[FL] Am I liable for my neighbor’s car damage after she swerved to avoid my dog?
My dog got out of my yard and chased my neighbor’s car. Instead of stopping, she swerved into a pole. Am I liable for the damage to her car?
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In Florida, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries to people (Fla. Stat. § 767.01), but property damage requires proof you were negligent. Factors: whether you knew the dog might chase cars, steps you took to keep him contained, whether he was under control, nuisance issues, and whether the driver’s swerving was a foreseeable reaction (Fla. Stat. §§ 767.12–767.16). If her own actions caused the crash, you may not be liable (Fla. Stat. § 768.81). Consider speaking with a local attorney; if you decline to pay, send a clear denial letter.
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My dog got out of my yard and chased my neighbor’s car. Instead of stopping, she swerved into a pole. Am I liable for the damage to her car?
Lexi, Chatbot
Does your dog have a history of escaping or aggressive behavior?
He’s been digging out. I didn’t know he’d chase cars.
Lexi, Chatbot
Any witnesses? Police or insurance involved?
No witnesses. She reported to insurance. Police wouldn’t come since it was on her property.
Lexi, Chatbot
Anything else the lawyer should know?
Yes.
Jon
What state?
Florida. I’m rehoming the dog to avoid issues, but I won’t pay for her car. She threatened to get an attorney.
Jon
Has a lawyer contacted you?
No, just her.
Jon
In Florida, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries to people (Fla. Stat. § 767.01), but property damage requires proof you were negligent. Factors: whether you knew the dog might chase cars, steps you took to keep him contained, whether he was under control, nuisance issues, and whether the driver’s swerving was a foreseeable reaction (Fla. Stat. §§ 767.12–767.16). If her own actions caused the crash, you may not be liable (Fla. Stat. § 768.81). Consider speaking with a local attorney; if you decline to pay, send a clear denial letter.
Thanks, that answers it.
Jon
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