Who Pays When It’s An Accident?

In late July, the UK’s Guardian newspaper blog site ran an inquiry from a citizen who accidently struck someone else’s dog with their car.

These are the facts:

1. The dog ran through an open gate and came into the roadway suddenly.

2. The accident was witnessed by the owner who responded angrily to the distraught yet apologetic driver telling them to, “Go away.”

3. The driver states they cannot afford to pay the veterinary bill but wonders if they morally should make the offer and tough out the economic consequences.

They ask, “Doctor, what should I do?”

Personally, I might consider making an offer even if I couldn’t afford it. But...we live in good old litigious America so I’d probably call my insurance agent first. But...then my rates might go up. Do we need to report this to the police because the damages to another’s chattel property is likely greater than the lower limit set on motor vehicle accidents occurring between...umm, chattel property? Is it the same as if I hit their car? How about if I run up on their property and damage chattel property?

So what’s been your experience? Who pays? What do you advise?