Budget is one of the most well-known moving and truck rental companies in Johns Creek. Anyone can rent a truck to quickly and affordably move from one place to another. But if something goes wrong while driving a Budget truck, an accident can happen.
If you were hurt in a collision, contact an experienced Johns Creek truck accident lawyer today. These types of accidents are complicated from a legal standpoint. You’ll need to fully understand your rights and what you deserve.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We can help you build a strong injury claim and stand up for your rights. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Who’s Liable for a Budget Truck Accident
Companies like Budget offer liability insurance when someone rents one of their trucks. Most of the time, this insurance will cover the costs of an accident. However, a renter might deny coverage or choose to rely on their own insurance company. The problem is that a renter’s insurance company does not guarantee coverage. If an accident happens, it can be difficult to know who will pay without help from a personal injury lawyer in Johns Creek.
The responsible party in an accident could be:
- The driver of the Budget truck
- The Budget company itself
- Another driver on the road
- A vehicle manufacturer
The cause of the accident will determine who was at fault. If the accident happened in Johns Creek, it falls under Georgia’s liability laws. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-12-4, the victim of an accident can seek compensation for their damages. The liable party is the one whose negligence led to the accident.
A Budget truck accident often occurs because the driver was careless in some way. However, Budget might also be at fault if they shouldn’t have hired the driver or if they have otherwise engaged in irresponsible renting processes. In other cases, vehicle defects or dangerous road conditions could contribute to the crash.
As you can see, the details can be complicated. You will need to investigate how the accident happened and who is at fault. Thankfully, a Johns Creek Budget truck accident lawyer will know how to do this.
Get the strong arm
Causes of Budget Truck Accidents
There are many reasons why a truck accident might happen. The renter might make a careless mistake while moving the truck between locations. In other cases, a Budget employee or the rental company might be negligent.
The cause of the accident is vital for your case. After determining who was at fault, you’ll know where to pursue compensation. Common causes of Budget accidents can include:
Truck Driver Negligence
Rental drivers are not the same as commercial drivers. Unlike employees, renters are “everyday” people who drive the truck for a short time. Beyond having a license and being old enough, there are no special rental requirements.
A Budget truck renter might make careless mistakes like:
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Talking on the phone
- Getting distracted by passengers
- Driving while fatigued
- Failing to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
One mistake can lead to a serious and life-changing accident. Even if the driver didn’t mean to cause an accident, they are liable. You might file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or Budget’s insurance company. It depends on which insurer covers the accident.
Company Negligence
Renters usually sign a waiver when they rent a Budget truck. This protects Budget from liability during an accident. However, there are situations where the company could be at fault.
Budget must be careful when renting a truck to anyone. If the person was clearly not fit to drive but Budget rented to them anyway, they could be at fault. The company might also be responsible for hiring an employee without investigating them thoroughly.
Bringing a case against Budget isn’t easy. The company usually has their bases covered to avoid fault. Talk to an experienced lawyer in Johns Creek as soon as possible.
Neglected Truck Maintenance
Moving trucks and vans drive for many miles, sometimes every day of the week. Before the company rents out a truck, they should have it inspected for damage or defects. If that doesn’t happen or someone misses an issue, an accident can happen.
Budget or a maintenance company could be at fault for an accident in the above situation.
Poor Road or Weather Conditions
Inclement weather or dangerous roads can sometimes lead to accidents. Truck renters might not be used to driving a large truck in these conditions. The driver might be partially at fault, as well as whoever maintains the roads.
How Much Your Accident Settlement Is Worth
If you did not cause your accident, you probably deserve financial compensation. However, the law requires you to prove the other party’s fault. You will need to gather evidence of your accident injuries and proof of the other side’s fault.
It’s normal to wonder how much compensation you can receive after your accident. But each case is unique. Your possible settlement depends on factors like:
- How many parties were at fault
- Whether or not you were partially at fault
- The severity of your injuries
- Your total accident damages
- The involvement of your lawyer
Usually, you’ll start by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your claim should outline all of your damages from the accident.
The insurance company will probably respond with a lowball settlement. Or they might deny your claim. If either happens, your lawyer will spring into action. They’ll work to negotiate a settlement that is actually fair.
Sometimes, a victim will need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t settle. If so, an experienced lawyer will be there every step of the way.
Talk to a Johns Creek Budget Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Budget truck accidents can be very serious and complicated. If you were injured in this type of crash, you have rights. Contact John Foy & Associates to learn those rights during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us or contact us online to get started for free today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
