Crashes Involving Moving Trucks or Hired Movers: Your Legal Options
Moving trucks and vans are often smaller than commercial big-rig trucks but larger than passenger vehicles. A moving van’s size makes it more difficult to maneuver. Combined with the fact that many people driving rented moving vans are inexperienced in operating a vehicle of that size, the risk of an accident increases.
Moving truck collisions can cause extensive and costly damages. Individuals who are injured or have property damaged in crashes involving moving trucks or movers should consider their legal options. The Sugar Land truck accident lawyers from Reed & Terry, LLP, who also serve Katy, TX, and Richmond, TX, consider the details of a moving van accident to determine liability for resulting losses.
Who Is Liable for Crashes Involving U-Haul Vans or Moving Trucks?
Despite their size, anyone with a standard driver’s license can operate a moving van rental. Unfortunately, driver inexperience, neglect, and fatigue from moving boxes and furniture make moving van accidents a risk. Individuals injured in a crash with a rented moving van or truck can sue the responsible parties for resulting damages, but who is liable?
In most crashes involving a rented moving van or truck, the driver who causes the collision is responsible for accident damages. The Graves Amendment, a federal statute passed in 2005, frees rental companies from responsibility when renters cause accidents with their trucks. Individuals who suffer losses in moving van accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver or seek coverage through the driver’s car insurance or an insurance policy purchased through the rental company.
Can I Sue a Moving Van Rental Company?
The Graves Amendment protects rental companies from liability for moving van accidents caused by driver error. However, there are circumstances in which individuals injured in a moving van crash can sue the moving van rental company.
Rental companies are responsible for renting their vehicles to responsible licensed drivers. If a rental company fails to ensure a renter is licensed or if they rent a van to someone drunk or otherwise impaired, they can be held liable if a collision occurs.
Moving truck rental companies are also responsible for vehicle maintenance. They must inspect their vehicles regularly and perform maintenance to keep them road-safe. Damages resulting from moving van accidents caused by a vehicle malfunction or insufficient maintenance may be the rental company’s responsibility. Our truck accident lawyers can assist individuals in proving liability and pursuing maximum compensation for damages.
Who Is Liable for a Crash With a Hired Mover?
When the driver of a hired moving truck causes a crash, the moving company should have insurance to cover damages stemming from the collision. Unfortunately, insurance companies often look out for their client’s best interests and are quick to offer settlements that fail to account for the full extent of accident damages. Our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to increase settlements and are prepared to go to court if necessary to get accident victims the compensation they deserve.
What if Hired Movers Get In an Accident and My Property Is Damaged?
Moving vans transport personal property from one location to another, so accidents involving these vehicles usually cause substantial property damage. When someone hires a moving company and their property is damaged in a collision, the hired moving company can be held liable for losses. Our lawyers work with clients to determine the extent of damages and pursue compensation for the replacement or repair of property.
Schedule a Free Case Review
Establishing liability for crashes involving moving vans or trucks can be complex. The truck accident lawyers at Reed & Terry, LLP have the knowledge and experience to prove fault and pursue appropriate compensation. Contact our law firm at your earliest convenience to schedule a free case review and learn more about your legal options after a moving van collision.