Nighttime driving is usually more hazardous than daytime travel for various reasons. Low visibility, erratic drivers, and unpredictable weather conditions all can increase the danger. of driving at night. Some of the largest concerns with nighttime driving are fatigue and drowsiness, which result in accidents that kill hundreds of Americans each year. Drowsy driving has been blamed for a recent crash in Maine which injured at least one person and nearly killed two dogs that were ejected from a vehicle involved.
According to a local news report discussing the recent crash, the two vehicles involved were traveling along I-95 near Lincoln when the driver of the trailing SUV appeared to fall asleep at the wheel. The trailing car then rear-ended the other vehicle, causing both vehicles to lose control and roll over into the shoulder. According to the report, two dogs were thrown from the front vehicle as it rolled over. Fortunately, although both animals were injured as a result of the crash, they have since been safely returned to their owners.
Although the animals involved in this recent accident have been safely returned home, that is not always the case with pets involved in auto accidents. If someone’s pet is injured or killed in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver, they may be able to recover damages from the at-fault driver. Car insurance policies cover injuries to people involved in a crash, but animals are not covered in the same way. Although many pet owners see their pets as family, auto insurance coverage for bodily injury liability will not cover injuries suffered to an animal.
Accident victims may be able to recover damages for injured pets through the other driver’s property damage coverage, or else through their own comprehensive coverage. Determining what is and is not covered under an auto insurance policy can be difficult and confusing, and claims adjusters don’t always give honest or accurate answers when their clients or other drivers ask about coverage. In some instances, if a pet is injured or killed in an accident and insurance does not provide coverage, it may be worth pursuing the driver personally for compensation.
Were You Involved in a Maine Car Accident?
No two car accidents are alike, and coverage can vary based on the agents involved and strategies employed. Anyone with questions about a possible negligence claim after an auto accident should seek out competent legal advice as quickly as possible after an accident to ensure that their options are kept open. If you or a loved one has suffered a loss from an auto accident, the Maine injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates want to help you obtain compensation for your claim. Our experienced accident attorneys understand how to get our clients the results they deserve. At Peter Thompson & Associates we represent clients in most Maine negligence cases, including drowsy-driver accidents. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to us through our website.