All parties involved are unfortunate when a dog is struck by a car. In addition to dealing with possible vehicle damage and legal obligations, the dog might also sustain serious injuries. Knowing what to do in San Antonio if you hit a dog with your car could help you maintain composure and act morally. Your objectives should be to assist the dog while preserving your legal rights.
Be Aware of the Legal Ramifications of Moving the Animal
(Note: You should check the law in your location as state laws can differ.)
The CCSPCA advises that once you take ownership of the animal, it is your responsibility to make sure it receives the necessary medical attention.
What constitutes taking possession of the animal?
Taking possession of it would not be considered to have occurred if you picked it up or moved it from the street. However, if you transport the animal in your vehicle, you have legally acquired its possession and are now in charge of providing for it. Additionally, you should be aware that you might be liable for the animal’s medical expenses if you take it to the vet and the owner cannot be located. If you decide to do this, be sure to first talk to the clinic about it.
As was already mentioned, the CCSPCA advises calling for help and waiting until it shows up rather than putting the animal in your car.
What to Do if You Hit a Dog
As I made my way to the home where I once resided, the neighborhood was enjoying a beautiful day. A group of kids were having a good time playing on the sidewalk at the intersection where I was about to turn onto my street.
A shape appeared to suddenly veer off the sidewalk, into the street, and directly into my moving car out of the corner of my eye. I had the horrifying moment of believing I had struck a child. Thankfully, though, it turned out to be a dog.
Naturally, I slammed on the brakes, and as the vehicle came to a stop, the youngsters who were playing on the sidewalk rushed over to the injured animal, picked it up, and carried it away. I stayed in my car and continued on my way after observing that the dog was being taken care of.
At the time, it appeared to me that I had no further obligations because the animal’s apparent owners were already on the scene and had taken charge of their pet. But as I thought about this incident in the years that had passed since it had happened, I grew more and more troubled that I had no idea what my legal responsibilities would be if I had run over a dog. What exactly is a driver required to do when his or her vehicle strikes (or, as in my case, is struck by) a dog, cat, or other domestic animal?
What Should You If You Have Hit a Dog With Your Car?
The first thing you should do if you hit a dog with your car is to come to a complete stop and exit the vehicle in a safe place.
Make sure to check the animal. Call for help if the dog is still alive, and wait there until they arrive. Move the animal if you can and you think it’s safe to do so because it won’t be exposed to other accidents on the road.
Be very careful when doing this. The dog may act aggressively and even bite you because it is probably in pain and scared. Use gloves or a jacket to protect your hands if you have them.
Check the dog’s tag for the owner’s name and contact information. Call the nearby population to see if anyone can identify the dog.
Make a call to animal control for assistance as well. They will transport the dog safely to the veterinarian, where they will check it for an identification microchip.
FAQ
Should I stop if I hit a dog?
If you hit a domestic animal, like a dog or cat, you must often pull over and contact the police or another local authority. If you continue, you risk being charged with animal cruelty or failing to report property damage to the owners.
What do u do if u hit a dog?
You will be required to stop, report the collision, and assist the animal in every state. Don’t forget to contact an animal care facility, your local police department, or even 911 if the owner is not present. This will demonstrate that you made an attempt to assist the animal.
Is hitting your dog a crime?
Yes. Every state has laws against animal cruelty, and some types of animal abuse are also crimes.
What happens if a dog is hit by a car?
The most frequent wounds in dogs hit by cars are cuts, scrapes, and broken bones. Head trauma and internal injuries like internal bleeding are possible outcomes of more serious accidents.