I was going to drop my kid off at school when a dog ran between two cars and my back tire ran over a portion of the dog. I slowed down and stopped not knowing what to do and watched the dog hop up and hobble away into an adjoining back yard. What seemed to be the owner followed the dog into the back yard. I immediately pulled over but had to roll up my windows as my dog was riding along. I waited a few houses away not really knowing how to react and asking my kid what she thought I should do. When the dog quickly wandered off she wasn’t sure how I should act either.
What do I do? My initial hesitancy is tied to the dog quickly walking away into what looked like it’s home and the owner slowly following it away. I’m concerned of getting into the middle of a highly emotional situation if the dog needs to go to the vet. If the dog lay lifeless I would have had no issue with getting out and consoling as needed. Is there a difference? I think also am concerned I’ll get told I’m responsible and need to help cover any vet costs.
You stop and talk to the owner.
Maybe the owner didn’t know what happened, maybe the dog had internal injuries that it’s not presenting and needs to go to the vet.
The rest is secondary, an animal’s life is worth more then an insurance claim.
I plan on going back by later today.
That’s a day too late, should have been immediately.
Hopefully the dog is okay.
If you go back, this random internet stranger is proud of you.
And by the way. You ARE responsible and need to help cover the vet bills.
For the law alone, you damaged another person’s property.
From the moral standpoint, you insured someone’s pet, a living being. You have absolutely a moral obligation to take responsibility.
And as a parent, you have a moral obligation to teach your children to take responsibility for your actions and mistakes. Even if it cost you.
It is the owners responsibility to keep the dog out of the road. There is zero legal or moral responsibility to cover any vet bills.
The only property damage that would even be considered is damage to the vehicle, which requires stopping, calling the police to file an accident report and then reporting the accident with documented damage to the car insurance company.
Legally the dog owner is responsible.
Financially the dog owner is responsible.
Morally the dog owner is responsible for their pets wellbeing.
How could you get it so backwards? The dog owner failed to keep their dog safe and under control.
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In the future do not turn to your kid to ask her what she thinks you should do, unless your kid is an adult.
For now, if there’s no way to help then there’s no way to help.
One option you have is to leave your contact info. Doing this will likely lead to some financial responsibility for the dog’s care.
Finally, when passing close next to a line of cars go very slowly so you can stop in the short time it takes an animal to cross that tiny distance to your car.
Dogs are fast though, and low. Forgive yourself for the slip-up.
I’m sorry, that’s horrible. Did anyone else see what happened and stop? If so, chat to them first and see if they’d be comfortable backing you up on what happened (dog ran out, no time to react). Hopefully that’s not needed, but you never know.
I saw that exact thing happen when the car in front of me hit a dog. Poor thing was dying on the road and I heard someone down the street whistling for their dog to come inside. I went and told them what happened, and made sure to say that the driver is distraught and absolutely could not have done anything to avoid the dog. Fucking sucks for everyone involved
I feel horrible. I think it didn’t help having my daughter inside the car and the dog with me. I agree talking to the lady across the street and stopping back by to check in may be best.
It’s okay to feel bad for the dog, but in which country would you be responsible for the vet costs, when it’s the owners responsibility to keep the dog safe?
Edit: I would only approach the owner if you feel you can do so safety, you don’t know how people will react, explain what happened and leave.
That is helpful. Thank you.
It’s distressing seeing an animal injured, it’s also infuriating seeing so many pets put at risk by their shit owners and it’s just weird that people are posting telling you you’re legally/financially/morally responsible.
I think it is appropriate to stop and offer an apology for your part in it, even though this wasn’t really your fault.
I’ll also note, it’s not too late. You did have to get your kid to school after all, but you can still drop by at some point. You could offer them a small housewarming-type gift if you wanted, just a token to go with the apology. While this probably wouldn’t really compensate anything, a small token would at least be a little neighborly.
I wonder why no one is saying that since the dog was not properly leashed, it is the dog owner who is at fault. In fact, he would be responsible to pay for any damages to your car.
You should tell us which legislation and society.
USA?
