related Car Accident Cases

Damages can range widely based on the specifics of the case but may include:

• Medical Costs: For injuries sustained during the accident, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
• Emotional and Physical Suffering: These accidents can cause psychological trauma, especially if severe injury or significant damage occurred.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to injuries, you may be eligible to claim lost income.

770GoodLaw: Your Advocate in Animal-Related Car Accident Claims

Our mission is to fight for clients affected by challenging car accidents, including those involving animals. We bring Relentless Reliability, Sincetegrity, and a dedication to fair treatment to each case, helping clients navigate the legal process with confidence and clarity.