Rental and moving trucks are a common sight on Michigan highways as more people relocate, renovate, or transport goods on their own. Companies such as U-Haul, Ryder, Penske, and Budget make it simple for anyone to rent a large vehicle, but many drivers have little experience handling the weight, braking distance, and large blind spots of these trucks. When things go wrong, the results can be devastating.
Crashes involving rental or moving trucks often lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complex legal questions about who is responsible. Get legal advice after a serious crash by contacting The Clark Law Office. Our attorneys investigate every detail of the accident, identify all liable parties, and work tirelessly to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Why Rental and Moving Trucks Pose Serious Safety Risks
Rental and moving trucks are some of the most difficult vehicles to operate safely. Unlike professional truck drivers, most renters have little or no training in how to handle the height, turning radius, and braking distance of a loaded moving truck. When these large vehicles are packed with furniture, equipment, or household items, their balance and visibility change dramatically, increasing the chance of an accident. Inexperienced drivers face extra danger when near tanker and fuel truck accidents involving hazardous cargo.
Another concern is how rental fleets are maintained. These vehicles log thousands of miles across multiple states with minimal oversight. Brake wear, tire damage, and mechanical issues are common, yet renters often have no way to know whether a truck has been inspected properly. Many accidents also occur when drivers make long-distance one-way trips while fatigued or unfamiliar with Michigan’s roads and traffic conditions.
đź“Š Table 1: Common Rental and Moving Truck Types on Michigan Roads
How Moving Truck Accidents Commonly Happen
Most moving and rental truck crashes occur because inexperienced drivers underestimate how difficult these vehicles are to control. Turning, stopping, and reversing require far more precision than a passenger car, especially when the truck is fully loaded. These collisions often happen near work zones or housing developments, just like cement and construction truck accidents. Even a small mistake can cause the vehicle to jackknife, overturn, or collide with other motorists.
The most frequent causes of moving truck accidents include:
Understanding the Legal Complexities of Rental Truck Collisions
Accidents involving moving or rental trucks can quickly become complicated because the laws that govern them differ from those that apply to commercial trucking companies. Most rental vehicles are owned by large national corporations, but under federal law, these companies are often protected from automatic liability for the negligence of the person renting the truck.
This protection, known as the Graves Amendment, shields rental companies unless there is clear proof of their own negligence, such as failing to inspect a vehicle, renting unsafe equipment, or ignoring known mechanical defects. Drivers may also face insurance disputes if they rely solely on personal coverage or credit card protection, which often excludes large rental trucks.
đź’ˇ Clark Insight: Many renters believe the company automatically pays for damages after a crash, but that is rarely true. Our attorneys examine every contract, policy, and maintenance record to uncover coverage options and exceptions that can significantly increase your recovery.
Determining Responsibility After a Moving or Rental Truck Crash
Determining who is legally responsible for a moving or rental truck accident requires more than reviewing a police report. These cases often involve multiple parties, each with different duties of care and separate insurance coverage. A single crash can trigger overlapping claims against the driver, the rental company, and the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
Common parties that may be held liable include:
đź“Š Table 2: Who May Be Liable in a Rental Truck Accident
Injuries and Losses From Moving Truck Crashes
Collisions involving moving or rental trucks often cause significant and long-lasting injuries. These vehicles are large, heavy, and frequently loaded with uneven cargo, which makes crashes more destructive than typical passenger car collisions. Victims are often caught in secondary impacts when cargo shifts or when the truck overturns.
Common injuries in rental truck accidents include:
Beyond physical harm, victims often face lost income, medical debt, and emotional distress. The Clark Law Office works to calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care and long-term financial recovery, to ensure you are not left paying for another party’s negligence.
How The Clark Law Office Investigates Rental Truck Accidents
Proving fault in a moving or rental truck crash requires a thorough understanding of both vehicle mechanics and rental industry practices. These cases often hinge on maintenance records, inspection reports, and the terms of the rental agreement. The Clark Law Office begins every investigation by securing the documents and digital evidence that reveal how the accident occurred and who was responsible.
Our attorneys collect rental contracts, vehicle inspection logs, telematics or GPS data, driver statements, and communication between the company and the renter. We also examine the maintenance history, tire and brake condition, and any prior complaints about the truck. When needed, we consult reconstruction specialists to analyze how driver behavior, cargo balance, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
Learn More About Major Rental Fleet Accidents in Michigan
Moving-truck accidents can involve several major rental companies that operate across Michigan. Each brand maintains its own vehicles, safety standards, and insurance arrangements, which can all influence how a crash occurs and how liability is determined. Recognizing these differences is an important part of building a strong injury claim.
đź“Š Table 3: Common Rental and Moving Truck Companies in Michigan
Our attorneys carefully examine whether the rental company, maintenance provider, or driver contributed to the crash. We analyze service logs, rental contracts, and inspection records to determine every possible source of liability. For readers who want to understand how specific rental fleets operate in Michigan, explore these related resources:
Each resource explains the brand’s rental practices, potential safety concerns, and how Michigan law applies to claims involving their vehicles.
Get Legal Help After a Moving or Rental Truck Accident
Rental and moving truck accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries and difficult insurance disputes. Between personal coverage, rental agreements, and company liability limits, determining who pays for medical bills and property damage is rarely simple. The Clark Law Office has decades of experience handling these complex cases for Michigan residents and travelers injured by rented vehicles.
Our attorneys work directly with clients, never passing cases off to junior staff or outside firms. We move quickly to gather rental contracts, inspection reports, and witness statements while evidence is still available. Whether the crash involved a local U-Haul, a commercial Ryder truck, or a Penske vehicle on the highway, we are ready to take on national corporations and their insurers to secure the results you deserve.
Untrained drivers behind the wheel of large rental trucks often misjudge turning space or braking distance. Discover how these collisions fit into the broader truck accident categories seen throughout Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving and Rental Truck Accidents
Recent News About Moving & Rental Truck Accidents
The following stories illustrate real-world cases involving rental or moving trucks in Michigan:
