Dogs in the Driver’s Seat: Pets Causing Car Accidents

Las Vegas is a city full of sunshine, open roads, dog lovers – and pets causing car accidents 🐾. But as much as we adore our furry companions, driving with pets in the vehicle can be more dangerous than many realize. At Anthem Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how unrestrained pets can lead to real car accidents, injuries, and complicated liability claims. If you drive with pets, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and within the law 🚗🐕.

🚧 How Pets Can Cause Car Accidents

According to a 2019 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 65% of drivers admitted to being distracted by their pets while driving. That distraction can include:
– Pets jumping into the front seat
– Barking or whining excessively
– Climbing onto the driver’s lap
– Blocking the view or interfering with steering
– Escaping from the vehicle during a stop

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not specifically call out pets distraction as a specific category. But distracted driving in general contributes to hundreds of thousands of crash related injuries each year. A 2023 NHTSA study identified that distractions contributed to crashes nationwide and they continue to be a major cause of injury accidents in Nevada.

📜 What Does Nevada Law Say About Pets in Cars?

While Nevada doesn’t have a specific statute requiring pets to be restrained in vehicles, driving with an unrestrained animal can still result in a citation under distracted driving or careless driving laws.

📝 Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.653 prohibits any operation of a vehicle in a careless or inattentive manner. If a pet causes the driver to lose control or become distracted, the driver may be cited under this law.

🐕 Additionally, Nevada law prohibits carrying animals in a cruel manner, such as leaving animals unattended in vehicles during extreme temperatures (NRS 574.190), to protect against heatstroke and neglect.

➡️ Click here to learn more about Nevada’s driving laws.

🔒 Should You Restrain Your Pet While Driving?

Absolutely. Restraining your pet not only protects them—it protects YOU. Just like a child car seat, a secured pet prevents sudden movement that could distract or injure you in a crash.

Safe restraint options include:
– Pet seat belts or harnesses
– Crates or carriers secured to the seat
– Barriers between the front and back seat

🐾 Click here to read the Center for Pet Safety crash-tested restraint products study.

⚖️ Who’s Liable If a Pet Causes an Accident?

If a driver causes a crash because their pet was unrestrained or distracting them, that driver can be held liable. driver. That means they (or their insurance company) may be responsible for:
– Medical bills
– Lost wages
– Property damage
– Pain and suffering

If you’re the injured party in a pet-related crash, it’s critical to document:
– The presence of a pet in the vehicle
– Any statements the driver makes
– Witness accounts
– Police reports

📸 If possible, take photos at the scene. These details can be crucial in proving negligence and securing compensation. Read more about Helping Your Attorney Build a Strong Car Accident Case in the Anthem Blog.

💡 Tips for Safer Travel With Pets

Whether you’re heading to Red Rock Canyon or just down the street for a puppuccino, follow these tips:
✅ Always use a restraint
✅ Never let pets sit on your lap while driving
✅ Use window locks if your pet tends to paw at controls
✅ Take breaks on long drives for bathroom and water stops
✅ Never leave pets in a hot car

☀️ Click here to learn more about How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car.

📞 Injured in a Pet-Related Crash? Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver with a pet, we can help. Our experienced Henderson and Las Vegas legal team is here to guide you on the road to recovery. We offer free consultations and fight aggressively to protect your rights. We drive results for car accident victims.

📲 Call us today at (702) 857-6000 or
💻 Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

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– How Long After a Car Accident Can you Sue in Nevada?