As Orlando Injury Lawyers, we often hear of fatal car accidents and those resulting in permanent impairment. While our cases involve drivers and passengers, it is amazing how often the family pet is also travelling in the motor vehicle. Miraculously, the family pet, most often a dog, is unharmed in the collision. However, occasionally the four-legged member of the family also suffers as a result of a reckless driver on our Central Florida roads.
What may have begun as a routine Sunday drive to the park for a young man and his pet husky, became a nightmare when a semi-tractor-trailer ran them out of the intersection causing their vehicle to land upside down in a nearby field. The accident occurred when the truck driver improperly switched lanes. It was this reckless conduct which easily could have resulted in a fatal collision. Both, the owner and his pet, suffered required emergency medical care. While the young man was transported to a nearby hospital, his pet was taken to an Emergency Animal Clinic for urgent hip surgery.
Although it was a traumatic experience for both; the husky and her owner were lucky enough to survive the accident and continue rehabilitation for their injuries. Sadly some pets are not as fortunate. While the loss of human life is recognized and protected by Florida courts, the loss of a pet does not receive the same protections. Nonetheless, coping with the loss of a pet can be extremely difficult. Owners take considerable time to love and care for their pets; so, it is not surprising that folks try to keep their pets as safe as possible. Due to the danger of collisions and unexpected, emergency braking, some travel with their pet secure in a kennel. Others use systems to secure their animal to a leash within the vehicle – limiting the amount of movement.
Inasmuch as more and more folks are traveling with a pet, a number of insurance companies offer products which cover veterinary costs that may result from a car accident. We know that distracted drivers and hazardous road design can have devastating consequences. Certainly, it is important for everyone to keep their eyes on the road and concentrate. Whether it is a baby crying, a dog or a flying insect, all of these create opportunity for driver inattention. Whatever can be done to reasonably reduce or eliminate potential dangers should be considered. The above photo shows a dedicated effort to keep one family pet safe and prevent driver distraction.
