When you hit an animal, fault depends on who owns the animal. If you hit a wild animal, like a deer, it\u2019s generally a no-fault situation. However, if you hit a domestic animal, like a dog, the animal\u2019s owner could be responsible.<\/p>\n
Both Georgia and South Carolina have similar laws regarding animal-involved collisions. If you hit a wild animal, no one\u2019s responsible. Your uninsured\/underinsured coverage could pay for your losses.<\/p>\n
Matters change if you hit a domestic animal. Any unrestrained domestic animal is considered \u201cat large.\u201d For example, O.C.G.A. \u00a7 4-3-33<\/a> notes that livestock cannot roam free; it must remain on the owner\u2019s land or be restrained. S.C. Ann \u00a7 47-7-120<\/a> outlines the same concept.<\/p>\n Failing to follow this law constitutes negligence.<\/p>\n In rural areas, you\u2019ll encounter a lot of people with unconventional pets, like ostriches, emus, and cattle. However, in the eyes of the law, here\u2019s the difference between the three:<\/p>\n As noted, fault for your accident depends on who owned the animal. However, at the accident scene, you might not know who it belonged to. You could identify the animal by:<\/p>\n Our law firm can investigate your collision to determine who owned the animal. For instance, if you hit a cow crossing the road, and there\u2019s a local dairy farm nearby, we can reasonably assume the animal came from that property.<\/p>\n If you hit someone\u2019s pet, they might insist that you pay for the damages. Yet, if the animal was \u201cat large,\u201d meaning it was not on a leash or under its owner\u2019s control, you aren\u2019t liable.<\/p>\n If the animal\u2019s owner contests otherwise, we can defend you against any allegations.<\/p>\n Suppose you were in an accident where, to avoid hitting an animal, you swerved and hit another driver. If it was a wild animal, this does not justify your accident. If it was someone\u2019s pet, you could hold the animal\u2019s owner partially responsible.<\/p>\n Both Georgia and South Carolina operate on modified comparative fault systems. So, multiple parties could share fault for a collision. As long as you didn\u2019t cause most of the crash, you can still seek damages.<\/p>\n Proving fault in an animal-caused accident can get difficult. By partnering with our team, you can protect your legal rights and financial recovery options.<\/p>\n You\u2019re required to notify law enforcement if you hit an animal – even if it\u2019s wild. If you don\u2019t report the incident, even if you weren\u2019t at fault, you could be accused of a hit-and-run.<\/p>\n You should also consider the following measures:<\/p>\n Even hitting a small animal can cause serious damage. You should document your vehicle\u2019s damage by taking photos and videos.<\/p>\n Even if you didn\u2019t cause the accident, your insurer still wants to know about it. If you wait too long, it could deny your claim.<\/p>\n Your collision may have resulted in \u201chidden injuries,\u201d such as whiplash, spinal cord trauma, and internal bleeding. Visiting a healthcare provider does more than ensure your health; your imaging scans, lab test results, and doctors\u2019 testimony can bolster your claim.<\/p>\n Losses pile up quickly after an accident. You should immediately document your medical bills, lost time from work, and personal testimony. Your lawyer can use this information to calculate your case\u2019s value.<\/p>\n Hitting an animal can get complicated – especially if you\u2019re not sure who owned it. Negotiating with the insurance company, determining fault, and understanding your case\u2019s value add more layers of confusion.<\/p>\n Our law firm<\/a> has secured compensation for thousands of claimants. We can handle everything your case requires, and you pay nothing out of pocket until we secure compensation.*<\/p>\n If you suffered harm after colliding with an animal, our lawyers can provide legal aid. We can identify the animal\u2019s owner and determine fault. Compensable losses could comprise your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.<\/p>\n Begin a free case review<\/a> by dialing (888) 612-7001<\/a>. We\u2019re prepared to answer all your questions, including who\u2019s at fault when you hit an animal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When you hit an animal, fault depends on who owns the animal. If you hit a wild animal, like a deer, it\u2019s generally a no-fault situation. However, if you hit a domestic animal, like a dog, the animal\u2019s owner could be responsible. Georgia and South Carolina Have Laws Surrounding Loose Animals Both Georgia and South…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":11592,"parent":1595,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11591","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat\u2019s the Difference Between a Wild Animal, Livestock, and a Pet?<\/h3>\n
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How Do You Know Who Owned the Animal?<\/h2>\n
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You Generally Can\u2019t Het \u201cIn Trouble\u201d If You Hit an Animal<\/h3>\n
Modified Comparative Negligence May Play a Part in Your Case<\/h2>\n
What Should You Do After You Hit an Animal?<\/h2>\n
Take Pictures of Your Vehicle<\/h3>\n
Notify Your Insurance Company<\/h3>\n
Visit a Healthcare Provider<\/h3>\n
Document Your Injury-Related Losses<\/h3>\n
Consider Your Legal Options<\/h3>\n
Call George Sink Injury Lawyers to Begin Your Free Case Review<\/h2>\n