The Truth About Rental Truck Accidents

People rent trucks for many reasons, but the most common reason is because they are moving from one place to another. Most of the people who drive rental trucks are not professionals, and some have never operated a vehicle so big before. For this reason, rental truck accidents are not uncommon.

Have you been in an accident caused by someone driving a rental truck? You may have legal recourse, and your case deserves careful examination. Read on to learn more.

Rental truck accidents occur for many reasons. In some cases, individuals are in accidents because they were driving drunk or texting. Other cases involve improperly maintained vehicles. The truth is that rental truck accident causes vary as widely as car accidents.

Speeding in a rental truck is especially dangerous. Individuals are operating larger-than-average vehicles at speeds they are not used to. The damage caused by these accidents can be incredible.

The lack of mirrors and plentiful nature of blind spots also makes driving a rental truck difficult. The driver may have no idea they cannot see the vehicle next to them until they collide with them.

Additionally, anybody with a drivers' license and credit card has the ability to rent a truck — no experience necessary. Large rental trucks are a big liability, but moving companies will not tell you this.

This question is difficult to answer succinctly because the liability differs from case to case.

In most cases, the liability falls upon the individual responsible for causing the car accident. Unfortunately, the other party may not have auto insurance covering their rental vehicle. Many companies do not require rental drivers to buy special truck insurance when they take the vehicle. You may be able to sue the responsible driver in court if this is the case.

Sometimes, liability falls on the shoulders of the truck rental company. For instance, the accident may have been caused by a lack of maintenance leading to a truck malfunction, even though the trucks are supposed to undergo thorough inspections on a regular basis.

Sometimes, the manufacturer of the truck is to blame. Something may be wrong with the truck, including a mechanical defect that caused the truck to malfunction.

You may also be able to sue the truck rental company for negligently renting a vehicle to an individual not capable of operating it. Perhaps the individual driving did not even have a valid license.

First, always undergo medical care. Not only will this ensure your own health and safety, but it will also help you gather evidence in the event that you need to come to court to settle medical bills and other personal injury expenses.

Next, gather any pertinent information about the other driver and the truck rental company. Insurance cards and contact information help your lawyer get in touch.

You should always contact a lawyer about vehicle accidents, especially in cases involving rental trucks. Rentals can create a sticky situation where you are not exactly sure who is liable for the damage. A car accident lawyer can help clear things up.

Personal injury cases involving rental trucks have tricky issues involved. A lawyer acts as a liaison representing your rights. You should never take calls from the insurance company or the rental company. Instead, forward them to your attorney.

Have you been in a rental truck accident? The Law Offices of Robert Dodson, P.A., handle cases like these all the time. Call our offices today to set up a consultation with an auto accident attorney who understands your needs.