Wake Forest, NC asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for North Carolina

Q: Can i sue someone's car insurance company if their dog jumps out of their car and attacks my dog in my yard?

Not only did it injure my dog, but I hurt my knee breaking up the attack. She has not paid the vet bill and is very hostile. I believe that is the only way I can get paid since she rents.

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Like most US states, North Carolina does not allow you to directly sue another person’s automobile insurance company.

You would have to sue the owner of the dog.

It is also unlikely that the owner’s automobile insurance covers an attack by their pet. That type of occurrence is more commonly covered under renter’s or homeowners insurance policies.

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
Answered
  • Cary, NC
  • Licensed in North Carolina

A: Generally speaking, you can't sue someone else's car insurance company, but you can file a third-party claim. However, if the policy simply doesn't cover the type of injury involved, the company has absolutely no obligation to pay.

You might consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your best options.

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