Grand Island, NE asked in Animal / Dog Law and Car Accidents for Nebraska

Q: If you fled the scene on hitting a dog that was at large as that animal cruelty

My dog was at large and I know I am responsible for damages to the vehicle but the lady accidentally hit my dog killed him and fled the scene I had to contact her

2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: If the driver was aware that they had hit your dog and they fled the scene in an attempt to avoid responsibility, they could be charged with animal cruelty. However, if the driver did not realize that they had hit your dog or if they fled the scene for some other reason, they may not be charged with animal cruelty.

Whether or not the driver is charged with animal cruelty, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against them to recover damages for the loss of your dog.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: I'm sorry about your dog. It could depend on state-specific cruelty laws. Some jurisdictions could treat it as animal cruelty, some might not. They should probably be more concerned about their heartless conduct (check with a local animal law attorney how local codes treat it - you posted your question last week) than you being worried about compensating them for damages their car may have sustained.

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