Liability in Car Accidents Caused by Animals

In many areas of Texas, it is common to see animals crossing the roadway. Whether it is a stray dog, a wild animal like a raccoon, squirrel, opossum, or livestock, an animal on the road can cause an accident, especially at night when visibility is limited. Sometimes, the driver strikes the animal, resulting in injuries and property damage. Other times, the driver swerves to avoid the animal but hits another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree, a light pole, or a fence.

If you were hurt in a car accident caused by an animal, you may be wondering, “Who is liable for car accidents caused by animals?” The personal injury lawyers at McKinney Vos can evaluate your situation to determine who is responsible for causing your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact McKinney Vos today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

How Often Do Animals Cause Car Accidents?

Collisions with animals account for about 2% of Texas car accidents. Nonetheless, when an animal causes a car crash, the potential for injury is just as high as a car crash caused by any other factor.

Some crashes involving animals are single-vehicle accidents that occur when a vehicle strikes a large animal like a deer, moose, or cow. Accidents involving smaller animals, like dogs, raccoons, squirrels, or opossums, often occur when a driver swerves to avoid the animal and collides with a fixed object like a tree or guardrail.

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Caused by an Animal?

In Texas, determining who is liable in car accidents caused by animals can depend on the type of animal that caused the crash. If the animal is owned and should be under its owner’s control, the owner may be liable. However, Texas has passed laws that specifically apply to livestock owners when their animals cause a crash.

Texas livestock owners have a legal duty to keep their animals off of state and federal highways. However, they do not have a legal duty to keep their livestock off of smaller roadways, unless there is a local law that specifically holds them liable. If you were involved in an accident involving livestock in Texas, our personal injury lawyers can determine whether the livestock owner can be held liable.

While livestock owners are not liable for accidents caused by their animals on smaller roadways, dog owners can be liable in the same situation. It is illegal for dogs to roam freely in Texas, so if the dog that caused the accident was not a stray, the owner can be held liable for damages caused by their dog.

What Happens When Wild Animals Cause a Car Accident?

When a wild animal causes a car accident, there is often no one to pursue a claim against, because wild animals have no owners. In these situations, people injured in a car accident caused by an animal typically need to file a claim with their own insurance carrier.

Insurance coverage may be available if you were injured in an accident involving a wild animal and have a comprehensive insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory in Texas. If you did not purchase it, you may not have insurance coverage available. But you may have other avenues of compensation available. Our lawyers can evaluate your situation to identify potential sources of insurance coverage.

Does Insurance Cover Car Accidents Caused by Animals?

Insurance coverage is often an issue in car accidents caused by animals. Our personal injury lawyers can analyze your situation to identify potential sources of insurance coverage. Most livestock owners have a liability insurance policy that covers damages caused by an accident involving their animals.

If your injuries were caused by an accident involving a smaller animal, the dog owner’s automobile insurance likely will not apply. However, you may be able to seek damages through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Contact Our Austin, Texas, Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in an accident caused by an animal, contact the personal injury lawyers at McKinney Vos today. Our lawyers have years of experience representing Texas car accident victims. We can analyze your situation, identify potential sources of insurance coverage, and fight for the compensation you deserve.