If you are an animal lover in Florida and have pets, you may be wondering if your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers vet bills. After all, dogs and cats can be injured in auto accidents, too. While compensation may be possible, it is not a given. That said, in most instances an auto insurance company will cover veterinary bills up to the limit of coverage. A knowledgeable Sarasota car accident attorney can help you to move forward with your claim. Who Was the At-Fault Driver? The possibility of securing compensation for damages and injuries is connected to who was the at-fault driver. If you have an animal who was injured and you now have vet bills, save your vet receipts and all other documentation so you have what is needed to move forward if another driver is liable. When you are the at-fault driver, vet expenses are covered only when that coverage is clearly laid out within the policy you purchased. If it is not in your plan and you would like it to be, reach out to your insurance company to discuss the possibility of pet coverage. If another individual was the at-fault driver, there is high likelihood that you can receive compensation for vet bills. This is because most insurance companies deem pets to be personal property. In order to be reimbursed, you will need to file a claim. A Sarasota car accident attorney can help. Driving Safely With Pets Of course, keeping your pets safe from injury is the best plan. Accidents are always a possibility, but if you do what you can to avoid animal injuries you may be able to avoid vet bills all together.
- Purchase pet insurance. If you opt for a pet insurance policy, separate from your auto insurance, you will can get your pet treated right away because you know what vet expenses are covered. Getting treatment right away is essential for some pet injuries.
- Do not allow pets to interfere with driving. When you are driving, focus on driving. If your pet is distracting or is unable to resist jumping on your lap when you are driving, they can be a hazard. When possible, insist your pet ride utilizing safety restraint items designed for travel. Crating animals in the back of a car is also an option.
- Train your pets. Sometimes, particularly when an animal enters a family when they are young, they can be trained to ride in a car without disruption. A dog is safer in a car when they are calm and completely inside the vehicle. If a dog has their head out the window, there can be extreme injuries if an accident were to occur.