Rental Truck Accidents and How To Avoid Them

Every year, more than 40 million people move to the United States. Rental truck accidents usually happen during peak moving season, between April and September, when over 75% of moves happen. Movers and rental trucks are in high demand during this time, especially in the summer months. Whether you’re moving or just navigating the roads this summer – here are some thoughts to avoid rental truck accidents.

Although rental moving vehicles may not be as hard to maneuver as larger commercial trucks, they still cause significant damage in an accident. Any driver’s license holder can rent a truck and there is no requirement to go through any specific instruction course on larger vehicles. Unsuspecting drivers are often caught off guard by the lack of maneuverability and the sheer size of the moving trucks, and more accidents result.

Who Is Liable in Rental Truck Accidents?

As with automobile accidents, liability can vary from case to case, so the answer is not always straightforward.

The Driver at Fault

Often, liability will be found with the person responsible for causing the accident. This can vary depending on the insurance status of the driver responsible. Since many rental companies do not require insurance specific to rental users, you may have the option to sue the responsible driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights if you’ve been injured in a moving truck accident.

The Truck Rental Company

In other cases, however, the rental truck company may be liable for rental truck accidents. This could occur if the accident were due to negligence from the company, such as maintenance issues or lack of an inspection before renting. There could also be instances where the rental truck company allows an unfit driver to rent a vehicle.

This could be the case if a driver has an expired license or potentially no license. If you’ve been injured in a moving truck accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your accident.

Tips To Avoid An Accident:

If you’re scheduled to move this summer and need to drive a moving truck, keep the following safety tips in mind to help avoid an accident.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms, including using your cell phone, using any map or navigation device, eating and drinking, changing the radio station, or engaging with passengers. These distractions, however small they may seem, can cause an accident in seconds, so it is essential to focus on the road when behind the wheel constantly.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of auto accidents but is also easily preventable. It is essential to be mindful of your speed and continuously monitor it throughout your drive. Trucks require greater braking distances than automobiles, so be sure to gain familiarity with the truck by testing the brakes before getting started. Not speeding will help you avoid rental truck accidents.

Road Rage

Driving a truck can be frustrating, especially in high-traffic areas. Although emotions can run high, it is crucial not to let them affect your driving for the safety of you and others around you.

Driving While Impaired

If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is never okay to get behind the wheel. Driving while impaired is never worth the risk of harming yourself or others. Do not drive behind the wheel while impaired to avoid rental truck accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Driving while tired after a long moving day is never a good idea. When you are behind the wheel of a moving truck, you should always be alert and in a position to make split-second decisions.

Contact Bear Republic Law

If you or a loved one have suffered from a rental truck accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Republic Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Republic Law has decades of experience in handling essential cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.