
An accident involving a moving truck or van can cause traumatic injuries to drivers and passengers in a smaller vehicle due to its size, weight, and contents. Figuring out who is liable for such an accident can be complicated.
If you were hurt in a collision involving a moving truck or van, you might be recovering from broken bones, back and neck problems, and other injuries that have left you unable to work and struggling to pay your bills. You may be unable to take care of your family and are worried about the future.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. Call (800) 794-0444 today to discuss your legal options with a Tinley Park moving truck or van accident lawyer.
Determining Liability in Moving Truck or Van Accidents
Federal law, specifically 49 USC 30106, gives companies that rent moving trucks and vans some protection from liability for accidents. If a rental company did not behave negligently or participate in any illegal activities related to the vehicle rental, it most likely is not liable for an accident involving one of its trucks or vans.
If an individual rented a moving truck and was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident, that person may be liable. Many accidents involving rented moving trucks occur because drivers do not have experience operating such a large vehicle. A driver may not apply the brakes soon enough, may not see a vehicle in a blind spot, or may have difficulty maneuvering around corners.
A driver’s negligent or reckless actions may have also caused the collision. For example, an individual may run a red light, text while driving, travel too fast, or be intoxicated while operating a moving truck. In those cases, the driver would most likely be held liable for a resulting accident.
If the person who rented the moving truck was driving it at the time of the crash and was found liable, you might be able to seek compensation from that individual’s auto insurance company. You might also be entitled to financial compensation from another company if the driver purchased supplemental liability coverage when renting the moving truck.
If the rental company behaved negligently or participated in any illegal activities related to the rental vehicle, it could be found liable for an accident. For example, if the business rented a moving truck or van to someone who did not have a valid driver’s license, or who appeared to be intoxicated when they arrived to pick up the vehicle, the rental company may be found negligent.
If you have injuries from an accident involving a rented moving truck or van, a Tinley Park moving truck or van accident lawyer might be able to help you figure out who was liable and explain your legal options. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak with a member of our team, so that we can review your case.
Accident Liability for Moving Truck or Van Companies and Manufacturers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes regulations on companies that operate trucks to keep the public safe. Drivers must meet physical requirements and receive appropriate training. The FMCSA sets rules regarding the use of alcohol and controlled substances. It also requires motor carriers to inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles regularly.
If an employee of the moving company was driving the truck recklessly—for example, by speeding or texting—the driver and the moving company might be found liable for the accident. The moving company may also face penalties if it knew that an employee was unqualified to operate a truck, or if it allowed an employee with a pattern of unsafe or illegal behaviors to drive a company vehicle. If an employee was driving the truck and caused an accident, you might be able to obtain compensation through the moving company’s insurance policy.
A company that rents moving trucks or vans—or that employs drivers to operate them—may be found liable for accident-related injuries if the business did not properly inspect, maintain, and repair its vehicle. The moving company may also be liable if it was aware of a problem and did not address the issue before driving the truck.
If a mechanical failure occurred due to a manufacturer’s defect in the truck, the manufacturer might be liable. If a mechanic completed a repair incorrectly, the mechanic might be liable for a resulting accident. If the part used to complete a repair was defective, the part manufacturer may be held liable. A Tinley Park moving truck or van accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Moving Van Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Tinley Park, call (800) 794-0444
Seeking Legal Help After a Moving Truck or Van Accident
Motor vehicle accidents often result in serious injuries. A collision involving a moving truck or van may cause life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Figuring out who is liable is often complicated because so many factors must be taken into account.
A Tinley Park moving truck or van accident lawyer may be able to help you. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help investigate your case to figure out which actions and circumstances contributed to the collision and seek compensation through the appropriate insurance company. If we are unable to reach a fair settlement on your behalf, we may take the case to court.
We will do all we can to recover an award in your personal injury case. You pay nothing out of pocket and nothing upfront—we take a fee from the settlement we get you. The statute of limitations in Illinois (735 ILCS 5) gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so do not delay. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to get started.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form