• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

  • Whiplash
    • What is Whiplash?
    • How Long Does Whiplash Last?
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Exercises
    • Physiotherapy
    • Surgery
  • Compensation
  • Car Accident
    • What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
    • The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
    • Wrong Way Car Crash
    • Why Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
    • Injuries
      • Brain Injury
      • Delayed Injuries
      • Head Injury
      • Leg Injury
    • T-Bone Accident
    • Uninsured Motorist
    • Who Pays My Medical Bills?
  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

Can I Seek Compensation for Pet Injuries in a Car Accident?

November 9, 2020 by Christopher

If your pet was recently injured or killed in a recent accident, reach out to a knowledgeable St. Louis auto accident attorney for legal assistance.

Pets are an integral part of many American households and judging by statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 57% of households own a pet or two. Taking a pet along on drives to the supermarket, or on leisure trips is common for many pet owners. Sometimes these trips, such as taking the animal to the vet, are a necessity.

pet injured in car accident

Unfortunately, this also puts your pet at risk in the event of a car accident. So, what happens in case an automobile accident also involves a pet? If such an accident results in injury or the death of your pet- whether it is a cat, dog, or any other domesticated animal, you may be entitled to compensation from the party at-fault. It would be helpful to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to better understand what you may be entitled to.

Factors That Matter

Remember, even if your pet is insured, the coverage may not extend to injuries sustained in a car accident. Pet insurance policies often only cover illnesses. There are three things to consider here though:

  • If the accident was caused by the other driver, you can try to claim compensation through their policy’s liability. Whether or not you succeed depends on the accident details and their policy.
  • If the accident was your fault, there’s a good chance you won’t be covered since most policies do not cover this.
  • If you are covered only by the mandatory minimum insurance as required by a state, you’re likely not covered. Minimum auto insurance generally does not cover pets. In almost every state, a minimum plan only covers your liability.


Damages in Accidents Involving Pets

In most state laws governing pet injuries during car accidents, pets are considered “personal property”. Any emotional/sentimental value they hold is not necessarily considered while deciding the compensation. If you’re not at fault for the accident, the veterinary expenses incurred for the treatment of the pet may be covered provided that the driver responsible for the accident has liability insurance. 

You should bear in mind that there are limits to the amount of compensation you are entitled to claim. A St. Louis auto accident attorney will be able to guide you on your legal options.   

Compensation for Veterinary Expenses

Veterinary expenses incurred for treating a pet injured in a car accident are generally eligible for compensation as long as they are reasonable. In order to determine what’s reasonable, several factors are taken into consideration including the age and health of your pet.

You can file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver for such compensation. However, you also need to remember that pet coverage is different for every insurance provider and if an insurer does not cover pets in an accident you have the option to file a civil case seeking damages against the other driver. 

Compensation for the Loss of a Pet 

If your pet is tragically killed in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the value of the pet. This value is determined in the following ways:

Market Value

In cases of accidents, a pet is considered property, and its value is determined by how much it would sell for on the open market. Factors involved in determining the fair value of a pet include breed, pedigree, age, and health, and at times the purchase price.

Cost of Replacement

In certain cases, you may be awarded damages amounting to the cost of replacing your pet. This value is usually always greater than the fair market value and considers factors such as the pet’s training and accomplishments.

Special Economic Value

Service animals are not regarded as simple pets. Since these animals are trained to perform certain tasks, they are considered a vital part of a disabled person’s life and none of the above would typically equal the value the animal held for the owner.

In such cases, a special economic value is considered which in most cases is higher than both market value and replacement costs and takes into account the impact the pet had on the owner’s day to day life.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If your pet was recently injured or killed in a recent accident, reach out to a knowledgeable St. Louis auto accident attorney for legal assistance.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Related Posts:

  • What To Do If Your Pet Was Injured In a St. Louis Car Crash
    What To Do If Your Pet Was Injured In a St. Louis Car Crash
  • How Unrestrained Pets Can Lead to St. Louis Car Accidents
    How Unrestrained Pets Can Lead to St. Louis Car Accidents
  • How Driving With Your Pet Can Result in an Auto Accident
    How Driving With Your Pet Can Result in an Auto Accident
  • St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
    St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
  • When to Get a Lawyer in a St. Louis Car Accident
    When to Get a Lawyer in a St. Louis Car Accident
  • Could Some "Car Safety Features" Actually Be Hazards?
    Could Some "Car Safety Features" Actually Be Hazards?

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: compensation

Footer

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
130 S Bemiston Ave # 603
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 361-4242

Free Consultation Request

    RSS Car Accident Lawyer & Auto Accident Attorney St. Louis

    • Receiving Medical Care After a Car Accident
    • 3 Common Brain Injuries That Occur in Car Accidents 
    • St. Louis Pile-Up Car Accident Lawyer
    • St. Louis Car Accident Cause by Failing to Use Turn Signals
    • Can Car Safety Features Cause Accidents and Injuries?
    • 5 Face Injuries Common in Car Accidents
    • 3 Types of Evidence to Prove a Drowsy Driver Caused Your St. Louis Car Accident
    • Leg Injuries from Car Accidents
    • Rotator Cuff Tear in a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Esophageal Injury After Car Accident

    Copyright © 2023 The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C.
    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.