Rental Truck Accidents

How To Determine Liability for a Moving Truck Accident

In the unfortunate event of a moving truck accident, one of the crucial aspects to consider is determining who is liable for the incident. Establishing liability is essential for insurance purposes and potential legal proceedings.

Rental Company Liability

The rental company can be held responsible for a moving truck accident under certain circumstances. This includes situations where the accident occurred due to poor maintenance, mechanical issues, or faulty equipment provided by the company. If it can be proven that a rental company neglected its duty to properly inspect and maintain the vehicle, resulting in the accident, it could be held accountable for the damages.

Other Drivers Involved

In some cases, liability for a moving truck accident may rest on other drivers on the road. If another driver in the accident acted negligently or violated traffic laws, their actions could have contributed to the collision. This can include reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or disregarding traffic signals. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, or police reports, can help determine the fault of other drivers.

Rental Moving Truck Driver

As the driver operating the moving rental truck, you may also be accountable for the accident. If your irresponsible actions, such as excessive speeding, improper lane changes, or distracted driving, caused or contributed to the crash, you could be the guilty party.

Determining who’s at fault after an accident can be a major hassle, leading to confusion and stress. To simplify matters, it’s wise to consult an accident and injury lawyer to help you find the responsible party. They can provide valuable advice on the steps to take, whether filing a moving truck insurance claim or initiating legal proceedings.

Types of Rental Truck Accidents

Moving car or truck accidents can range from minor fender benders to major collisions — and injuries can range from minor to severe. In general, though, the following accidents are the most common:

• Rear-end collisions: This happens when a car crashes into the vehicle in front of it. It can occur due to tailgating or the truck driver’s failure to stop in time.
• Side swipes: Occurs when a car or truck collides with the side of another vehicle while changing lanes or making a turn.
• Head-on crashes: The front ends of two vehicles, including moving trucks, collide. These incidents can even lead to severe and life-threatening injuries.
• Rollovers: Moving trucks can easily tip over due to their high center of gravity. Rollovers typically occur when a truck takes a turn too quickly or encounters a sudden obstacle.
• Jackknife incidents: This happens when the trailer of a moving truck swings out to an angle more than 90 degrees from the cab. This can occur during sudden braking or slippery road conditions.

Any parties involved can be held responsible for a car or truck accident injuries or property damage. As such, it’s essential to understand what causes these incidents and to take preventive measures to mitigate the risk.

Causes of Moving Truck Accidents

There are several common causes of moving truck accidents — from distracted driving to speeding. Here are some of the main factors:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major culprit behind accidents, and it’s not just limited to regular vehicles—it affects truck drivers too. Accidents are more common when drivers divert their attention from the road, whether texting, eating, or using GPS. Staying focused while on the road must be the top priority to avoid serious incidents.

Driver Fatigue

Tiredness reduces alertness and increases the risk of accidents. When experiencing fatigue, drivers should follow regulated service hours to get sufficient rest and avoid drowsy driving. They can also find rest stops to get some rest and recuperate from their fatigue.

Inexperienced Driving

Driving a moving truck is a whole different ball game compared to a regular car. The size, weight, and handling of these rental trucks can catch inexperienced drivers off guard. Without proper training and practice, they may struggle with turning, braking, or navigating tight spaces.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

When drivers exceed speed limits and engage in aggressive driving, they make the roads risky. Reacting to traffic is difficult when these drivers behave recklessly, raising the odds of a crash. Thankfully, negligent drivers can be held responsible for their actions as long as the plaintiff files a personal injury claim.

Remember, accidents can happen for many different reasons. So, be aware of your surroundings, and practice safe driving habits.

Steps to Take After Moving Truck Accident

Knowing the proper steps to take and your rights will protect you later in legal proceedings. Here are some tips for handling a rental truck accident:

File a Police Report

After authorities arise at the scene, request to file a detailed accident report. The authorities will gather information from everyone involved and document the scene. This report will be useful when filing your insurance claim or a lawsuit later.

Contact Your Rental Truck Insurance

Purchasing rental truck insurance can help you mitigate the cost and risk of an accident. This will allow you to file a claim with your insurer, and they will guide you through the claims process and advise you on what to do next. They may also request a copy of the police report and any details you have collected. Be prepared and always do your due diligence during the accident and claims process.

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Then, get contact information from witnesses, including their names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plates, as their statements may be required later.

Document Your Injuries and Expenses

Internal injuries are invisible to the naked eye, so it is crucial to seek medical attention even if you believe your injuries are minor bruising. Your wounds need to be documented by a medical expert, especially if you plan on taking legal action.

Afterward, hold onto your medical records and track any expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages. These can serve as valuable evidence to support your case.

These steps can help you safeguard your rights and increase the chance of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. If you find yourself injured in a truck accident, contact a skilled moving truck rental company attorney who can assess your situation and offer guidance on the best way forward.

Hiring a Moving Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a rental car crash accident, you need a moving truck accident lawyer or a wrongful death attorney who knows all the laws and regulations.

An experienced attorney can help mitigate your injuries by negotiating with the parties involved in the accident to cover your medical bills and any other financial or emotional stress you might’ve experienced.

At TorHoerman Law, we have a team of experienced attorneys with years of success with truck accident lawsuits.

We work with our clients to help minimize their stress, avoid unwarranted liability claims, and maximize compensation for their damages.

We offer free consultations for all potential clients, and our legal services are based on contingency fees.

This means none of our clients pay until we have helped them gain compensation.

TorHoerman Law has successfully won more than $4 billion dollars for clients injured at no fault of their own.

Contact the law offices of TorHoerman to speak with a moving truck accident lawyer today and learn more about your moving truck lawsuit.