U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyers

U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyers

In the year 2020, one way U-Haul trucks to California dropped 17%. With the Covid-19 crisis, many employees have been working from home for the past year. Many large companies, such as Pinterest, have even announced that working from home could potentially be indefinitely. With the rise of working from home job opportunities, many are considering moving to smaller towns and away from the congestion of large cities, such as Los Angeles. Every couple months, California is hitting record numbers on people moving out. Some companies, such as U-Haul, have been booked out for the next 3 weeks. Moving appointments cannot be made until a month later.

With many Californians moving out, many moving trucks are now seen driving on busy roads. The most common type of moving truck are U-Haul trucks. U-Haul trucks are rented by individual private people who drive the truck themselves. A U-Haul truck does not need any special type of license, and a regular Class C driver’s license will do. Further, U-Haul does not require extensive training or practice before renting out their trucks. U-Haul trucks can range from 6 feet to 26 feet long, which leads many to wonder: what happens if they’re hit by a U-Haul truck driver? Who would be responsible in this type of accident?

If you have been injured by a U-Haul truck driver, contact our team of truck accident attorneys today. Our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles will better determine whether you have a valid legal claim against the U-Haul truck driver. Each type of accidents vary, therefore it is very important to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to better assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries.

California Law

California automobile law requires that car insurance insure drivers at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 in an accident. These are just the minimum starting points, and insurance rates could increase depending on whether the driver would like to increase their minimal amounts. Several insurance companies now also include truck rental insurance so when the driver rents another vehicle, they are still covered under the insurance for any accidents that occur while renting that vehicle. If a driver is involved in an accident caused by a U-Haul truck driver who has this type of insurance, the injured driver will be able to recover from the other at fault driver. The insurance will pay for medical bills. The insurance company will initially want to settle. But the settlement amount could be substantially low, that is why it is important to hire an experienced car accident attorney to potentially prepare for trial if the settlement amount is never reached by both parties.

U-Haul Driver Accident Examples

There are several ways a U-Haul driver could be held liable for accidents, which include:

1. When the U-Haul truck driver is speeding;
2. When the U-Haul truck driver is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
3. When the U-Haul truck driver fails to stop at a red light;
4. When the U-Haul truck driver is distracted while driving;
5. When the U-Haul truck has a defect that contributed to the cause of the accident;
6. When the U-Haul truck driver makes an illegal turn.

U-Haul Truck Accident FAQ’s

What should I do after an accident caused by a U-Haul truck driver?

After a U-Haul truck accident, there are several steps the injured plaintiff driver could take to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their injuries. Our car accident attorneys have put together this list reviewing basic steps one could take. This list is a very broad overview, and for more information regarding the legal steps, contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation today. After the accident, you should:

•  Move to safe space away from traffic to prevent any further injuries or accidents
•  Call 911 immediately if any party has been injured and needs immediate medical attention
•  Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident
•  Photograph both cars involved in the injury
•  Photograph the other party’s driver’s license and insurance card
•  Find out if truck rentals are covered: this is one of the most important steps when dealing with a U-Haul truck driver. After getting the at-fault parties car insurance information, call the driver’s car insurance company to determine if their policy covers truck rentals.
•  If the insurance company denies any payment or offers a low settlement amount, contact a car accident attorney immediately. A car accident attorney will better fight for your claim, and seek compensation for your injuries. Personal injuries could include medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, future lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injuries of the accident. Damages differ from different types of cases, that is why it is important to consult an attorney to determine the amount you could potentially recover.

Visit our page for more information on what to do after an accident.

How much could I recover in a U-Haul truck car accident?

Since each car accident is different, there is no specific amount a plaintiff could recover. This specific amount may be determined by the medical bills and costs plaintiff had to endure as a result of their injuries. Contact our attorneys today for a no-risk free consultation to better determine how much you could possibly recover.

Could U-Haul be liable for the car accident when driven by a private renter?

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the company U-Haul could potentially be liable for the driver’s negligence. The driver who is renting the vehicle could not be considered an employee, but if there are any issues with the U-Haul truck itself, U-Haul could potentially be liable. Examples how U-Haul could be liable include when the truck has faulty brakes, or U-Haul has neglected to maintain or repair their trucks.

California also requires that companies carry liability insurance when trucks that have been rented to private people are involved in accidents. If the driver’s insurance denies paying, a plaintiff could also go after the U-Haul company.  This could be done by contacting U-Haul’s specific insurance company. This involves several hurdles to jump over, and should be done with the assistance of a personal injury attorney.