One minute, you’re heading home, ready to relax after a long day. The next, you spot an animal too late, and you swerve to miss it, or you hit it and crash. In either case, you and the animal could be seriously injured, and you need help recovering from your injuries.
But, who’s at fault when an animal runs out into the road and causes an accident? The answer depends on the details of your case. Fortunately, your attorney can help you determine who’s responsible for an animal-related injury, whether it was a wild animal, farm animals, or just a pet.
When someone is a pet or livestock owner, they’re expected to keep a close eye on their animals. They’re responsible for the animal’s safety, as well as those around or in contact with the animal. When an animal gets loose and causes a car accident, the pet owner may be responsible.
For example, let’s say a dog wasn’t properly fenced in, and they escaped. They may have been standing in the road when you came around the curve, and you didn’t have time to stop. Instead of stopping, you might have swerved into oncoming traffic.
If someone’s pet is responsible for causing the accident, the pet owner may be responsible for the damage their pet caused. That means your Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the responsible pet or livestock owner and help you get compensated for your losses.
If you hit a deer or other wild animal, the at-fault party might not be so obvious. Because these animals don’t have an owner or someone who’s responsible when they hurt someone, the responsibility could fall on you as the involved driver.
However, if you only hit the deer or other wild animals, and it damaged your car, you might be eligible for a settlement with your insurance company. Although the company may not be so willing to settle your claim with you, you may have an opportunity for compensation.
Other drivers can make this even more complicated, though. If you or another driver swerved to avoid the accident, it can be difficult to determine who’s truly at fault for the accident, which is where your attorney comes in.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident because an animal ran out in front of your car, you don’t have to accept the losses caused by the accident and move on. Instead, you may have the opportunity to seek compensation for your losses, which can help you if you’re struggling to overcome your injuries, financial losses, and emotional effects following the accident.
At the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg, we know that it’s tough to seek recompense after a car accident. That’s why we offer free consultations. If you’re hurt or struggling to recover after an accident involving animals, reach out by calling 414-271-7007 or by visiting us online to learn more about our services.
