I hit a dog with my car who ran in front of me, when is a good time to ask the owner to pay the repair bill?

Question

A dog ran in front of my car while I was driving 45 MPHs and after hitting it I went to the nearest corner and went back and got the dogs owners information. My car's repair bumper got a huge dent in it from the dog flinging up onto the bumper and is bloody.

How soon should I call the owner about paying for the repair bill of my car since his property damaged my property, he is legally responsible to pay.

Answer 1

After you pay the police the fine for speeding.

Answer 2

Your right he is legally responsible. The owner who is also responsible for the health and welfare of his four-legged companion shouldn't have neglected his animal in the first place. If he would have followed state regulations(assuming you have the leash law) then the dog wouldn't have been able to get into the street in the first place. Im not an expert but i would probably file a police report and have the owner contacted, and small claims court here we go. I personally love my vehicle and would have no sympathy for the owners of the animal, because obviously they don't love rufus enough to keep a watchfull eye on him anyways.(and yes some dogs slip out of collars but there are thousands of ways to keep them from cuttin loose)  

Answer 3

How about paying for the dog and compensating the owner for his loss.

Answer 4

I should like to see that happen.  You can prove you weren't speeding and etc.  You can prove you weren't out to kill his dog.  I hope you can get your car fixed/

Answer 5

let me get this straight. you hit his dog going 45, and you want him to pay? wtf? i understand that the dog is property in some situations, but to some people, that animal is family.  

Answer 6

you have every right to have your car repaired by the dog owner. I'm sure there are leash laws where you live. You need to contact your insurance co and let them do it for you, that is why you pay premiums;

Answer 7

You should be lucky, they don't sue. For careless driving. Ever heard of something called brakes?

Answer 8

i bet this isn't a real question...

its not about the legal stuff... its about morality man! dents on a car can be repaired and stuff... but a special pet can never be replaced...

Answer 9

   This is a very stupid question. Why should the grieving family have to pay for your idiocy?  

Answer 10

The Dog's owner is at fault for not having his dog under control at all times, I suggest you call as soon as possible to ask for payments.

P.S. Dogs are filthy animals.

Answer 11

WTH man!!! ur owrried bout ur precious little car when that dog is probably dead!!! as***le

Answer 12

if you were going slower, you could have been able to stop for the dog. the dog does,nt know any better and you do.the owner is not going to pay you.

Answer 13

Actually, you're completely right. But it's not the owner that you should be talking to with paying unless if it's just a couple hundred or so. What you should be seeking is the owner's insurance company.

Also, look it up if there's a leash law in your state or town. Because that owner should really have better control of their dog so that way both parties are not hurt by the outcome. Since the dog was obviously not on private property if it was in the road.

Answer 14

I once whacked a deaf mute with emphysmia on sunset blvd. his O2 mask blew off in a stiff breeze. and when he went for it ..WHAK...

  II finally got my ford fixed by his insurance company.  took 7 months though, bummer