What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident With Your Dog

Whether you take your dog with you on long distance travel or for a short ride to the beach, your pet is just as much at risk of injury from a car accident as you are. No matter how well you secure your dog inside your vehicle, a severe impact can still put your dog in danger.

If you were involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, a highly qualified lawyer can help you understand your rights.

The knowledgeable team at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. is here to protect your legal right to recovery. Our goal is always to recover maximum compensation on our clients’ behalf and hold the other party accountable for their careless actions. Your dog is a beloved part of your family, and if it becomes injured in a collision caused by another driver, you have the right to include your dog’s rehabilitative expenses in your claim for recovery.

Steps to Take After Getting Into a Car Accident With Your Dog

After getting into a car accident with your dog, we suggest taking the following steps:

Remain Calm

Assess if your pet is okay by listening for any crying, whimpering, growling, or other sounds of discomfort. You should try your best to remain calm, as dogs may sense your emotional state, and behaving erratically could cause them more stress.

Carefully Look For Any Injuries

No matter how well-behaved your dog may be, it may still bite or nip at you if it’s injured and scared. Therefore, when assessing for injuries, it’s important to avoid eye contact and to speak in a calm, encouraging tone. To prevent your dog from running away or further injuring itself, you may secure it with a blanket and ensure it is properly leashed.

See Your Vet

Even if your dog does not seem hurt right away, you should take it to a veterinarian so they may look for any potential problems or other issues the accident could have caused. Doing this lets your dog start recovery immediately and get the treatment it needs.

File an Insurance Claim

Just like regular car accidents, you may file an insurance claim to recover damages caused to your pet. Insurance companies often classify pets as property, so filing a claim gives you the chance to receive compensation for your vet bills and other costs that resulted from another person’s negligence.

Potentially Recoverable Damages for Your Dog’s Injuries After a California Car Accident

When someone else’s negligent behavior results in your dog sustaining injuries, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses. Depending on the specifics of your claim, you may be able to recover the following damages:

  • Current and future vet bills
  • Replacement costs
  • Special economic value
  • Emotional distress

A skilled attorney will review your policies and negotiate with your insurance company to achieve the compensation you deserve.

Consult a Seasoned California Car Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp

California is a great place to travel with your dog, but when you get in a car accident with your pet in the car, you may not know the best course of action to take. In addition to ensuring your dog’s safety, contact an understanding lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Attorney Eric Ratinoff will fight for your rights and look out for your best interest every step of the way. Our team has over 30 years of experience in helping injured people get the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced legal team employs numerous resources to communicate our clients’ losses. From highly credible expert witnesses to graphic storyboards and micro-documentaries, we get to the heart of every claim and provide outstanding results. We pride ourselves on building your claim and fighting for you and your pet. We understand that your dog is like family, so we will help you make the best decisions for its health. To schedule a consultation, call us at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form.