Moving van accidents can happen when you least expect them in Sandy Springs. The van’s driver is usually moving heavy items from one location to the next. Sometimes, the van travels over multiple state lines. If you suffered injuries in a crash with a moving van, you need to know your legal rights.
You might deserve compensation for all of your accident costs. That includes medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer can help you file an injury claim to help recover what you’ve lost.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for what you deserve. Plus, there is no charge to you unless we win you compensation.
To get a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Reasons Moving Van Accidents Happen
There are many common reasons for moving van accidents. The driver is often at fault for an accident, but there can be other causes too. Here are some ways a moving van or truck might cause a collision.
Careless Moving Van Drivers
Moving van drivers are usually renters, not professionals. People will rent out vans to use when moving to a new location. Since the driver is a regular person, they are more likely to make mistakes.
Many people are not used to operating a larger vehicle like a moving van. They might perform careless actions like:
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield
- Driving aggressively
- Falling asleep while driving
- Driving under the influence
Georgia’s tort law depends on negligence, which is a lack of reasonable care. Moving van drivers have a “duty of care” to be careful on Sandy Springs roads. If a driver puts others in potential harm, they have been negligent.
Most moving van drivers are inexperienced. So, the cause of an accident is usually because of the driver. If you suffered injuries, you’ll need to prove that the driver’s actions led to your crash.
Distracted Driving
People who are moving have a lot of things on their minds. They are more likely to drive while distracted by:
- Cell phones
- Text messages or phone calls
- GPS directions
- Talking to passengers
- Getting lost in daydreaming
Distracted driving can be difficult to prove after an accident. If you suspect the driver was distracted, talk to a moving van accident lawyer. A lawyer will know how to gather evidence of the driver’s negligence.
Road or Weather Conditions
Driving conditions can vary widely between cities or states. If a driver is moving, they might be unfamiliar with new territory. Changing road or weather conditions can cause a driver to lose control and crash.
The driver might be at fault in this situation. In other cases, a city or state government could be responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Moving Van Defects or Issues
Moving vans and trucks travel for many miles. To prevent harm, van companies should regularly inspect vehicles for issues.
If a maintenance issue causes an accident, the van company could be at fault. But if a manufacturing defect caused the accident, a manufacturing company might be liable. You’ll need to investigate the cause and prove that it led to your accident.
Poor Driving Training
If a company hires out drivers for their vans, the company could be at fault. Driver inexperience or improper training might be the reason for the accident.
Who Should Pay for a Moving Van Accident
The negligent party is responsible for an auto accident. However, moving van crashes are slightly different. When someone rents a moving van or truck, they will usually have to buy liability insurance. The insurance covers any accidents that happen during the rental.
Rental insurance typically pays for injuries and vehicle damage during an accident. If the driver bought additional insurance, there could be even more coverage. Sometimes, a driver will reject the insurance and rely on their own auto insurance.
Who pays for your accident costs will depend on insurance coverage. If you’re not sure what that means for your collision, talk to a Sandy Springs moving van accident.
When the Rental Company Is Liable
Holding the rental truck or van company might be difficult or even impossible. When someone rents a vehicle, they might sign something that protects the company from liability. The details will depend on the company and rental location.
Moving van drivers are usually not employees. They are renters or third-party contractors. Because of this, rental companies can often avoid liability when an accident happens. However, there are exceptions.
A rental truck company could be responsible if:
- The company rents to a drunk or inexperienced driver
- The company rents to someone who is underaged
- The moving van contains defects or maintenance issues
If you think the rental company was negligent, contact an experienced lawyer. John Foy & Associates can uncover the reasons for your accident and who is responsible. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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How to Know What Your Moving Van Accident Settlement Is Worth
Every accident settlement is different. The best way to know what you deserve is to talk to a moving van accident lawyer. Your lawyer can examine the factors that go into calculating a settlement.
Your settlement should fully cover your accidents costs like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
Your compensation also depends on comparative fault laws. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. If you were partially liable, that will affect your total settlement value.
The insurance company will consider all of these factors after your accident. Unfortunately, the insurance adjuster will look for ways to pay you less. It’s best to work with an experienced lawyer who can make sure you fight for everything you deserve.
Contact a Moving Van Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs
At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to win cases. We’re not afraid to fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident you didn’t cause. We have 20-plus years of experience and don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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