How An Injury Lawyer In Barrie Can Help Owners of Injured Pets
Almost 70% of the households in the country have at least one pet. This large number of pets certifies the unique bond animals share with humans in this country. However, a large number of pets refers to a large number of accidents involving pets. Be it a car accident involving people traveling with their pets or a freak accident where the pet rushes out of the house and is run over by a car – pet accidents are unfortunately extremely common. Here’s how an Injury Lawyer in Barrie can help owners of injured pets.
Pets in the Eyes of the Law
Pets are personal properties. Hence, pet owners are qualified to receive compensation to cover the damages incurred by their pets. An Injury Lawyer in Barrie, will help pet owners file insurance claims against the person who caused the accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance covers damage to other personal properties, the process of receiving compensation will be super-simple. Pet owners can’t turn to their personal injury protection policies (PIPs) if their pets are injured. These policies never cover property damage, so the only possible source of compensation is the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Why Pet Owners Are Advised to Protect their Pets
According to top Injury Lawyer in Barrie, the number of car accident cases involving pets has increased in the last few years. The best way to protect pets from such accidents is to get additional pet insurance. These types of insurance protect the pets when they get unexpectedly injured in vehicular accidents. Pet insurance policies essentially eliminate the need for pet owners to enter lengthy tussles with their car insurance companies about payments for damages such as vet bills. Pet owners are also advised to take strict precautions before hitting the road with their pets. Keeping the pets properly restrained while the car is in motion is a mandatory practice for all pet owners. Or else, the Court may deem the pet owner partially responsible for their pet’s injuries.
The Market Value Confusion
One of the main reasons pet accident cases are so complicated is the way in which the law views pets. Pets are viewed as personal properties. If your personal property is lost/damaged in an accident, your insurance company is only liable to pay the market value of the property. So, whatever price the pet owner paid for his/her pet will be paid by the insurance company. Even if vet bills and other costs exceed the pet’s market value, the final payment will rarely ever cover additional damages.
How Attorneys Can Help
There are various exclusions that insurance companies offer when pets are involved in accidents (especially cats and dogs). A top Injury Lawyer in Barrie, will assess these exclusions and help the pet owner cautiously record their pet’s injuries and the costs the pet owner had to incur to treat those injuries. Then, they present these details to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. As long as the attorney doesn’t obtain full compensation for the pet’s damages, they don’t give up. Lawsuits are usually the last resort when the opposing insurance company refuses to make fair settlement offers. Visit Here: Makaronets Personal Injury Law