Pets in Car Accidents

A car accident is bad enough if it is just you in the car. But when your pets are in the car, you have another person to worry about. It’s not enough anymore to worry about your own injuries and how they affect your quality of life- you now need to worry about that for your pet(s) as well.  

The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been in an accident with their pet(s).  Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.

For this article, the assumption is that the pet is in the car at the time of the accident, not in the road, or on the sidewalk at the time of the accident.  

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What Do I Do If I Get Into an Accident With My Pet? 

If you get into a car accident with you pet(s) in the car, there are a few things you should do.  

1. Assuming your pet(s) are in the backseat, turn around and check on them. Make sure they are conscious.  
2. Do a quick check for injuries on yourself. Make sure that you are not injured badly.  
3. Pull as far over to the right as possible and call the police.  
4. Before they arrive, examine your pets as much as possible. Try to calm them down by petting them while assessing them for any injuries.  
5. Gather information from the other driver including name, license plate number, and other insurance information. Collect the names and contact information of eyewitnesses if possible.  
6. Give a report to the police. Be as detailed and thorough as possible. Record the police officer’s name and badge number. 
7. Go to a hospital to make sure you aren’t injured, even if you don’t feel any pain.  
8. Go to a vet to have them assess your pet, even if you are unsure whether they’re injured or not.  
9. File a claim with your insurance company and contact a personal injury attorney. 

Are Pets Covered Under Auto Insurance? 

Whether pets are covered under car insurance or not really depends on your type of insurance. Some insurers automatically include coverage if they are in a car accident with you, but most do not. Generally speaking, auto insurance will only cover cats and dogs if they are in an accident, and will pay for their vet and medical expenses up to the coverage limit. It’s important to note that most insurance companies see pets as property, so they will be covered under the other driver’s property damage, or liability coverage. 

Some car insurance companies with pet insurance are:  

• Progressive: If you have collision coverage, pet injury coverage is added at no extra charge and covers up to $1,000 in damages and vet bills. 
• Metromile: Metromile also includes pet injury coverage with its collision coverage, and will cover up t0 $1,000 in damages and vet bills.  

What Happens to Pets in a Car Accident? 

In a car accident, your pet can get injured just like you can. Some of the most common injuries that pets have after being in a car accident are broken bones and head trauma. Internal bleeding is also common. It’s a good idea to take your pet to the vet if they’ve been in a car accident, even if they look fine. It’s important to know that if you are unconscious after a crash, or have been taken to the hospital in an ambulance, your pet will either go to family (using numbers you provide), the nearest animal shelter, or a vet if the pet needs immediate medical attention.  

If You Need More Information, Take a Look at These Articles

What do I need to know if my accident with my pet happened in Phoenix? 

How much will it cost me for a lawyer to handle my auto accident claim with my pet? 

What are the most dangerous intersections in Peoria?

Which intersections have red light cameras in Mesa? 

How can I make sure I’m fairly paid for my accident with my pets? 

Resources Near Me 

If your pet has been in a car accident, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Here are some veterinarians in the Phoenix Valley.  

North Kenilworth Veterinary Care 

Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital 

VetMED Emergency and Specialty Animal Hospital 

Partnerships

We at Thompson Law are passionate about helping our community, particularly the community members who may not be able to help themselves. Like our personal injury clients, many animals in shelters are scared, confused, and may feel alone. Animal rescue is very close to our hearts, with many of our employees rescuing dogs and cats from shelters. If you need additional communities of support after you and your pet have been in an accident, check out some of the animal shelters we partner with.