If you have a dog, then you likely view them as a "member of the family." That last thing you likely ever expect is for your dog to get injured in an auto accident while in your car or for them to get hit by a car on the road. However, remember that any time your dog is inside of your vehicle, there is always a chance that another driver will strike your vehicle and, no matter how close an eye you keep on your dog, they may "escape" your back yard by digging a hole under the fence or jumping over it and wander into dangerous traffic. 

So you know what to do if your dog is ever injured during an auto accident or hit by a vehicle on the road, read on to learn about who is liable for a dog's injuries during an auto accident. 

If You Are Not At-fault for an Auto Accident

When you are on the road with your dog, you likely hope that other drivers notice that you have a delicate companion in your car and take care to drive safely when near your vehicle. However, unfortunately, there are always bad drivers on the road who can cause a collision, and even safe drivers can accidentally cause collisions. Thankfully, many auto insurance companies offer pet injury coverage that is included in the fine print of their collision coverage. 

However, if you are not at-fault for the accident, then the at-fault driver's insurance company should cover the cost of your dog's veterinarian bills. Before you allow your auto insurance company to pay for your dog's injuries, you should have an auto accident attorney contact the at-fault driver's insurance company and demand that they pay for your dog's veterinary bills. 

If the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, then of course, you need to contact an auto accident lawyer to sue the at-fault driver for your medical bills and the cost of the repairs to your car. However, don't forget to inform your attorney that your dog was also injured during the accident, because the at-fault driver is also liable for the cost of your dog's veterinary bills or the pain and suffering you endure due to loss of your beloved companion. 

If You Are At-fault for an Auto Accident

While you likely take care to drive safely at all times, especially when your dog is inside of your vehicle, even the best driver can accidentally cause a collision just by making one wrong move on the road. Of course, this is why you must have an auto insurance policy in most states, and hopefully, you go for a "full coverage" policy over one that offers state minimum coverage. 

While not all auto insurance companies cover the cost of your dog's veterinary bills if you are at-fault for an accident, some do. This makes it very important to contact your auto insurance company before you accidentally cause an accident to make sure your pet is covered. If not, then you may want to switch to another auto insurance company or consider obtaining pet insurance that will cover the cost of your dog's injuries that occur due to an auto accident you cause. 

If Your Dog Gets Hit by a Car on the Road

If your dog ever gets hit by a vehicle on the road, then liability depends greatly on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Unfortunately, if there are local leash laws and your dog wanders onto the street alone, then gets struck by a vehicle that is obeying all laws of the road, you will likely be found liable for the dog's injuries.

However, if your dog is struck by a vehicle intentionally or by a careless driver, then the driver is likely at least partially liable for your dog's injuries, even if there are local leash laws. In all but five states, there are comparative negligence laws; if you sue the driver, you will be considered partially at fault for accidentally allowing your dog to enter the street alone, but the driver may be considered partially at fault for driving carelessly or intentionally striking the dog when they could have avoided hitting them. 

If your dog is ever hit by a vehicle on the road, then speak with an auto accident attorney who is well-versed with your local laws. He or she can help you determine if you have a solid case against the driver that will likely lead to compensation if you were to take the driver to court. 

If you have a dog, then it is important to know what to do if they are ever injured while riding with you in your vehicle or after strolling onto the road. Make sure your auto insurance policy covers your dog's injuries if you were to accidentally cause a collision now, and keep these facts in mind if your dog is ever injured during an accident when you are not at-fault or if a driver strikes your car on the road. 

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