Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: who's responsible?

I'm afraid so, unless someone else is responsible for setting your dog loose.

Re: who's responsible?

If you negligently allowed your dog to get loose, you could be liable for the damages. On the other hand, if you took reasonable steps to make sure that your dog does not get loose, then you may not be liable. Like most everything else in the law, there is not a clear-cut answer.

Additionally, one or both of the other drivers may be partially/wholly at fault for the accident. Were the other cars speeding? Was the second car maintaining a safe following distance behind the first car?

These are the types of issues that get flushed out during the investigation of the claim and, if necessary, during a lawsuit.

Re: who's responsible?

To be glib, you'll find out if you get sued, at which point you will need to consult an attorney.

Re: who's responsible?

Maybe. It all depends on how the dog got loose, the type of traffic on the street, what kind of street it is(commercial or residential), the speed of the cars etc. You might wish to contact your insurance agent as either your homeowners or auto insurance may provide coverage.