Involved In An Accident With A U-Haul? This Is What You Should Know

U-hauls are cheap, inexpensive ways for people to move their belongings—unfortunately, they can also be the cause of expensive accidents. If you're involved in an accident with a U-haul or other rental moving truck, who is responsible? This is what you need to know.

Most drivers simply don't know how to properly handle a moving truck.

The problem with U-haul trucks and other rental vehicles is that they're basically unfamiliar to most drivers. They're bigger and heavier than regular vehicles, which causes drivers to be surprised by how hard they are to turn or how much extra time they need to stop. They also have blind spots in places that passenger vehicles don't, which can cause rental truck drivers to sideswipe smaller vehicles that aren't in their view. Adverse weather conditions, like rain or snow, can also lead to increased handling problems.

Another problem with rental moving trucks is that they're being loaded by people who usually have very little experience packing one—an improperly loaded vehicle can suddenly become unbalanced. The load can shift and even cause a rollover, right into the path of oncoming vehicles.

More than one party may be responsible for the accident.

While the driver of the U-haul obviously is going to bear a large responsibility, there may be other parties that are liable for any injuries or damages that you suffer. There are several things that your attorney may look into when pursuing a case.

• Who rented the moving truck? If someone other than the driver took responsibility for the rental, that person may also be liable for your damages.
• Was the moving truck properly maintained? U-hauls and other rental trucks pass through a lot of different drivers and may go from station to station very quickly. While they're supposed to be inspected after each use and repaired as needed, it's possible that basic maintenance was overlooked. 

Another issue that your attorney may want to consider is whether or not the tires on the U-haul contributed to the accident. Tires that are underinflated by more than 25% are 3 times more likely to be involved in an accident, and a study found that 5% of vehicles involved in accidents experienced tire problems before a crash. If the truck or its tires weren't properly maintained, the rental company may bear some responsibility for the crash as well. 

An accident with a U-haul or other rental moving truck can be a complicated case, simply because there are so many possible causes and responsible parties involved. If you've been injured in an accident with one, talk to an attorney today about your case. Or you can click here for info on what a car accident attorney can do for you.

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