Of all the things you might worry about being sued for, your dog might be pretty low on your list. Particularly if you have a friendly pooch, it might be inconceivable to you that he or she might cause you the financial and emotional grief that goes along with a lawsuit. If you were in a car accident with Fido, however, you may find yourself in legal trouble, depending on the circumstances. Here are some considerations to keep in mind the next time you take your furry friend on the road.

Distracting Doggies

Depending on where you live, driving while talking on a cellphone or while texting may be against the law. This is because it's a form of distracted driving. Other things within your control can distract you while driving as well, from a screaming baby to a spilled coffee. Your dog can also become a distraction.

Whether your pup is barking, trying to climb into the front seat or licking your neck as you drive, letting your dog distract you can lead to injury, as well as a hit to your wallet. Do not let your dog sit in the front seat of the car. If your four-footed pal doesn't tend to lay down quietly, it's best to keep him or her restrained on the passenger side of the backseat, where you aren't within reach. Also, if your dog starts getting loud, don't be afraid to pull over to deal with the distraction in a safe manner.

Projectile Pups

Driving with anything that isn't quite literally tied down can be a safety hazard. This includes tools, bags of groceries, and even baby bottles or toddler sippy cups. When you are talking about a dog, whether it weighs 10 or 100 pounds, the damage can be beyond your wildest expectations.

A dog that is unrestrained is not only in danger of being killed, but can also kill occupants in your car or even in another car if the impact is great enough. Your little (or big) ball of fluff could be thrown out of the vehicle and into someone who is outside or in the other car. In this case, you would likely be dealing with a lawsuit in addition to the heartbreaking loss of your pet.

Be sure to properly restrain your dog in the car at all times. A restraint harness is one way you can do this safely. Another is to put the dog in his or her crate or carrier, and to buckle the carrier in with the car's seatbelt. One caveat: Never attempt to restrain your dog with a leash attached to a collar; the impact of a crash could break your pup's neck. Instead, always use a harness that can distribute force over his or her chest.

Hurting Hounds,

Most family pets are well-mannered, and many owners attest that their furry friend wouldn't hurt a fly. This might be true in the vast majority of circumstances, but if a dog is injured in a car accident, he or she might become terrified enough to snap out at anyone who tries to help. Unfortunately, a person bitten by your dog can take you to court for their trouble.

While you cannot absolutely prevent this from happening, having your dog in a crate or carrier while in the car keeps him or her contained. It can also reduce the risk of your dog being injured in the first place. It definitely prevents your pup from leaving the scene of a crash, where his or her confusion might prompt a biting incident.

The best way to avoid being sued for an incident involving your dog during a car crash is to keep your pet restrained and out of your way while you concentrate on driving. Although not every accident can be prevented, making sure your dog is as safe as possible will go far in helping him or her live a long and healthy life, and as a bonus, can keep you out of the courtroom. If you and your dog find yourselves in legal trouble, contact a car accident lawyer for help.