Dealing With Animal-Related Auto Accidents in Denver
Hitting an animal with your vehicle, even a wild animal, can be emotionally devastating. It could also destroy your vehicle and, even worse, cause a serious injury to you or a family member.
If you have been involved in an animal-related accident in the Denver area, you need to speak to an Colorado auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Did You Suffer Damages in an Animal Related Accident?
If your car accident was caused by the negligence of another party, you can hold that party responsible for the damages. This can be complicated in an animal accident case.
In these cases, you can only hold another party liable if you can prove that they were responsible for the animal. Animals-related accidents generally fall into one of three categories:
- Pets: Pet owners have a legal responsibility to keep control over their animals. In the event that you suffered an injury or significant property damage due a pet owner’s failure to live up to that responsibility, you may be able to hold them liable for your damages.
- Livestock: Accidents with livestock can cause tremendous damage, including serious injuries. Owners of livestock have heightened legal obligations to control their herds. This is especially true of large agricultural businesses.
- Wild animals: Recovering compensation for accidents caused by wild animals is especially challenging. In Colorado, deer present a major car accident hazard. After a deer accident, you will often be forced to seek compensation from your own insurance company. However, in some limited cases you may be able to bring legal action against a government entity. If you have been injured in an accident with a deer, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Could You Be Held Liable For Hitting a Pet?
In the unfortunate event that you hit a pet with your car, please try to remain calm. You should stop your vehicle as soon as possible and notify the appropriate authorities.
Drivers should always look to stop and render aid after any accident. As far as being held liable, the majority of the time, drivers are not liable for hitting pets. This is because in Colorado pet owners are responsible for keeping their pets away from the road.
If a dog escapes from the care of the owner, and then jumps directly in front of your car, there is little that you can do. It is a tragic circumstance, but you should not be held liable for that accident.
However, you can be held liable for hitting a pet if it is determined that your negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if you were traveling 25 miles per hour above the speed limit down a street in a residential neighborhood, you could be held liable in the event that you hit a pet.
Did You Hit an Animal With Your Car in Denver?
At Zaner Harden Law, our auto accident lawyers can help you with any animal-related liability questions. If you have been involved in an accident with an animal, please contact our Denver office today to discuss your case. Our team represents clients throughout the region including in Aurora and Boulder.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Law, LLP to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver car accident lawyer.
Zaner Harden Law, LLP
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
