Hitting a dog while driving can cause a serious accident. If you swerve or step on the brakes to avoid hitting the animal, you could crash into another car or object, and the crash can cause serious head injuries, back trauma, and other serious or even permanent injuries.
Even if you walk away without a scratch, the trauma of hitting an animal can be significant. You may also have to pay for veterinary bills and your car may suffer damages as well. In these situations, the owner of the dog is generally considered liable since they are responsible for ensuring their pet does not run loose. You may have a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s policy or you may have other legal options.