You were traveling on a high-speed roadway when a dog dashed out from beside the road. No one wants to hit an animal of any kind, so you did what any normal person would do: swerved. While it was fortunate that you did not crash into another person, you did end up going off the road. The dog was injured, and you were hurt.
Crashes like this are scary and a little bit uncommon, so you may not be sure what steps to take next. Fortunately, there is an easy path to follow.
What should you do if you hit a dog and wreck?
To start, call 911. You need to wait for the police to arrive. You can also call animal control. The police or animal control will come to collect the injured animal and transport them to a local vet. If you can or must move the animal, be extremely careful. If the animal has a collar and you’re able to read it, see if you can find out the owner’s name or where the pet is registered with a veterinarian.
You should also be certain to make sure you’re taken care of. You might be upset about hitting an animal, but your health is important. Go to the hospital, and let the authorities handle the situation.
Who pays for repairs or medical costs after an animal causes a crash?
Usually, it’s your car insurance that will kick in. However, the dog’s owner is responsible for restraining their animal and keeping it off the road. In some cases, you may be able to claim against their homeowner’s insurance.
