People move in and out of Atlanta every day. Many movers rent U-Haul trucks or vans to make their move easier. Unfortunately, there are many common issues with these vehicles. If someone is careless, it can cause an accident.
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in a U-Haul truck accident you didn’t cause? You have options. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you seek compensation for your damages.
With 20-plus years of experience, we know how to build a strong case for you. Our lawyers make it easy: we handle the legalities while you focus on healing. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers by giving us a call, using our chat tool, or completing our online contact form.
Common Causes of U-Haul Truck Accidents in Atlanta
A mover might hire professional movers or rent a truck themselves. In either situation, there’s potential for an accident. Unfortunately, there have been several issues with U-Haul truck rentals.
When someone rents a U-Haul truck, the company might fail to warn them about weight limits. Or, the driver could be too inexperienced to drive the truck safely. Either way, someone is responsible.
Inexperienced Drivers in U-Haul Accidents
Some U-Haul accidents happen because of a professional driver. However, other times, the at-fault driver has rented the U-Haul truck. Many drivers have no experience driving large trucks, especially on busy roads.
Someone driving a U-Haul rental can make careless mistakes. They must account for factors like:
- Large blind spots
- Wider turns
- Longer stopping times
- Speeding dangers
- Less room on the road
Even one error might lead to a catastrophic accident with other drivers. When you pursue compensation, you’ll need to know the driver’s relation to the truck. That information will tell you where to file your claim.
Dealing with the aftermath of a U-Haul accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to insurance and liability issues. Our team of personal injury attorneys in Atlanta at John Foy & Associates is committed to supporting you through this challenging time and ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Truck Defects in Atlanta U-Haul Accidents
Another common cause of U-Haul accidents in Atlanta is faulty parts or maintenance issues. Defective parts have led to multiple lawsuits against U-Haul.
If someone rents a U-Haul truck, they will probably not know about maintenance issues. Sometimes, a professional driver won’t even know about the problems. If a faulty part leads to an accident, both the driver and other victims could have a case against U-Haul.
Companies must ensure their vehicles are safe before allowing rentals. If defective trucks lead to accidents, the company is likely liable.
Poorly-Loaded Cargo in U-Haul Accidents
It’s vital to load a U-Haul truck correctly before driving it. U-Haul should explain any risks to renters. Also, hired movers should be careful when loading and driving the trucks.
Unbalanced cargo can become very dangerous. U-Hauls and other large trucks have higher centers of gravity. As a result, they are more prone to tipping over.
When a U-Haul truck turns a high speed with unbalanced cargo, it can cause a rollover accident. The person who loaded the truck will typically be responsible for the damages.
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How to Know Who’s Responsible for a U-Haul Truck Accident
Federal law typically protects companies like U-Haul after rental accidents (49 U.S.C §30106). For example, say that a careless U-Haul renter causes your accident. You probably cannot sue U-Haul for the driver’s actions.
There are situations where the company could be at fault. If U-Haul rented to someone who was not fit to drive, that’s negligence. The company could be responsible for a resulting crash.
Depending on the details of your accident, the at-fault party could be:
- The driver who rented the truck,
- U-Haul as a company,
- The movers who loaded the truck,
- A professional U-Haul driver, or
- A manufacturing or maintenance company.
An experienced lawyer will help you determine who was at fault. In some cases, more than one party is at fault. Your lawyer will help you pursue compensation from each responsible party.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a U-Haul Accident
According to U-Haul, the person who signs the U-Haul contract is responsible for the equipment. Also, most auto insurance policies do not cover U-Haul trucks due to weight limits.
U-Haul carries an insurance policy for accidents, but that doesn’t mean your claim will be easy. The company only covers the state minimums, and that might change if you cross state lines. Plus, the insurance company will look for ways to pay you less.
Insurance companies often make accident claims difficult for victims. The insurance company could use tactics like:
- Blaming you for the accident,
- Downplaying your injuries and damages,
- Using something you say against you,
- Questioning your accident costs, and
- Offering you an upfront lowball settlement.
Thankfully, experienced U-Haul truck accident lawyers know how to protect you. Your lawyer will communicate with the insurer for you. If you get a low settlement offer, your lawyer will work to negotiate.
U-Haul accident cases are rarely straightforward. Without professional help, it’s easy for the other side to take advantage. However, you do not have to fight for your compensation alone.
How an Atlanta U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer Helps
An experienced lawyer will help you by:
- Gathering evidence of the truck accident,
- Compiling proof of your damages,
- Interviewing witnesses,
- Calling on trusted experts,
- Building a strong personal injury case,
- Handling the insurance companies, and
- Negotiating for the settlement you deserve.
Sometimes, severe truck accidents lead to a lawsuit against the other side. If you need to sue, your lawyer will handle each step for you. An experienced attorney is not afraid to fight for your rights.
Talk to an Atlanta U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you suffered injuries in a U-Haul truck accident, you have legal rights. John Foy & Associates is here to help. We fight tirelessly for what accident victims deserve.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong cases. Plus, we only work on contingency. That means:
- There are no upfront fees.
- You only pay us if we win your case.
- Our fee is a percentage of what you win.
- The consultation is 100% FREE.
Contact us today to get your FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and your case options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
