We all know that if you get hurt in an auto accident that is another driver’s fault, the other driver’s insurance has to pay for your injuries. But what if your dog was in the car with you and was hurt or killed? After all, it’s quite normal for a pet, especially a dog, to be in someone’s car which means they are at risk too.
Head-On Crash Injures Three Kills Dog in North Spokane
A man was arrested for vehicular assault for his part in an accident on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. According to Spokane Police, the man was driving east on Upriver Drive at a high rate of speed and crossed the centerline.
He hit a car occupied by a female driver, a minor and a dog. Both drivers and the minor were transported to the hospital, but the dog died at the scene. Police say that other charges are likely pending an investigation. They also said that alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
Liability for Pets in a Crash
The law requires the at-fault driver to pay compensation for all damages sustained by anyone in the vehicle. This includes all persons, but not pets. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get compensated anyway.
It means that the losses regarding the pet have to be losses for the people who were injured in the accident. For example, if the dog was injured, the medical bills from the vet would be damages so long as they were paid by the victims in the car accident.
However, the victims can’t recover for any pain and suffering that the dog went through. Another way a victim can get compensated for the loss of their dog or pet is to show that it caused them emotional pain and anguish which is allowed because it’s a loss that person suffered because of the accident.
If you’ve lost a pet or one was injured because of the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to some compensation for those losses or injuries. At Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., we understand how important your pet is to you and that you consider him or her part of your family.
We will fight for you to get compensation for all of your losses if someone has injured due to their negligence.
Contact a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Spokane Car Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
