Sacramento, CA asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: Can someone help me file a claim against the United States Post Office for hitting my chihuahua which is a service anima

March 21st which was a Tuesday 2023 approximately 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. across the street from a school in school crosswalk my chihuahua was hit the postal worker that hit my chihuahua did not stop this was a hit and run

2 Lawyer Answers
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
Answered
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I am sorry to hear about your dog. I hope your dog is ok.

I assume your dog was running loose, or else you probably would have been hit too.

Unless your dog was on a leash, I feel you have no case. Your dog should not have been roaming around.

However, you are entitled to make a claim if you want to. To make a claim - Online: Go to www.usps.com⁄help⁄claims. htm for information on USPS domestic insurance. By mail: Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to have a claim form mailed to you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, you may be able to file a claim against the United States Postal Service for hitting your chihuahua, which is a service animal, in a hit and run accident.

To file a claim against the Postal Service, you will need to follow the process outlined by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This includes filing an administrative claim with the Postal Service within two years of the incident. The administrative claim should include a detailed description of the incident, the damages you suffered, and the amount of compensation you are seeking.

You may want to consider seeking the assistance of an attorney who can help you navigate the FTCA process and ensure that you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements, medical records, and any other documentation related to the incident.

It is important to note that pursuing legal action against a government agency can be complex and time-consuming, so it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

In summary, if your chihuahua was hit by a Postal Service worker in a hit and run accident, you may be able to file a claim against the Postal Service under the FTCA. Seeking the assistance of an attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.

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