A pet is not just a companion to many people. It’s an extension of their family and an important part of their life. They often have a bond with their pets that is unlike any other. If your pet is injured in a car accident, you may be able to take legal action to get the recovery help that they need. This article can help you decide if you should file a personal injury lawsuit if your pet was injured in a California car accident.
What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a type of civil suit that people or companies can file when they have been injured in some way. For example, if you were injured from someone’s negligence—such as if they caused an accident while texting and driving—you could file a personal injury lawsuit.
We know it may seem daunting to take on another person in court, but there are many benefits to filing a personal injury lawsuit. For one, you could recover the compensation for your injuries. You could also receive compensation for any emotional trauma or pain and suffering caused by the incident. Additionally, if the person who was negligent was found at fault, you may be able to pursue further legal action against them if they don’t respond to your initial claim.
Can Pets File Personal Injury Lawsuits in California?
California is one of the few states in the United States that recognizes animals as property, so they cannot file personal injury lawsuits. However, there are ways to recover compensation for your pet’s injuries in California.
For example, if your pet was injured in a car accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation for veterinary expenses and loss of income. If your pet died because of an incident with another person or company, you may be able to recover damages for neglectful conduct.
It pays to be aware of these distinctions when deciding whether or not to file a personal injury lawsuit based on the injury sustained by your pet in a California car accident.
Steps to Take If Your Pet Was Injured in a Car Accident
If your pet was injured in a car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation. There are five steps that need to happen before you can file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of your pet.
- Get an estimate on the cost of veterinary care from your veterinarian.
- Keep records of the injuries and veterinary expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
- File an auto insurance claim as soon as possible with the company from which the at-fault driver is insured.
- Gather up all your evidence, including photos of your pet’s injuries, receipts for vet bills, and witness statements about how the accident happened.
- Seek counsel from an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has experience with animal law cases like yours.
Your lawyer can walk you through the steps specific to your case.
Contact a California Personal Injury Attorney
Pets are part of the family, and that’s why any injury to them is a serious and traumatic event. If your beloved pet was injured in a car accident and you believe the driver was at fault, it’s important to take steps to protect your pet and yourself.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a way for you to recover your pet’s veterinary bills and other expenses as well as compensation for the pain and suffering your pet has experienced. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of winning your case. Contact Setareh Law at (310) 659-1826 or by filling out the contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also speak Spanish.