A dog attack can be a terrifying experience that can entitle victims to significant compensation for their injuries. If you’ve recently been attacked by a dog, you may be wondering whether you need a police report of the incident in order to file a claim against the dog’s owner. While it is not necessary, obtaining a police report describing the incident can make the process of obtaining compensation significantly easier. As a result, it’s always a good idea to call the police after a dog attack, even if you do not think that your injuries are particularly serious.
A Police Report Will Identify Legal Violations
Under New Mexico law, dog attack victims can recover compensation for their injuries if they can show that the dog’s owner was negligent, and his or her negligence led to the attack. Under a doctrine known as negligence per se, individuals violate a law that is designed to prevent harm and whose violation actually causes the harm the law was designed to prevent can be held negligent as a matter of law. For example, if a dog was off-leash in an area where the dog was required to be on-leash by law, the owner would likely be deemed negligent and therefore liable for any injuries caused by an attack.
When the police respond to a dog attack, they will determine whether any legal violations occurred, potentially making it easier for victims to establish liability on the part of the dog’s owner.
A Police Report Will Serve as Documentation
When you make an insurance claim after a dog bite, the insurance company will want to see documentation about the incident. While medical records, your own testimony, and eye-witness accounts can be used as documentation, a police report that identifies the parties involved and all other relevant facts is a strong piece of evidence that can make your claim easier to file.
Do Not Hesitate to Call a Lawyer if You Do Not Have a Police Report
If there is no police report regarding your dog bite, you should still talk to an attorney about your case. While a police report can make filing a claim significantly easier, it is certainly possible to recover compensation without one. An experienced dog bite attorney will be able to review the facts of your case, determine whether you have a claim, and track down evidence in support of your claim that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Los Lunas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At the David C. Chavez Law Firm we are committed to helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve and will not hesitate to go up against the largest insurance companies in the country. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at 505-865-9696 or contact us online.
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