b'REACHINGOUTPets and Car Accidents:WHAT CAN YOU DO?Americansspend$41billionannuallyonpets.and even punitive damages. These values would be AccordingtoTheHumaneSociety,over60%ofbased on the pets age, health, breed, training and American households include at least one pet. Ourspecial traits.furry friends have worked their way into our hearts, homes and inevitably, our cars. So, what happens ifForpetownersinjuredinacaraccident,local youre involved in a car accident with your animal?chapters of The Humane Society will often keep the Are their injuries covered by car insurance? What ifpet until the owner or a family member can pick it your pet dies? What happens if you are injured in theup, usually for up to three days, free.accident, and unable to care for your pet?To guarantee coverage for your pet in a car accident, As long as youre not at fault for the accident, and asregardlessoffault,youmustshoparound.Each long as the negligent driver carries liability insurance,carinsurancecompanyhandlespetsdifferently. yourpetsveterinarytreatmentexpenseswillbeAfewprovidecoverage,butmostdont. Thefew covered, as your pet is personal property. Dont beauto insurance companies that dont exclude pets, offended your pet is considered property. Its just theprovidecoverageunderthecollisionprotection way insurance policies are written. However, thereat no extra cost. Limits usually range from $500 to are limits to how much can be compensated. $1,000. And remember, your regular pet insurance wont cover your pets injuries from a car accident. It Ifyourpetshouldperishfrominjuriessustainedonly covers illness.inanaccident,thecompensationformulacanbe complicated. A pet owner may convince a court toPet owners should feel comforted knowing there are order the responsible party to pay for market valuelegal options to help pay for the injury or loss of a pet ofthepet,sentimentalvalue,emotionaldistressin an auto accident.Our dog is truly a member of our family. She should have protection just as any of us.Tips on Keeping Your Pet SafeIDont let your pets roam freely.7Dont let your pet sit in the front seat.& Dont let your pet sit in your lap.ODont let your pet ride with its headout the window.4002'