Animals in Car Accidents

Our policy is to ensure that each client gets the best representation and personal attention they deserve.

Animals in Durham Car Accidents

Putting Your Family’s Needs First

Many of us have pets that we hold near and dear to our hearts and consider to be members of our families. Since these beloved animals are so important in our lives, we would do anything to ensure their well-being. Although we see pets as family members, animals are considered property under North Carolina law. If you are ever in an automobile accident and your pet is injured as a result of the collision, you should file a claim for property damage to receive the appropriate compensation for your pet’s injuries. Our Durham attorneys have helped many clients recover damages after an accident and can help you during this challenging time.

Call Wallace Pierce Law today at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online for a free consultation with our caring and supportive team.

How Are Pets Considered Property in an Accident?

Consider, for example, that you are driving down the highway with your dog, Bruno, in the backseat, and you are rear-ended by another driver. Due to the impact of the collision, Bruno suffers a broken leg. You take Bruno to the veterinarian for an examination and discover that he must undergo a surgery that will cost $3,000. To avoid paying out of pocket for Bruno’s surgery, you should file a claim with your insurance company for property damage. Under North Carolina law, an animal’s injuries are treated similarly to damages to an accident victim’s car. If your car sustains damages in a collision, you take it to a car repair shop for an inspection to determine the cost of repairs, just as you take a pet to the veterinarian if they are injured.

Related Damages When Animal is Injured

Typically, in circumstances where you are not at fault for the accident, the other party’s insurance company will cover the financial costs and damages. You will be required to prove to the insurance company that the accident was not your fault.

Some of the damages that may be recoverable due to an animal being injured include:

Surgery costs
Veterinarian visits
Medications
Hospitalization
Death of the animal

Insurance companies may cover such damages if they are reasonable and necessary and proper care is provided by a qualified veterinarian. The insurance company will not cover extreme methods of care such as counseling for an animal’s emotional state following an accident.

Things to Remember When Your Pet is Injured

If you have been involved in a car accident and your pet is injured as a result of the collision, here are a few things to remember:

You must file a claim for property damage as the injury of an animal does not fall under bodily injury liability.
Make sure your pet is taken care of medically by seeking reasonable and necessary medical care from a veterinarian.
Advise the insurance company as soon as possible what the veterinarian has recommended.
Insurance companies will not pay for something that they did not cause; therefore, if you were at fault for the accident, the other party’s insurance company will not cover the “property damage” (the injuries your pet suffers as a result of the accident).

Seek the compensation you need to treat your pet today by calling (919) 887-7892. Our Durham lawyers are ready to assist you.

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Wrongful Death $1,900,000
Wrongful Death $900,000
Our client was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Car Accident $122,000
Vehicle made a left-hand turn, failing to yield the right of way.
Severe Injury $104,000
We were able to not only receive policy limits for our client but were able to negotiate her medical bills and liens to ensure that she was able to keep a good portion of the settlement.
Serious Injuries $104,000
Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was driving through an intersection when another vehicle ran a stop sign and t-boned the vehicle our client was in.
Serious Injuries $102,000
Elderly client was a passenger in a vehicle that was t-boned in an intersection where a driver failed to yield the right of way.
Back Injury $68,712
Our client suffered a rare injury that is not typically seen with the mechanics of the accident and the minimal rate of speed.
Serious Injuries $61,000
Rear-end collision where our client was pushed off the road and came to rest after colliding with several trees.
Personal Injury $55,000
Due to our client’s age and health prior to the accident, the insurance company tried to fight several of the damages in which our client was entitled.
Serious Injuries $52,000
Our client suffered injuries resulting in a visit to the hospital and a chiropractor.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

“When my 4-year old son and I were involved in a terrible head-on collision, I wasn't sure where to turn. Wallace Pierce has been great showing me the way!”
- Mary P.
“Richard Dingus is a great attorney! And I think thee best, serving in the state of North Carolina. I would recommend him for injury and bodily claim any day.”
- Isaac B.
“They were concerned not only about getting our vehicle replaced, but more importantly my kid’s full recovery.”
- Coral M.