Driving along yesterday down a hill about 27 mph when a dog runs out in front of car, we brake immediately and the dog runs off. We stop to find broken bonnet and spotlights about £500 - £800 pounds worth of damage. Called the police and spoke to the dog owner who slams door in our face. Dog was not on a lead the owner won't pay the damage, we could go through insurance but don't see why we should. Has anyone got any advice or how to deal with this situation.?
2006-11-21 08:09:56 · 22 answers · asked by Lisa P 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
The dog is hurt and the owner she has no money and won't pay...
2006-11-21 08:26:52 · update #1
I have three witnesses to this two people passing by and the car that was behind us..
2006-11-21 08:27:41 · update #2
I have full comphrensive insurance, but will lose my no claims!!!
2006-11-21 08:35:04 · update #3
Yeah, but it wouldn't be legal. I hate people like that.
I had to swerve on the back roads to avoid a dog, my
car rolled on to its roof and ended up in the ditch, I was
8months pregnant at the time, I eventual got out of the car and
the owner had the cheek to tell me i was on her land and
could I move my car ASAP. Well my reaction was not very polite
to say the least B***H.
2006-11-21 08:27:20 · answer #1 · answered by scotlandsno1yummymummy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog was not hurt? Hmmm. Did the police speak with the owner of the dog? If the owner is unwilling to pay then you need to get together the proof you have that the dog did belong to the people. you have a police report which is good. Then just file a small claims. (I do not know how it works in the UK. I'm in the US.) but out side of that you still need to have proof that the dog you hit was their dog. If the dog was unattended they should pay for something. you may not get all the cost. It's very difficult in these type of cases. but see what you can do. you'll probably still need to contact your insurance company for the repairs seeing as how it may take a while with the small claims.
2006-11-21 08:20:04 · answer #2 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want your money you will have to go thru insurance, that's what it's for.
On the other hand, you could bring a private prosecution, but you foot the cost, not the insurance company.
But add the cost of insurance excess to the cost of increased insurance for the next 5 years, see if it comes to more than 800 quid, then make your choice.
And bear in mind you will have to prove it was THAT dog.
Personnally, i'd pay for the damage out my own pocket, cos it would be cheaper in the long run, which is rubbish, but a product of the world we live in.
Kinda makes you wonder what your paying the insurance for doesn't it. Third party is all you'll ever need.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
2006-11-21 08:28:11 · answer #3 · answered by Robert C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak to citizens advice or a solicitor, dogs used to be licensed not sure if they still are but it was offence if you hit a dog and didn't report it this also worked in reverse if a dog was the cause of damage then the owner was liable. Even if the licences are no longer used I'm sure you should have some degree of success with the small claims court. Good Luck
2006-11-21 08:21:26 · answer #4 · answered by Rod T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up on this one, but I am confused a bit about how the bonnet was broken and the spotlights damaged yet the dog runs off. Anyway, make sure you get a copy of the police report and pursue this. Initially, if you have legal cover and/or uninsured loss recovery through your insurance and if not through the courts.
2006-11-21 08:18:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The owner is legally responsible for the actions of their pet. If they allowed the dog to venture on to the road while supposedly under their control they have failed in their duty. Their house insurance will sometimes cover accidents like that, but you may have to sue in the small claims court.
2006-11-22 06:20:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only answer from Canadian law that the animal owner is responsible for the dog at all times. I know. We had to pay for a car that hit our dog. Don't know about your laws. Ask your insurance company
2006-11-21 08:56:31 · answer #7 · answered by David L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are insured comprehensively then approach your insurers.
They will deal with your damaged vehicle, and if there is any chance of recovering from the dog owners, believe me they will pursue it because they don"t like paying out money.
2006-11-21 10:09:05 · answer #8 · answered by researcher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its there a leash-law?
You're going to have to take the dog owner(s) to court and sue. Or go through your insurance, tell them then story and they can sue the pet owner's insurance. Ask your insurance first if this is how part of their procedure.
2006-11-21 08:15:27 · answer #9 · answered by NyceGyrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about where you are, but in Tennessee animal owners are "required to keep their animal under control at all times". This means they are responsible for anything the animal does, regardless. Check your local, State/provincial laws. And of course there is always a small claims civil court action.
2006-11-21 08:56:14 · answer #10 · answered by crashguy351 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋