Moving Truck Accidents
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves between 11 and 12 times in their lifetime. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, renting a moving truck can be immensely helpful in getting your belongings to your new home. But what happens if you’re in a car accident with a moving truck? Who is responsible for damages, and whose vehicle insurance will foot the bill? Find out more about moving truck accidents from the personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
What Causes Moving Truck Accidents?
Like other large truck accidents, the causes of moving truck crashes can vary considerably. Some of contributing factors to moving truck collisions may include:
- Inexperienced drivers. Most moving truck rental companies don’t require any special licensing to rent and drive a moving truck, even for the largest 26-foot-long trucks. Not being familiar with a vehicle’s controls or limitations can easily lead to an accident.
- Speeding. Speeding is dangerous in any motor vehicle, but it is especially hazardous in a moving truck because they take so much longer to come to a complete stop. Moving truck drivers who drive over the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions (or other motorists around them engaging in such behaviors) can cause a crash.
- Distracted driving. When driving a moving truck that weighs upwards of 10,000 pounds, there is very little room for error. Distractions, whether that’s talking on the phone, talking to passengers, eating or drinking, or paying more attention to the GPS than the road can result in deadly accidents.
- Drunk driving. Whether on the part of a moving truck driver or another motorist, drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is a common cause of traffic accidents.
- Drowsy driving. Drivers who are moving across state lines may be tempted to drive nonstop to get to their new home as soon as possible. But hours of driving without any breaks can lead to fatigue, which may result in falling asleep at the wheel, slowed reaction times, or poor judgment.
- Lack of maintenance. A poorly maintained vehicle, or one with defective parts, can also contribute to an accident with a moving truck.
Who Pays for Damages in a Moving Truck Accident?
Who is ultimately found financially responsible for a moving truck accident depends on which driver or company’s negligent or reckless actions directly caused the accident and subsequent injuries to occur. Some possible liability scenarios are laid out below. Note that the following information applies to at-fault states—that is, states in which the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages.
- If you are driving a rented moving truck and your negligence causes an accident, you, your auto insurance policy, or any truck rental insurance you purchased at the time of rental will be responsible for damages. (Note: while most car insurance policies cover rental cars, many of these policies exclude larger vehicles like moving trucks).
- If you are driving a rented moving truck and another motorist causes an accident, that motorist’s insurance will be responsible for damages.
- If you are driving a rented moving truck and faulty vehicle parts or a lack of proper maintenance causes an accident, the moving truck company or truck manufacturer may be responsible for damages.
- If you are hit by a moving truck while driving your car, riding a motorcycle or bicycle, or while walking, the person who rented and was driving the moving truck is responsible for damages. If the driver was an employee of the moving company, both they and their employer may be responsible for damages.
Unfortunately, moving truck accident cases may be complicated when multiple vehicles are involved, more than one driver contributed to the accident, motorists are underinsured or uninsured, and other factors.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Moving Truck Accident?
While hiring an attorney may not be necessary in moving truck accident cases that result in little to no injury or property damage, most people will benefit from having an experienced personal injury attorney review the details of their case.
If you’ve been injured, you may be contacted by insurance companies within days or weeks of an accident with a settlement offer. It is strongly recommended not to accept these offers and to consult with a lawyer instead. Quick settlement offers may seem convenient, but it may take weeks or even months to assess the true damages that stem from the accident. This is especially true if the severity of your injuries isn’t diagnosed right away.
This is why Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys offers free, no obligation case reviews to accident victims in the following states:
As one of the leading personal injury firms in the United States, our team of legal professionals will fight for your right to the maximum compensation after suffering a personal injury.
Especially after sustaining catastrophic injuries such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord damage, it’s important to ensure that you receive a fair settlement—one that will cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with severe or permanent disability. This is not to mention the emotional costs of dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one to wrongful death.
Get Legal Help Today
To connect with Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, call us anytime day or night at 844-977-1900. We also offer immediate virtual assistance through our LiveChat service. You can even request your free case review online by filling out this simple form. The call is free, the consultation is free, and we don’t charge you a penny unless we win your case. That’s our no fee promise.