Many Americans routinely rent vans or trucks to cut costs on moving, whether they relocate across town or the other side of the country. As a result, many moving vans and trucks are on the road every day, leading to accidents with passenger vehicles and pedestrians. An Arlington Heights moving van truck accident lawyer can examine your situation and determine whether you have a valid legal claim against the driver or any other parties.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we represent clients in personal injury claims just like yours every day. We take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning that you do not pay any upfront fees. We only receive a payment if you recover an award for your injuries. Call our office today at (800) 794-0444 and speak with a team member about getting started with the personal injury claim process.
Moving Van and Truck Accidents
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the average American moves 11.7 times throughout their lifetime. Furthermore, the American Moving & Storage Association found that about 1.55 million Americans moved in 2017 using either professional movers or renting a truck to move themselves.
As a result, we see moving vans and trucks on city streets, state roads, and interstate highways every day. Inevitably, these vehicles become involved in accidents, whether minor fender-benders or catastrophic collisions.
Critical Factors in Moving Van and Truck Accidents
Moving vans and trucks are typically much bigger than other passenger vehicles. Consequently, crashes involving these vehicles can lead to significant property damage and injuries to the other people involved.
Many people who rent a moving truck or van have little to no experience or skills operating a large commercial vehicle, playing a factor in accidents involving these vehicles. Moving vans and trucks have extensive blind spots and require extra room as they swing wide when making turns, which novice drivers might not realize. This inexperience, with no guidance from the rental company, can have disastrous consequences.
Various other factors might also contribute to moving van truck accidents. For instance, the unusually high center of gravity on these vehicles could make them more prone to rollovers. Improperly secured loads of furniture, boxes, and other belongings could lead to shifting and sliding cargo that can throw vehicles off balance, also leading to rollovers.
Determining the Liable Parties in Moving Van and Truck Accidents
A claim that arises from a moving van crash often stems from the driver’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions. The driver may have committed traffic violations such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light or stop sign. The driver might have driven while distracted, fatigued, or impaired. These examples of negligent behavior can lead to drivers having legal responsibility for the costs of any injuries and property damage resulting from accidents they cause.
However, other parties might also have liability in a moving van or truck crash.
Rental Moving Van or Truck Companies
Some rental moving van or truck companies may also face liability in these types of accidents, but only in limited circumstances. For example, if the rental company knowingly rented a moving van to a clearly intoxicated driver, it might have liability.
Likewise, suppose rental company staff agreed to rent a moving truck to a person with no valid driver’s license. In that case, a truck accident lawyer could help you hold the business responsible if that person causes an accident. Finally, rental companies that fail to service and maintain their vehicles properly can face liability if their negligence leads to an accident that harms others.
Professional Moving Companies
If the vehicle involved belongs to a professional moving company, you could hold it responsible if one of its employees causes a crash—whether a driver who violates the rules of the road or a company mechanic who improperly services a truck. Under Illinois law, victims generally can hold employers liable for the injuries that their negligent employees cause.
Product Manufacturers
Accidents involving moving vans and trucks also might occur due to a vehicle defect. If braking systems fail or tires blow out due to defects, the company that manufactured the vehicle or part might have liability. An Arlington Heights moving van truck accident lawyer could help you pursue a product liability claim against companies that developed, manufactured, and marketed defective vehicle parts.
Product liability claims may involve products:
- With a design flaw.
- That become defective during the manufacturing process.
- Without adequate warning labels or instructions.
These claims often do not rely on a legal theory of negligence; under 735 ILCS 5/13-213, Illinois law allows victims to hold companies strictly liable for their defective products. Thus, injury victims do not need to prove any negligence on the company’s part when creating a defective product.
For a free legal consultation with a Moving Van Accidents Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 794-0444
Compensation in Moving Truck and Van Accidents
You could receive various types of compensation following a moving van or moving truck accident. Common items of compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missing time at work
- Care needs for permanent disabilities
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
If a loved one dies from injuries stemming from the accident, you could also receive awards for funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium, and more.
For any accident involving a moving van or truck in Illinois, 735 ILCS 5/13-202 limits you to two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, while 740 ILCS 180 sets a two-year deadline on wrongful death claims.
Arlington Heights Moving Van Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Find Out More About Your Legal Rights Today
After a severe accident involving a moving truck or van, you likely have uncertainty about your legal rights to compensation. However, when you suffer substantial injuries and property damage, such as the loss of your vehicle, you might qualify for compensation from the parties responsible for your accident.
You might want to contact an Arlington Heights moving van truck accident lawyer to determine your rights and negotiate with the at-fault parties’ insurance companies and legal teams. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to get more information about your options in seeking compensation for your injuries. A team member can explain your alternatives and help you choose the best option for you and your family.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form