Comments on: Not the best policy

By: Ron Stimbert

Ron Stimbert — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:21:56 +0000

“We were training a pup. One of the standard drills was that, on arriving at the crosswalk, the handler would stop, the dog would sit, and then they crossed. So the beast managed to break away and take itself for the walk. It ran up to the crosswalk, sat, and then dashed out in front of an oncoming car. Fortunately, the car missed. It was actually hilarious after the terror was over.”

I enjoyed that (since the dog was safe.)

By: Dennis

Dennis — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:57:33 +0000

> While there are many things you can teach a dog, looking both ways before crossing the road isn’t one of them.

We were training a pup. One of the standard drills was that, on arriving at the crosswalk, the handler would stop, the dog would sit, and then they crossed. So the beast managed to break away and take itself for the walk. It ran up to the crosswalk, sat, and then dashed out in front of an oncoming car. Fortunately, the car missed. It was actually hilarious after the terror was over.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:52:47 +0000

If you love your dog, keep it under control.

As far as the cost of repairs, you can’t drive by a body shop without incurring a $500 bill.

By: Nobody Special

Nobody Special — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:38:34 +0000

It’s very possible that the material cost of the plastic bumper and the labor cost of its installation to be less than the cost of painting the bumper.

By: VMS

VMS — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:43:42 +0000

In New York there is no liability for this type of occurrence on the part of the pet/domestic animal owner even for violation of leash laws or other negligence. The standard for liability in New York is much different, namely, the plaintiff has to prove that the owner knew of the animal’s “vicious” propensity to cause harm. But once this is proven, there is strict liability.

Here are the cases if anyone cares to read them:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/nyctap/search/display.html?terms=animals%20or%20wildlife&url=/nyctap/I09_0092.htm

http://www.law.cornell.edu/nyctap/search/display.html?terms=Dog&url=/nyctap/I06_0046.htm

http://www.law.cornell.edu/nyctap/search/display.html?terms=Dog&url=/nyctap/I08_0040.htm

By: Tom Murin

Tom Murin — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:22:17 +0000

Absolutely the best policy. Remember, included in the (subrogation) claim is the insured’s deductible. They shouldn’t eat it just because htey hit Fido. I can recall not going after pedestrians who were at fault, but it is the same theory.

By: Richard Nieporent

Richard Nieporent — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:12:18 +0000

Good point Ron. The article states “A local bylaw requires pets to be on a leash when off the owner’s property, but the Flemmings said Jake had become accustomed to roaming outside the family’s home.” You notice how they use the infamous passive tense to avoid taking responsibility for what happened. Let’s rewrite the sentence in an active voice. The Flemmings said we have always allowed Jake to roam outside the family’s home because we are irresponsible dog owners. Now we can easily see who is at fault.

By: gitarcarver

gitarcarver — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:09:10 +0000

Bill Poser,

Your assessment of the price shows your age, my friend. 😉

You remember the days when bumpers actually protected the car. Now they are more of “disposable energy absorbers.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did a series of tests on cars and the tests include a corner bumper impact at 3 mph. The costs for some of the smaller cars are unbelievable. The Kia Rio cost $1758 to repair. The Mini Cooper was $2637 to repair.

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr061109.html#

A friend of mine recently tapped a Mercedes SUV. The bumper cover cracked. To replace the cover – and no other damage to the car or the supporting bumper structure – was over $1200. Just one plastic piece was $1200. I know it is a Benz and all that, but the days of a $300 bumper seem to be long gone.

By: Ron Stimbert

Ron Stimbert — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:01:07 +0000

She even admits that they let the dog run loose. While there are many things you can teach a dog, looking both ways before crossing the road isn’t one of them.

I feel bad for the dog, but not the owners. Pay the freaking bill and for the next dog, find time in your busy day to walk the damn thing.

By: Rliyen

Rliyen — Fri, 28 May 2010 01:17:41 +0000

RE: Dog owners

two words: NO SYMPATHY.

And this is coming from a pet owner who, you know, actually takes care of them.