About 90.5 million families (70% of US households) own a pet. In fact, about one in three Americans adopted a pet during the pandemic. Despite the number of pet owners, not many people know their options if a pet gets injured.
Was your pet hurt in a car crash? Here are a few things you might want to consider.
Understanding your options after a pet sustains a car accident injury can help you make an informed choice. For example, you could fight for car crash compensation with a beloved pet in mind.
Read on to learn what to do after a pet gets hurt in a crash today.
Coverage
One of the first questions people usually ask includes, “Is my pet covered in a car crash?”
In some cases, yes. Pets are considered personal property. With that in mind, you can choose to obtain insurance compensation for damages.
If your pet gets injured in a crash, consider filing insurance claims right away. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
However, you’ll need to consider the laws within your state. Before taking action, consider consulting a Florida lawyer. They can help you make more informed decisions along the way.
For example, you might need to look to your personal injury protection (PIP) policy to cover injuries. You can’t, however, cover property damage with PIP.
If you have collision coverage, it will only provide compensation for damages to your vehicle.
In some cases, however, the other party’s property damage liability policy can help. It could cover damages to personal property, including your beloved pet.
Value
When filing insurance claims for car crash compensation, you’ll need to consider the damaged property’s market value. Your insurance company will only pay the market value.
If you paid $100 for your cat or dog, you’ll only receive $100 in damages. It doesn’t matter how much you’ll need to pay in vet bills or other related expenses.
Exclusions
Talking to a car accident lawyer can also help you cover any insurance exclusions you’ll need to consider. Some insurance companies do have exclusions for situations when a pet gets injured.
For example, the insurance company might allow car crash compensation for cats and dogs, but not an exotic animal.
If your pet suffers from a pre-existing condition, you can’t obtain compensation to help cover those costs.
About 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries after a crash. Many injuries result in long-term disabilities as well.
Get Yourself and Your Pet Checked Out After A Car Crash
Immediately after a car accident, visit a doctor and get checked out. Ask them to document your injuries, medications, and treatments. Then, visit a vet.
Have a vet do the same thing. Ask them to officially document your pet’s injuries. Then, make a list of the expenses accrued from your pet’s treatments.
Determine if there’s a chance your pet will sustain a lasting injury as well.
If you fail to visit a vet, you could struggle to receive the full amount of car crash compensation you’re due.
After gathering these documents, talk to a car accident lawyer. They’ll need these medical bills to determine your losses.
It’s unlikely you’ll collect car crash compensation for non-economic damages related to a pet’s car accident injury or death. Mental anguish is an example of non-economic damage. If you lose a pet after a crash, you won’t receive compensation for emotional suffering.
Speaking with a car accident lawyer can help you review any other exclusions you’ll need to consider.
However, you could file a lawsuit to fight for car crash compensation. A lawsuit could help you fight for damages related to pain and suffering. If you lose a pet, you could fight for the compensation you’re rightfully due.
You might consider filing a lawsuit for compensation if the insurance company’s settlement offer is lower than you’d like.
Most of these claims are resolved through an insurance settlement, though.
Make sure to speak with your car accident lawyer to review your options.
Protect Your Pet
You can’t predict when a car crash might occur. Before one happens, make an effort to protect your pet.
Though it’s not possible to protect them completely from harm, you can follow a few tips to minimize their injuries. First, make sure to always keep your pet properly restrained when traveling by car.
Many companies have noticed America’s growing love for their pets. These companies have developed new ways to help pets travel safely. For example, you might consider a bubble pet carrier.
You can also try an auto zip line if you have a dog. The zip line will keep your dog secure when the vehicle is in motion.
You might consider using a crash-tested crate, too. You can lock these crates down using a seatbelt. The process is similar to how you’d lock a car seat for a child into place.
Otherwise, consider protecting your pet by looking into insurance for pets. Pet insurance usually covers dogs and cats when they get hurt in an accident or unexpectedly sick.
If you have insurance for pets, you could avoid a fight with a car insurance company. Pet insurance can help provide compensation for vet bills and other related damages.
Otherwise, you could find animal hospitalization and veterinary treatments more expensive than you might realize.
The insurance can also cover regular visits to the vet. It can help manage a chronic illness or other conditions, too.
Insurance policies have limits to their coverage, though.
Think ahead!
Fight for Compensation: What to Do If a Pet Gets Injured in a Crash
Your pet is a part of your family. If your pet gets injured in a car crash, it helps to have a plan. Unfortunately, you might not receive coverage for your pet’s car accident injury from an insurance company.
Make sure to contact a car accident lawyer after a crash. They’ll help you review your legal options. With their help, you can save from unnecessary spending and receive car crash compensation.
Eager to speak with a lawyer? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
