Car Accidents, Pet Injuries, and Vet Bills
For many Florida residents, pets are more than animals, they are cherished members of the family. While furry friends spend a lot of time in homes and yards, there are also pets that go on regular car rides with their owners. Vehicular accidents pose a significant safety threat not only to human passengers but also to our four-legged companions.
After a pet is injured in a traffic accident, it is common for them to need veterinary assistance and at-home care. When this happens, bring your questions about who bears the financial responsibility for veterinary bills and pet treatments to the attention of a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Including Pet Injury Treatment in an Insurance Claim
Just like humans, pets require medical attention if they have been hurt in a car collision, whether their injury is a cut or broken bone. Prompt veterinary care to address their injuries is often necessary for them to fully physically heal. When obtaining care for your pet, keep the following best practices in mind in order to connect with compensation later.
- Document your expenses. Keep detailed records of all the expenses directly related to your pet’s injuries. This includes veterinary bills, receipts for medications, and any additional costs associated with their recovery.
- Gather accident evidence. You will also want to collect evidence related to the car accident itself. Police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene are important forms of documentation that help establish liability. With this evidence in the place, it can strengthen your position when negotiating with insurance companies.
- Review your own insurance policy. Looking over your own coverage, you may notice that your insurance policy includes compensation for pet injuries. If so, there is likely a clearly outlined process for you to follow in order to receive funds.
If your own insurance does not provide pet coverage, determining responsibility for veterinary bills will depend on the circumstances of the accident. If another driver is deemed at fault for the accident, their insurance may cover the veterinary bills for your injured pet as pets are often designated as property.
When an at-fault driver’s insurance does not explicitly cover pet injuries, there may be a way to negotiate with the responsible party, and if negotiations prove unsuccessful, pursuing compensation through a small claims court filing may be an option.
Consult an Injury Lawyer
In any situation where you believe you have a right to compensation and you encounter resistance in discussions with insurance companies, consult with an experienced Boca Raton personal injury lawyer. Seasoned attorneys can provide guidance on the legal aspects of financial recovery, including when it is possible to add pet injury treatment expenses to your recovery requests.
Who cared for your pet following a car accident? If you are juggling veterinary bills and other accident-related pet care expenses after an accident in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach, discuss the possibility of financial relief with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Book a no-cost initial consultation today, call 561-660-9421.
