Protecting Your Pet in a Car Crash
Last year, a Georgia family lost their beloved dog after a catastrophic car accident. A drunk driver ran into their car as they drove on I-85 towards Atlanta and their vehicle flipped over multiple times across the roadway. When it landed, the family realized their dog had been thrown from the vehicle. Witnesses spotted the dog running across the highway in a panicked state, but they could not stop her. The family initiated search efforts and, fortunately, the pup was found unharmed days later. While her family rejoiced in the reunion, they did not forget those terrifying days spent wondering whether their dog was safe.
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our Atlanta car accident attorneys understand that pets are our family, and they too must be protected in the event of a car crash. A search of local news stories reveals that family pets are often lost in the aftermath of an automobile accident and can also be injured due to the force of the crash. Consequently, we offer a look at some of the steps you can take to protect your pet in the event you are ever involved in an accident.
Get a Pet Protection Harness
One of the first things you can do to make sure your pet will be safe while riding in the car is to invest in a quality crash-tested harness. Pet restraints come in two varieties—those intended to ensure your pet does not distract you while driving and those that also protect the pet from the impact of a crash. Look for a harness that accomplishes both. The harness should not allow your pet to jump into the driver's area of the vehicle and should be crash tested for effectiveness.
Microchip and ID Your Pet
In the event your pet does become lost after an accident, it is imperative that your pet is micro-chipped and has a collar with an ID tag. Collars can come off during an accident or in its aftermath. A microchip with your current information is the best way to ensure your pet is returned to you in the event he/she escapes following an accident.
Be Careful Using a Pet Carrier
Pet carriers can be effective in ensuring your pet is immobile while you drive, but these devices will not necessarily shield your pet in an accident. You should take care in selecting where you place the carrier. Do not attempt place the carrier in the front seat or buckle it in as an accident can cause the carrier to be crushed in such positions, harming or even killing the pet inside.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources: