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Driving around with your furry friend can be fun. Many of us love taking our dogs with us on errands or road trips. However, have you ever thought about the danger of letting your dog sit on your lap while you drive? It may look cute, but it could lead to serious accidents.
At BANA LAW, PC, our job is to help you stay safe on the road and to stand by you if an accident happens. As your California car accident lawyer, we want you to know that driving with a dog in your lap can put you, your pet, and other people in harm’s way.
In California, there is no specific law that directly says, “You cannot drive with a dog in your lap.” However, that does not mean it is safe or a good idea. Below, we answer common questions about this issue and explain how it could impact a car accident claim. We also share how our firm can help if you have been hurt in a crash caused by a driver who was distracted by their pet.
Driving with your dog cuddled on your lap may feel comforting, but it brings real safety risks you may not notice right away.
Here are some of the biggest dangers:
When your dog sits on your lap, you are not fully focused on the road. You might look down at your pet or worry about them moving around. Even a small distraction can cause you to miss a stop sign or not see a car braking in front of you.
If your dog changes position or stretches, it can bump the steering wheel or block your hands. This split second of lost control can lead to an accident. The bigger the dog, the more likely they can interfere with your steering.
Airbags are designed to protect drivers and front-seat passengers. But if a dog is on your lap, an inflating airbag could seriously injure or even kill your pet. Also, it might not protect you the way it is supposed to.
In a crash, anything that is not secured can become a projectile. That means your dog could get thrown around inside the car, possibly hitting you or other passengers. This can cause severe injury to both you and your pet.
You might be surprised to learn that there is no direct law in California that says you cannot drive with a dog in your lap. However, there are other rules that might apply:
So, while the law does not ban having a dog in your lap, doing so can break other safety rules if it distracts you or puts others at risk.
Yes, but not always for the dog alone. An officer might pull you over for unsafe driving, like weaving in your lane or running a stop sign because you were distracted. If the officer sees your dog in your lap and believes that caused the unsafe driving, they might give you a ticket for reckless driving under Cal. Veh. Code § 23103. Even if you do not get a ticket, driving with a dog on your lap increases your chances of getting into an accident.
If you are at fault, you might be held responsible for:
Drivers who are distracted by anything, including a pet, are often found liable if they cause a crash. If the accident hurts someone else, they may file a personal injury claim against you. That could mean you pay for their hospital costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This situation can become more complicated if you do not have enough insurance or if your policy does not cover all damages.
If the other driver was clearly distracted by their pet, you may have a strong case for compensation. You can sue for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses. At BANA LAW, PC, we investigate claims like these to see if a driver’s pet caused them to be distracted. If so, that can help prove fault.
Insurance companies might reduce or deny a claim if they think you were driving unsafely. If you or the other person had a dog on their lap and that caused the accident, the at-fault person’s insurance might have to pay.
However, insurers often try to argue about who was really at fault. This is where an experienced California car accident lawyer can help. We gather evidence like photos, eyewitness statements, and police reports to show what really happened.
At BANA LAW, PC, we have over 20 years of experience handling car accident claims. If someone else’s distracted driving hurt you, or if you have questions about your own accident, we are here to guide you.
Our promise to you:
For more information on our services, check out our practice areas page to see other types of cases we handle, including car accidents, truck accidents, and more.
Call us anytime at (855) 997-6599 or fill out our contact form to set up your free case evaluation. Hablamos Español. We proudly serve clients in Los Angeles and throughout California. We know how scary and confusing it can be after an accident, and we are here to help you piece your life back together.
Remember, driving with your dog in your lap may seem harmless, but it only takes a second for something to go wrong. Keep your pet secure, focus on the road, and protect yourself and others from a serious crash. If you ever find yourself in an accident, whether a pet was involved or not, our team at BANA LAW, PC, is ready to stand by your side.
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