My son hit a neighbors dog. He wants us to pay the vet bills. He says we can go through our auto ins. and even had an attorney send us a letter asking for our auto ins. co name etc. I don't believe this is true and hesitate to give him any information
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 8
-
Your son had an accident while driving an insured vehicle. (Insured against accidents) Your neighbor incurred damages. (I.E. Vet bill) You've been contacted by an attorney seeking information to remedy the situation. (Your insurance company pays Vet bill) This ones a no-brainier. Give them the information and avoid attorneys fees, court cost, and possibly other charges. What do you have to lose?
-
Before you make any moves, contact your local police to see if your city or town has a leash law. If the dog was running unleashed, then you have a defense against the vet bills.
-
You don't say whether he hit the dog with a vehicle or another object. You are responsible for the bills if your son is underage, but I wouldn't give out auto insurance information for this unless he hit the animal with a vehicle. If he hit the animal with anything else auto insurance won't cover this but homeowners might, depending on your coverages. I would contact a lawyer if I were you. A lot of lawyers give a first consultation with no charge.
-
Assuming that your son hit the neighbour's dog with a car, you are legally required to provide the car insurance information, since it's an auto accident. Your neighbour is correct, unless you want to pay the vet bills yourself. And even if you do, you should read your auto insurance policy because you may still be required to notify them in spite of paying the bill personally.
-
call your insurance agent, that's what he's there for good luck
-
I don't know what sate your in but In CA your neighbors would be held legally responsible for any damages caused to your car...you are not responsible for vet bills. AS long as the dog was hit on a goverment road...now if your son hit the dog on your neighbors property you could be responsible for the vet bills. The only reason to get the insurance involved is if there was damage to the car otherwise there is no need to give the attorney any information. Your neighbors should keep their dog in an enclosed area it is their own fault that their dog got injurned not your sons.
-
I really would'nt expect your auto insurance would honor paying bills of a pet........and I really don't think your liable for the pets injuries but only if its something you want to do from your heart.........
-
john pennington has given the best advice here. Call you local police station and ask if there is a leash law. Here in the state of Maine, dog owners are required to keep control of their pets. They can be held accountable for damages to your car. Seriously! My husband didn't hit the dog. My car was totalled when he swerved to miss the dog. The officer suggested we go door to door and find the owner, because the dog shouldn't have been running free.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC