U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer

Every day in America, trucking accidents involving U-Haul vehicles occur. While some are just minor collisions, others result in fatalities or major injuries. U-Haul truck accidents can happen for various reasons. Still, since these are large, heavy cars, driving must be done with extra caution to protect other road users.

How Can A U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?

There were over 500,000 big truck accidents occurred n the US in 2021—a 26% increase from 2020. In 2021, 5,700 people lost their lives in large-truck crashes, an 18% rise from 2020. Other vehicle occupants accounted for 72% of the deaths, followed by truck occupants (17%) and non-occupants, mostly cyclists and pedestrians (11%).

Due to the size of the vehicle, U-Haul truck crashes are among the most catastrophic. Because trucks and cars differ greatly in size and weight, there are different risks associated with truck and car accidents.

Although any collision can be hazardous, U-Haul accidents have the potential to be especially serious or even deadly because of their large size. A big truck hitting a smaller vehicle could result in serious injuries and property damage.

A commercial truck might attempt to downplay or reject the victim’s claim. A truck accident lawyer can assist victims in pursuing the highest amount of damages for their injuries.

What Does a U-Haul Vehicle Do?

U-Haul is a self-storage and moving truck rental company in the United States. With a staggering 70 years of experience in the moving business, U-Haul is currently the top moving company in North America. It provides trucks for customers who need to tow another car or trailer.

U-Haul vehicles are designed with features like rounded corners, lower height, chassis skirts, comfort cabs, and other unique options to make moving households easier, more comfortable, and fuel-efficient. U-Haul rental trucks come in a variety of sizes, including pickups, cargo vans, and trucks that are 10, 15, 17, 20, and 26 feet long. Trucks longer than 10 feet come with an integrated ramp for easier loading and unloading.

In 2020, U-Haul brought in $4.54 billion in revenue annually. If every customer pays $100 on average for their rental, there will be roughly 45 million U-Haul customers in 2020.

What Causes U-Haul Truck Accidents?

U-Haul accidents happen for a wide range of reasons. Here are the common causes of U-Haul truck accidents.

1. Inexperienced U-Haul Truck Drivers

Professional drivers are to blame for a few U-Haul accidents. Other times, though, the driver who caused the accident has rented the U-Haul truck. Many drivers are not familiar with driving large trucks, particularly on congested roads.

Many people who rent and drive U-Haul trucks might not have any prior truck or trailer handling experience. The company bears the responsibility of providing them with safety information. This includes caution regarding turning, speeding, and using the brakes appropriately.

U-Haul truck drivers must be aware of the following factors that come with operating large vehicles:

2. Defective Trucks

Faulty components or maintenance problems are another frequent reason for a U-Haul crash. U-Haul has been the target of numerous lawsuits due to truck defects.

It’s unlikely that people renting U-Haul vehicles will be aware of maintenance concerns. Even professional U-Haul drivers may not be aware of the issues. It may be possible for the driver and other injured parties to file a lawsuit against U-Haul if a defective part causes an accident.

3. Reckless Driving

Large trucks like the U-Haul are designed to tow heavy loads over long distances. They are employed in transporting equipment, furniture, and other things. These kinds of maneuvers need to be carefully planned and carried out. U-Haul drivers must follow traffic laws and speed limits to avoid losing control of the vehicle. They must also not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Gross Negligence

Gross negligence involving U-Haul trucks can come in many forms. An example would be an employee failing to conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on the trucks, which can lead to a defective vehicle on the road.

5. Distracted Driving

People operating a U-Haul truck must refrain from using their phones or sending texts while driving. Most states prohibit using a cell phone for any purpose while operating commercial motor vehicles, including U-Haul trucks and trailers. This includes sending texts, making phone calls, sending emails, and accessing social media.

6. Improper Loading

Improper loading is among the leading causes of truck accidents. Cargo that isn’t balanced can get dangerous. The centers of gravity of U-Hauls and other large trucks are higher and are more likely to topple over.

Rollover accidents may result from a U-Haul truck turning at a high speed while carrying unbalanced cargo. Usually, whoever loaded the truck is held liable for any resulting property damage and serious injuries.

How Do I Know If the U-Haul Driver Was at Fault?

Based on the specifics of a U-Haul accident, the at-fault party may be:

  • The U-Haul driver
  • The U-Haul company
  • The people who loaded the rental truck
  • A professional U-Haul driver
  • A maintenance company

If a U-Haul driver’s negligence resulted in an accident, they are typically liable for any losses and injuries sustained.

Can U-Haul Be Responsible For My Injuries?

There aren’t many policies in place at U-Haul to safeguard renters or teach them how to prevent an accident involving a U-Haul rental truck. The company is well-known for failing to provide renters with sufficient information regarding safe loading procedures and cargo weights.

Rental companies like U-Haul are also in charge of vehicle maintenance. If the accident was caused by a problem with the vehicle that could have been prevented by routine maintenance, U-Haul and the maintenance company may be held responsible.

How Much Could I Recover in a U-Haul Truck Car Accident?

There is no fixed amount of compensation for victims of U-Haul crashes. However, they can seek compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Vehicle damage and replacement costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Current and future lost wages
  • Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident

The amount of compensation will depend on the following:

  • The severity of the injuries;
  • The cause of the injuries sustained;
  • How long the recovery will be, and
  • The insurance coverage of the at-fault party’s insurance company.

An experienced U-Haul truck accident lawyer may be able to help victims get maximum and fair compensation from the at-fault party. Medical expenses can skyrocket, so seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney can be valuable.

Steps to Take After a U-Haul Truck Accident

A vehicular accident involving a U-Haul rental can be devastating. Following an accident involving a U-Haul truck, the injured plaintiff driver can perform the following steps to ensure their injuries are adequately compensated.

  • Move to a safe place if possible.
  • Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.
  • Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
  • Photograph the vehicles involved.
  • Photograph the other driver’s license and insurance card.
  • Find out if the U-Haul truck is covered.
  • File a personal injury claim.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer.

How U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your U-Haul Accident Claim

An experienced attorney can help victims receive fair compensation for their medical expenses by proving the other driver’s negligence.

Personal injury lawyers help plaintiffs by:

  • Gathering evidence
  • Gathering proof of damages
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Getting the help of experts
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement
  • Building a solid personal injury case

Why Choose The Clark Law Office in Michigan

The Clark Law Office is the premier personal injury firm in Michigan. Our experienced lawyers are committed and will work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve. We offer free legal consultation and a contingency fee basis, so you will only pay us once we win the case.

Call us now and avail of our free consultation. Our expert truck crash lawyers will gladly assist you and give you a free case review.

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