HOW PETS CAN CAUSE CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS IN TEXAS
Unrestrained pets in a vehicle can interfere with a driver operating a car and cause accidents requiring an insurance claim.
Some examples of this include where a pet:
Gets into the driver’s footwell and steps on the accelerator or brakes
Jumps onto the driver and startles them
Climbs on the driver’s lap
Cries to get their owner’s attention
When a pet interferes with your driving, it can cause an accident where your car rolls over or collides with another car, cyclist, pedestrian, or object.
Pets may also escape their homes and run onto the road into oncoming traffic. When this happens, there’s a risk they will be hit by a car or cause an accident when a driver tries to avoid hitting them.
COMMON INJURIES FROM CAR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PETS IN TEXAS
If you’re in a car accident involving your pet, the range of possible injuries is the same as in most other accidents caused by distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, carelessness, weather, among other things. In accidents involving pets, you can sustain head trauma, whiplash, fractures, and bruising. Serious accidents caused by pets can also sometimes result in fatal injuries.
In addition to any injuries you sustain, your pet can also be injured. Fractures, lacerations, and internal bleeding are common injuries in pets involved in motor vehicle accidents. Especially if they’re unrestrained, pets can also be killed in car accidents.
As well as these physical injuries, both you and your pet may suffer emotional trauma following an accident.
If your pet is injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible, or ask someone else to take them if you’re injured and need medical assistance.
COMMON INJURIES FROM CAR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PETS IN TEXAS
If you’re in a car accident involving your pet, the range of possible injuries is the same as in most other accidents caused by distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, carelessness, weather, among other things. In accidents involving pets, you can sustain head trauma, whiplash, fractures, and bruising. Serious accidents caused by pets can also sometimes result in fatal injuries.
In addition to any injuries you sustain, your pet can also be injured. Fractures, lacerations, and internal bleeding are common injuries in pets involved in motor vehicle accidents. Especially if they’re unrestrained, pets can also be killed in car accidents.
As well as these physical injuries, both you and your pet may suffer emotional trauma following an accident.
If your pet is injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible, or ask someone else to take them if you’re injured and need medical assistance.
REMEDIES IN TEXAS FOR CAR ACCIDENTS WITH PETS
Remedies for car accidents involving pets are usually sought through an insurer.
Many collision insurance policies include coverage for pet injuries, as the law considers them the property of the owner. However, there can be limitations. For example, the insurance may only cover specific types of animals and only up to a certain amount. If you are a pet owner, you know that vet bills can quickly become exorbitant.
If the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and you live in a fault state, you may be able to file a third-party claim with their liability insurance.
Some car insurance policies require you to purchase additional pet coverage, so it’s worth reading the terms closely to understand what it does and doesn’t cover.
If your car insurance doesn’t cover your pets, you could consider taking out other protection, such as pet insurance.
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN TEXAS TODAY
At The Law Office of Orlando Zambrano, our auto accident attorney in Texas will guide you through the claims process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for any car accident caused by another person and/or their pet. Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling us at 832-422-9399 to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION.
The Law Office of Orlando Zambrano is committed to answering your questions about Car Crashes, 18-Wheeler Crashes, Slip and Falls, On The Job Injuries, Medical Malpractice and Dog Bites in Texas.
3272 Broadway St. Suite. 122, Pearland, TX 77581