Can You Sue For An Auto Accident Caused By A Dog?

If you were injured in an accident and noticed that the other driver had a dog in the car, it's important to pay attention. There are several possible ways that a dog can cause an accident that give you grounds for an auto accident lawsuit.

Distracted Driving

A dog inside a moving vehicle can easily distract the driver, leading to reduced attention on the road. If the driver gets distracted by the dog's behavior, such as barking, moving around, or trying to interact with the driver, it can result in a loss of control, failure to notice traffic signals or other vehicles, and ultimately cause an accident.

The owner or driver can be held liable because they have a responsibility to ensure that their pet does not create a distraction that endangers others on the road. This falls under the same legal theory as cell phone use or other forms of distracted driving.

Sudden Movements

Dogs are known for their unpredictable behavior, and sudden movements by a dog inside a car can startle the driver and cause them to react abruptly. For example, if a dog suddenly jumps onto the driver's lap or obstructs the driver's vision, it can lead to a collision.

In this case, the owner or driver may be held liable for not restraining the dog properly or failing to prevent it from interfering with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. Even though the dog acts on its own, it's entirely reasonable, predictable, and preventable that a dog might act this way.

Dog Interfering With Controls

In some instances, a dog may accidentally interfere with the vehicle's controls, such as stepping on the accelerator or jumping on the steering wheel. This can cause the driver to lose control of the car, resulting in an accident.

The owner or driver can again be considered liable if they failed to secure the dog or take appropriate measures to prevent the dog from interfering with the car's controls.

Aggressive Behavior

If a dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers in nearby vehicles, it can cause accidents. This might include distracting the driver in the dog's car, jumping out of the car and causing another accident, or even scaring another driver or bicyclist enough to cause an accident.

In such cases, the owner may be held responsible for the dog's aggressive behavior and any resulting accidents, as they have a duty to control their pet and prevent it from posing a threat to others on the road.

To learn more, contact a local car accident law firm such as Labine Law Firm.