Many people associate a hit-and-run accident with a motor vehicle crash. However, the question arises: Is leaving the scene after your dog bites someone considered a hit and run? This isn’t just a moral issue—it can be a legal one as well. While dog bites aren’t typically handled under vehicle statutes, in some states and circumstances, fleeing after your dog injures a person may carry consequences similar to a hit and run.
Failing to remain at the scene of a dog bite and refusing to offer insurance information, identify yourself, or seek help for the injured party can lead to criminal offense charges, civil claims, or even allegations of negligence under personal injury law.
Much like leaving the scene of an accident in a car, abandoning your responsibilities as a dog owner could result in being held liable—financially, and sometimes criminally. Like the at-fault driver or the other driver, the dog owner can also be liable.
Let’s explore how the law views this issue and what legal risks exist if a dog bite incident occurs and the owner or handler leaves the scene.
What the Law Says About Dog Bite Liability and Hit and Run Accident
Under most personal injury statutes, a dog owner is expected to control their pet and respond appropriately if the dog bites or attacks someone.
While this doesn’t always fall under the hit-and-run accident category legally, it can mirror a hit-and-run when the owner leaves the scene without taking proper steps. This is much like how if a driver leaves although they have to pay for damages.
In many jurisdictions, when a bite happens, the owner is required to:
- Stay at the scene
- Offer insurance or identification
- Call the police or seek medical assistance
- Cooperate in filing a report
Fleeing the scene can be interpreted as leaving the scene of an injury-causing accident, which may lead to both civil and criminal repercussions. This is common for even the biggest dog bite cases, and would apply to your case, too.
Is It Like a Hit and Run For the Dog Owner?
Legally, a hit and run typically involves a driver causing a crash, property damage, or injuries, and then leaving the scene without exchanging information or waiting for a police officer. When a dog bite occurs, there is no car or vehicle involved—yet the parallel is clear.
If you are the at-fault party because your dog caused injury, and you leave without offering help or identification, it may functionally act as a run accident.
In some states, this can even be prosecuted under hit-and-run driver laws if injury to a person occurred and no aid was provided.
When It Becomes a Criminal Offense And Who Can Be Held Liable
The consequences of hit and run can be massive. In states with strict dog control laws, leaving the scene after a dog bite can escalate into a criminal offense. This is especially true if:
- The injuries are serious or life-threatening
- The dog is considered dangerous or has a history
- The owner actively flees and tries to avoid being identified
- The injured person is denied timely medical treatment
Failing to file a report, provide your insurance, or call for help may not only impact a future personal injury lawsuit—it could expose you to criminal charges and fines. Much like a hit-and-run driver, your actions after the incident can be just as important as what happened.
The Role of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Just as a driver in a car accident must offer their insurance company details at the scene, so must a dog owner be prepared to share insurance information if a dog bite takes place.
In some cases, homeowners’ insurance may cover medical bills, lost wages, or even emotional trauma resulting from the bite.
Failing to provide this information and leaving the scene complicates the claim process for the injured party and can negatively impact your insurance coverage. It could also prompt your own insurance company to deny coverage based on non-cooperation.
Legal Recourse for the Injured Party
If you were bitten by a dog and the owner left the scene, you may still have legal recourse. Speak to dog bite lawyers or a personal injury attorney about:
- Filing a personal injury claim
- Initiating a civil claim for damages
- Using witness statements, license plate numbers, or video to identify the owner
Even in the absence of a motor vehicle, the law allows for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage in such situations. In some cases, you may also recover lost wages and damages for emotional distress.
Evidence That Helps Support a Claim
If the owner flees, collect any of the following at the accident scene:
- Photos of the dog, owner, or scene
- Contact info for witnesses
- Notes on what happened and the circumstances
- Surveillance footage is on someone else’s property
- Any visible injuries and your medical treatment records
Just like a car accident case, evidence strengthens your claim, proves the at-fault party’s negligence, and helps you obtain compensation.
How Attorneys Can Help You Complete the Legal Process
Whether you’re a dog owner accused of leaving the scene or a person injured in a dog bite incident, a dog bite lawyer with expertise in personal injury law can guide you. An experienced attorney can help:
- Assess fault under applicable law
- Handle communications with the insurance company
- Pursue or defend against a personal injury lawsuit
- Evaluate any related property damage
- Determine if hit-and-run standards apply
An attorney-client relationship built on transparency and legal insight ensures your case is handled with care and professionalism.
Don’t Underestimate the Consequences of Leaving
If you’re a dog owner who panics and leaves the scene, understand that your actions may have long-term effects. Much like a hit-and-run driver, you may be viewed as trying to avoid responsibility. This can result in:
- Legal liability for medical bills and more
- Increased insurance premiums
- Criminal charges
- Damage to your reputation
The best course of action is to stay at the scene, exchange information, cooperate with the police, and take care of the injured party. Being accountable not only helps you legally, but it also reflects the kind of person who respects others’ rights and safety.
When a Dog Bite and Vehicle Collision Happen Together
In rare cases, a dog bite may occur during or after a motor vehicle collision. This includes such as a crash that results in the dog getting loose and biting a bystander.
In these combined scenarios, legal liability becomes even more complex, and both hit-and-run and dog bite statutes may apply. These cases demand immediate legal attention and accurate documentation, including any skid marks, police reports, and witness accounts.
Get Free Consultation for Dog Bites And Leaving the Scene
If you’re involved in a case where someone left the scene after a dog bite, time is critical. The sooner you consult with a legal professional, the better your chance of preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
A free consultation with a qualified attorney can help you determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. It can also tell you how to file a claim and what to expect from the legal process.
Let Bourassa Law Group Represent You
At Bourassa Law Group, we understand the unique legal challenges of dog bite incidents—especially when the owner leaves the scene. Whether you were the injured party or are being accused of wrongdoing, our team will help you with every step with confidence and compassion.
If you’re wondering if leaving the scene after your dog bites someone is considered a hit and run, let us give you the answers and legal support you need. We’ll assess the accident, help file your claim, and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable.
Contact Bourassa Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your right to fair treatment, proper compensation, and legal justice.
1-800-870-8910