Many reports about distracted driving point out that turning to talk to or interact with a passenger is a common distraction that poses the risk of a car accident. In many cases, that passenger is of the four-legged variety.
A survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and a pet travel products company found that more than half of the people who responded to the survey had taken their dog with them while traveling at least once in the prior year. The survey also says nearly one quarter (23 percent) of pet owners had held their dog in place while applying brakes and 19 percent had used their hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat.
Think for a moment about what it takes to stop a dog from climbing and the fact that a car going 55 mph covers 100 yards in about 5 seconds. The AAA Foundation says looking away from the road for only 2 seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.
But there’s plenty more in the AAA survey. Drivers admitted to:
Reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 percent)
Allowing their dog to sit in their lap or holding their dog (17 percent)
Giving their dog food or treats (13 percent)
Taking a photo of their dog while driving (3 percent).
If you’ve been in a car accident and the other driver has a dog (or another pet) in their vehicle, you need to ask questions about whether the driver’s pet was in a pet crate or was causing a distraction. Take note of whether there was a pet carrier in the car.
Some states have laws requiring pets to be restrained while in motor vehicles. Texas is not currently one of them.
AAA says restraint systems that utilize seat belts to limit a pet’s ability to move and to mitigate crash forces are best to use. Padded harnesses with sturdy connectors and straps are available to connect to a vehicle’s seatbelt or LATCH system.
Both hard- and soft-sided crates can be used in vehicles, but should always be strapped down, AAA says. Pet car seats or basket-style holders can be used with smaller dogs.
Dogs and other pets should remain in the back seat because the force of deploying airbags can cause fatal injuries.
In addition, pets should not be allowed to hang out of open windows, State Farm Insurance reminds us.
Never leave pets – or children – in cars alone for any period of time. Temperatures can rise 19 degrees in just 10 minutes, putting them at risk of heat stroke.
Packing items to make your dog comfortable while traveling, like a blanket or towel he or she sleeps with and her usual food, will make your pooch less antsy and calmer as she rides along with you
Pets Hurt in Car Accidents
If the worst has happened, and you have been in a car accident that has hurt or killed your pet, remember that this loss should be a part of your insurance claim. Your pet’s injury would be viewed as property damage. If a negligent driver caused the wreck, you could seek compensation for your pet’s veterinary bills.
In most cases, a claim would seek compensation equal to what would be required to replace a pet that had died in a car accident. Unfortunately, your emotional attachment would not be considered. If an animal killed in a motor vehicle accident was an earner, such as a prize-winning show dog, those losses could be considered in a claim. The loss of a working animal with specialized training would also warrant seeking additional compensation.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
