Legal Question in Traffic Law in Minnesota

Neighbors asking for money after dog was hit

I was coming home from work and turned onto our private road and the neighbors dog was across the street (not on his owners property) and ran across and into my car. I stopped and we helped until the dog was taken to the vet that same night. The neighbors have now come to our house and are asking us to pay for half of the bill that is from the dog. They say that if we do not pay the bill that they will take us to court. I do believe that dogs are treated as property and it is the owners responsibilty to take care of their property and make sure that they are not running across the street. We are completely sorry for the accident and have let the nieghbors know this several times, but they are demanding the money. WHat do we do?


Asked on 9/09/08, 9:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: Neighbors asking for money after dog was hit

If their dog was running off leash on a public road, or in your driveway, you would have no obligation. The negligence conduct was that of the owners.

If it was a private roadway to which the neighbors have access, there may be a question of liability.

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Answered on 9/10/08, 3:03 pm


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