If you’ve been in a crash caused by an animal, you may be wondering, Do I even have a case?
The answer depends on the circumstances. In Charlotte, whether or not you can pursue compensation often hinges on what type of animal was involved, who (if anyone) was responsible for allowing the animal into the roadway, and how the crash actually happened.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how animal-related crashes are handled under Charlotte law, what options may be available to recover compensation, and why having an experienced Charlotte car accident lawyer can make all the difference in these often misunderstood cases.
Why Animal-Related Accidents Matter in North Carolina
Animal-related car accidents are surprisingly common across both rural and urban areas in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Transportation regularly reports thousands of animal-involved crashes each year, with deer alone causing a major share of collisions.
These crashes often involve:
- Wild animals, like deer, raccoons, foxes, or coyotes
- Domestic animals, such as dogs, horses, cattle, or goats
- Escaped livestock from nearby farms or properties
The type of animal matters greatly because it can determine whether you have a legal claim against another person or whether you’ll need to seek compensation through your own insurance.
Beyond the initial collision, these crashes often result in secondary accidents: drivers swerving into oncoming lanes, overcorrecting and losing control, or colliding with other vehicles or objects. The injuries from these crashes can be severe, ranging from broken bones and concussions to spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Understanding the bigger picture of how these accidents occur is the first step in protecting your legal rights.
When an Animal Owner May Be Held Liable
If the animal involved in the crash is a domestic animal—such as a dog, cow, horse, or goat—the owner has a legal duty to reasonably prevent that animal from becoming a hazard on public roads. If they fail in that duty, they can be held financially responsible for any accidents and injuries that occur.
Liability may arise in cases where:
- An animal owner allowed a dog to roam free without fencing or a leash
- A livestock owner failed to properly maintain fences or gates
- A property owner knew their animals were escaping, but didn’t fix the problem
- There was a history of previous incidents involving escaped animals
Under North Carolina law, livestock owners in particular are required to take affirmative steps to contain their animals. For example, a loose cow on a roadway is not considered a random act of nature; it typically signals negligence on the part of the owner.
In these cases, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the animal owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy or farm liability policy, depending on the situation.
What Happens if a Wild Animal causes a Crash?
When it comes to wild animals, the situation becomes more complicated. If your accident was caused by a deer, raccoon, or other wildlife crossing the road, there usually isn’t a property owner or another human party that can be held liable.
However, you still may have options. Depending on your insurance policy, you might be able to recover for property damage or medical expenses under:
- Collision coverage: covers accidents where your vehicle strikes another object (including trees, fences, or even wild animals).
- Comprehensive coverage: covers non-collision incidents like hitting a deer or wildlife.
These coverages are optional in North Carolina, but are extremely helpful when wildlife accidents occur.
Additionally, if another driver swerved to avoid a wild animal and hit you—and their reaction was reckless or unreasonable—you may have a claim against that driver.
Drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely, even in unexpected situations. Overcorrecting, speeding, or losing control unnecessarily may still create liability, even if the initial hazard was unavoidable.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Animal-Related Car Crashes
Insurance companies often dismiss animal-related crashes as unavoidable or “no-fault” incidents—but that’s not always accurate. Many of these crashes deserve a much closer look.
An experienced attorney will:
- Investigate whether a domestic animal owner was negligent
- Examine fencing, gates, and property conditions to determine liability
- Locate surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses
- Identify and interview witnesses who saw the crash or the animal loose beforehand
- Determine whether other drivers involved reacted appropriately under the circumstances
At Auger & Auger, we don’t just rely on the initial police report. We gather additional evidence like crash scene photos, property records, veterinary records, and road maintenance logs to build the strongest possible case.
Even when wildlife is involved, we can help you file the right insurance claims and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
Why Early Investigation Is Critical
Time is not on your side after an animal-related crash. Evidence like broken fences, gaps in gates, skid marks, and nearby witnesses can disappear quickly. If the animal was domestic, the owner may repair fencing or secure their property after the crash, making it harder to prove negligence later.
After a crash, it’s important to:
- Take photographs of the crash site, including your vehicle, the road surface, weather conditions, and any visible animals or property damage
- Document where the animal came from, if possible
- Get contact information for any nearby property owners or businesses
- Ask local homeowners if they have Ring doorbells or security cameras that might have captured the incident
- Report the accident to police and ensure that a thorough report is made
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner an independent investigation can begin—preserving evidence that could make or break your case.
What Compensation May Be Available After an Animal-Related Accident
Depending on the facts of the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of future income if you are unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life
- Vehicle and property damage, including repairs or replacement
- Permanent disabilities or scarring that affects your day-to-day life
In cases where a domestic animal owner was negligent, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim through their homeowner’s insurance or farm insurance. If only your insurance is available, your collision or comprehensive policies can still provide important financial relief.
Every case is different, and working with an experienced attorney can help you maximize your recovery by identifying all possible sources of compensation.
Contact Auger & Auger for Help After an Animal-Related Crash
If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by an animal—whether wild or domestic—you deserve answers. Don’t assume that there’s no case or that the insurance company’s first offer is the best you can do. Animal-related crashes can involve hidden liability, neglected responsibilities, and insurance coverage that many people don’t even realize they have.
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims across North Carolina.
We know how to uncover every angle of a case, protect you from insurance tactics, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. And with our Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay anything unless we win for you.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving an animal, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the facts, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
