What are the Top Causes of U-Haul Accidents?
U-Haul trucks are everywhere, at some point you have probably even rented a self-moving truck yourself. Unfortunately, accidents involving self-moving truck are a lot more common than most people think. While self-moving trucks provide a cheap and convenient way to move, they pose a threat to other drivers and pedestrians.
Inexperienced drivers driving large trucks is an explosive combination. Each year U-Haul accidents take place all over the country. In a period of 5 years, there were 145 fatal accidents that involved daily rental trucks such a U-Haul. So, what happens if you get into a crash with someone driving a U-Haul?
What are the Top Causes of U-Haul Accidents?
A majority of U-Haul related crashes occur due to negligence of one of the parties. Careless or reckless driving often results in tragic accidents. Some of the most common occurring factors that cause accidents with U-Hauls include:
- Speeding: High speeds not only make the moving truck harder to control, but also make the accident much worse.
- Drunk driving: Movers sometimes have drinks to celebrate their new homes or apartments. Alcohol greatly affects a driver’s ability to control such a big truck.
- Mechanical problems: Brakes, tires and engine problems can cause a U-Haul to easily lose control.
- Improper turns: Bigger trucks usually make wider turns than most drivers are used to. As a result, drivers often underestimate the amount of space their truck needs to turn.
- Improper lane changing: Drivers often haphazardly criss cross between lanes and have the expectation that other drivers will try to avoid them.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Having a bigger truck make drivers think that they can steal the right of way from drivers of smaller vehicles.
- Not paying attention: Drivers of huge trucks can easily get distracted by a GPS or cell phone and fail to keep their eyes on the road.
Liability for U-Haul Accidents
When the driver of a U-Haul truck is negligent for the accident, the other driver has the right can pursue a claim against him or her. However, lawsuits involving rental trucks can be complex, due to disputed insurance coverage.
In theory, the injured driver should be able to seek damages from the U-Haul driver’s personal auto insurance company. Additionally, injured drivers may be able to seek compensation from U-Haul’s insurance policy. U-Haul provides renters with the option of SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. SafeMove Plus provides up to $1 million worth of liability coverage for damages and injuries resulting from accidents involving a U-Haul.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced Clearwater truck accident attorney can help you or a loved one that has been injured as a result of a U-Haul accident in Florida.
At Roman & Roman, we know that being involved in a car or truck accident can be a very shocking and scary experience. You should hire a skilled Florida truck accident attorney, who is practiced in litigating self-moving truck accident lawsuits.
Our personal injury attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, you can depend on our team to tenaciously fight to secure the compensation that you rate. When you want results, contact us online, or call at 877-767-1032, for a free consultation regarding your U-Haul truck accident. We have offices in Clearwater, Hudson and Tampa, Florida.
