Car accidents are caused by dogs more frequently than you may think

There are numerous causes of car accidents including speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or hazardous weather conditions. However, each year thousands of car accidents caused by dogs that are off leash or have escaped from their owner or owner’s property result in bodily injury and/or property damage.

Loose dogs on roadways represent a serious hazard to the dog, your car, your passengers, and drivers in other cars.  When a driver swerves to avoid hitting a loose dog, it can cause them to crash into another car, a pedestrian, or objects on the side of the road. A driver that slams on their brakes to avoid hitting a dog can end up being rear-ended by the driver behind them.

When an off-leash dog is the cause of a car accident, who is at fault?

It’s time to find the owner

In the state of California, it is illegal for a pet owner to let their dog roam off leash in most cities and counties. Owners must obey the leash laws of the county or municipality in which they reside when taking their dog off of private property.

If you are involved in a single-car accident caused by an off leash dog, the dog’s owner is liable for the accident and any resulting injuries and/or property damage. You may be able to seek compensation for medical and hospital expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from injuries you sustained as a result of the accident.

In multi-car accidents, more than one party could be found at fault depending upon the specifics of the accident. For example, If you braked to avoid hitting a loose dog and were rear-ended, that driver could be found to share some of the liability for following too closely behind you.

Managing injuries caused by the accident

A car accident caused by a loose dog running on the roadway can result in extensive property damage and/or serious bodily injury, especially if you drove off the road trying to avoid the dog and, in doing so, you hit a telephone pole, ended up in a ditch, or worse, struck a pedestrian or bicyclist.  

If you have been hurt in the accident, seek the services of a personal injury attorney who can help you locate the dog’s owner, investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and get you the compensation you need to move forward.

Scott S. Harris, personal injury attorney for car accident victims, represents clients throughout Southern California. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. All cases are taken on a contingency fee basis.