U-Haul Accidents
Moving season typically lasts during the summer, when the weather is nice. As more Florida residents move into new houses and apartments there is an increase in the number of U-Haul rentals throughout the state. While U-Hauls might make moving easier, the moving trucks also generate a danger to other cars and trucks on the road.
Inexperienced drivers driving large U-Haul trucks is a disaster waiting to happen. U-Haul crashes leave victims badly injured or even dead.
The Danger of U-Hauls
Driving U-Hauls is much different than driving an ordinary vehicle. U-hauls are much bigger than other vehicles and have the ability to cause serious injuries and damages. U-Hauls also have big blind spots and take a lot more time to stop. In only five years, 177 people were killed in accidents that involve rental trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
At full capacity a U-Haul can weigh over 20,000 pounds. U-Haul only requires a valid driver’s license to drive a U-Haul truck. Most drivers are vastly unskilled to master such a large vehicle. Which results in U-Haul drivers misjudging the space needed to stop, change lanes or make a turn. This causes even the most skilled drivers to feel uncomfortable driving a U-Haul. The U-Haul drivers were responsible for a majority of accidents that U-Hauls were involved.
Some of the Main Reasons Why U-Haul Accidents Occur
Most U-Haul accidents take place because of the U-Haul driver’s negligence. Careless and inconsiderate driving can cause a horrible crash. Some common elements found in U-Haul accidents include:
- Driving after consuming alcohol;
- Driving while distracted;
- Speeding;
- Improperly changing lanes or passing other vehicles;
- Making improper turns
- Failure to yield the right of way; and
- Various truck failures.
Liability
When the driver of the U-Haul was at fault for the crash, you can file a claim or lawsuit against them. You should be able to collect compensation from their insurance policy. U-Haul makes renters provide proof of their insurance before renting.
Also, U-Haul offers its own insurance policies which are called Safemove and Safemove Plus. Safemove Plus provides up to one million dollars in extra liability coverage.
Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a U-Haul crash, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is highly recommended.
The Glover Law Firm can assist if you are involved in an accident, including one with a U-Haul truck. In order to recover from a U-Haul accident, you may be required to spend a significant time in the hospital and be unable to work.
As the victim of a U-Haul accident, resulting from someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for all of your damages. We are determined and dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your personal injury case.
Our Ocala personal injury lawyers aggressively fight to help our clients get back on their feet after devastating truck accidents. It would be our honor to serve you when you need us the most. Please call today at our Ocala office 352-484-0775 or The Villages 352-205-4495 office, or contact us online, to discuss your U-Haul accident in more detail.
Resource:
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Rental%20Truck%20Safety%20Study%20Report%20Enclosure%20FINAL%20July%202014.pdf
https://www.gloverlawfirm.com/preventing-motorcycle-accidents-and-injuries/
