Anyone who has a driver’s license can drive a moving truck up to a certain weight, per the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook. The Department of Transportation does not consider rental trucks to be commercial vehicles, and therefore, the requirement to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) does not apply.
This means that moving trucks are potentially driven by people who lack the necessary experience and training needed to drive large vehicles. Novice truck drivers are typically not used to the larger dimensions of a moving truck. Since rental truck drivers typically do not drive a large vehicle daily, they might also underestimate the space required when turning in and out of roads or changing lanes. It can also be easy to underestimate the amount of time and distance it takes for such a large vehicle to come to a stop.
The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMCSA) issued a rental truck safety report that shows the involvement of daily rental moving trucks in 134 fatal crashes between the years of 2005-2010, with 44 percent of crashes caused by truck driver error. This FMCSA report also states that trucks from moving truck companies—for example, U-Haul—are not subject to inspections by DOT, unlike commercial vehicles.
What does this mean for other road users? Moving trucks can be a road safety risk for others due to inexperienced drivers, and the trucks themselves potentially lacking inspections.
If you suffered from injuries due to an accident with a moving truck, you might already be aware that holding the negligent parties to account can be challenging. Contacting the office of a Skokie moving van truck accident lawyer may help you receive compensation for any losses. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out how we can help you at (800) 794-0444.
Responsibility for Moving Truck Crashes
Finding out who is responsible for a moving van crash can be quite a challenge. Companies may be quick to blame a renter’s inexperience driving and loading a large vehicle. However, accidents can happen for many different reasons.
Some accidents are due to driver error, while others may be the result of defective vehicles or maintenance oversights. Some of the reasons for moving truck accidents include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving distractedly or fatigued
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Passing or changing lanes improperly
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving a defective truck
- Brake and/or tire failure
- Inclement weather and road conditions
Someone renting a moving truck may need to purchase additional liability insurance protection. However, renters can sometimes decline this and use their own car insurance as proof of liability insurance. This can cause problems when an accident happens. Insurance companies can be reluctant to pay for damages in a moving truck accident.
Responsibility is not just attributed to a driver, but the moving truck company may also have potential liability. However, a rental truck company can urge drivers to sign liability waivers, which potentially leaves the company clear of liability in the event of an accident.
There is also the possibility of a truck manufacturing defect, which could mean that the manufacturer of the truck is in part or wholly liable for a defective vehicle causing any accidents.
It can be tricky to get adequate compensation for your damages after an accident with a moving truck, and insurance companies may try to push off responsibility to other parties. Interpreting the evidence within a legal context can be difficult for someone without a legal background. Big rental truck companies have resources and teams of lawyers that will try to interpret the law in their favor and fight for their interests.
Therefore, it may be beneficial to you to have a Skokie moving van truck accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm by your side who can help you receive a settlement for your damages and injuries. That way, you can focus on your recovery from the accident. Call a member of our team for a free, no-obligation consultation to see how we may be able to help.
Safety Tips for Driving a Moving Truck
If you must drive a moving truck yourself, you might be wondering about the steps you could take to keep yourself safe from accidents and any liability if an accident happens.
When driving a moving truck for the first time, you might want to spend some extra time to acquaint yourself with the vehicle before taking it on the interstate or highway. This can include adjusting your seat, adjusting the mirrors, and taking some time to familiarize yourself with all the controls. Additionally, you might also consider these tips:
- Drive extremely defensively.
- Be aware that a truck takes longer to come to a stop than a car.
- Make sure you load the cargo safely.
- Keep an adequate distance between you and other road users.
- Be aware of your blind spots.
- Give yourself extra room when turning onto roads.
Accidents can happen to anyone any time they are on the road. Make sure that you protect yourself with the right insurance coverage, and do not assume that your car insurance covers all the damages in the event of an accident.
The moving truck company will likely hold you responsible for damage to the truck. If an accident seriously or fatally injured someone, you will want to protect yourself from potential lawsuits.
For a free legal consultation with a Moving Van Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Skokie, call (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
If you were in an accident with a moving van or truck, you might be dealing with stacks of paperwork and several insurance companies, trying to get a settlement for the damages and injuries you suffered. The laws surrounding moving truck liability can be complicated, and the rental truck companies, their lawyers, and insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to protect themselves from any claims.
We may be able to help you get a fair settlement that could cover your damages and help you get compensation for any injuries suffered in an accident that was not your fault. Our Skokie moving van truck accident lawyers work on contingency, so there are no fees for you unless we win your case.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to get started.
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