Many people in Roswell turn to companies like Budget for their moving truck needs. But when someone rents a large truck, it can increase the risk of an accident. A collision with this type of vehicle can be severe, causing horrific injuries or deaths. The aftermath can affect someone’s health and finances for the long haul.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a Budget truck, you have rights. Talk to our Roswell Budget truck accident lawyers today about seeking compensation. You may be entitled to a full financial recovery for your medical bills, lost income, and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Today, we are one of the largest injury law firms in Georgia—and for a good reason. Our attorneys fight tirelessly for your compensation rights.
You also don’t pay us a thing unless we win your case. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Budget Truck Accidents Are Often Serious
Budget Truck Rental, LLC, provides rentals to people throughout the U.S. It is the second-largest truck rental company in the country. While many people benefit from Budget services, these services can also lead to disaster in some situations. That’s because:
- Budget trucks are larger than many other vehicles on the road.
- People who rent out Budget trucks are rarely commercial drivers or driving professionals.
- Heavy items loaded onto Budget trucks can cause even more damage during an accident.
A collision with a Budget rental truck can be catastrophic, especially if the truck is fully loaded. These trucks also have smaller blind spots, and they might contain dangerous materials. A renter might improperly load their items onto the truck, leading to spilled contents on the road.
Many factors contribute to a Budget truck accident. When the accident happens, it can leave victims with serious or deadly injuries. The victim’s vehicle might also become terribly damaged or even totaled.
After an accident with a Budget truck, it’s important to know your rights. You should not have to pay for the costs of someone else’s actions.
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Who’s Liable for a Budget Truck Accident
If you were injured in a rental truck accident, you’ll need to know who is liable. Here are some situations to consider.
Rental Truck Driver Liability
When someone rents a rental truck, they can purchase extra insurance or use their own insurance. When a driver causes an accident, they can be liable for the damages. Rental companies often get around liability so that the driver is responsible for the costs.
Liability depends on negligence. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2, negligence is a lack of care. Examples of Budget truck driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe lane changes
If the driver was negligent, their insurance company typically pays for the victim’s damages. If you were hurt because of a Budget truck driver’s actions, their insurance company should pay for your injury costs.
If the driver’s insurer won’t pay for the damages, the driver would be personally responsible—unless they bought extra insurance. If the driver has insurance through the rental company, that could cover the costs.
Budget Company Liability
In some cases, Budget as a company can be liable for an accident. The company usually avoids responsibility if the driver was at fault. However, the company could be liable for truck issues.
Rental truck companies must ensure their trucks are safe to drive. So, Budget could be at fault because of poor truck maintenance or renting to an unfit driver.
The company might rent to someone who is clearly drunk or not licensed. Budget might also be at fault for an accident resulting from maintenance issues.
Truck Manufacturer Liability
Sometimes, an accident happens because of faulty truck parts. If so, the manufacturer of the truck or its components could be liable.
Examples of defective truck parts can include:
- Brakes
- Steering wheel
- Tires
- Airbags
- Fuel system
- Engine
If an accident happens because of faulty parts, the manufacturer might be responsible for the damages.
If truck parts cause an accident, it will require investigation. The manufacturer or the rental company might be liable. It depends on who dropped the ball on their duties of care.
After an accident, talk to a lawyer who can determine fault. Rental truck accidents are often complicated. Sometimes, more than one party is at fault for the damages. To discuss the details with an experienced attorney, contact John Foy & Associates. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What You Can Recover from a Budget Truck Accident Claim
If someone else was responsible for your accident, you can seek compensation. The first step is usually to file an insurance claim. The insurance company of the responsible party should pay for the damages.
Personal injury damages are any losses you have from the accident and your injuries. Those can include:
- Costs of your medical care and treatment
- Physical therapy or rehabilitative costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages from work time you’ve had to miss
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering damages from how the accident affects your life
Recovering from a truck accident is no easy feat. At John Foy & Associates, we understand how long the recovery process can be. An accident can leave you with significant physical and emotional injuries.
It’s important to know all of your accident damages. You’ll need to outline these in your insurance claim. The goal is to recover each cost you have from the accident entirely.
Insurance companies rarely make it easy. The insurer will look for ways to reduce what they pay you—or completely deny your claim. Thankfully, a lawyer will know how to respond. They can negotiate with the insurer or help you file a lawsuit for what you deserve.
Talk to a Roswell Budget Truck Accident Lawyer
Budget truck accidents are often very serious. If you or a loved one were a victim, you should not end up paying for any damages you didn’t cause.
John Foy & Associates can help. Our lawyers have been helping accident victims for 20-plus years. We’ll examine your case and determine your compensation options. Plus, you don’t pay a thing until we win you a settlement or court award.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form