Many different moving truck rental companies are available in Charlotte and throughout the country. These moving truck rental companies make it easy and affordable for customers to move their belongings from one place to another. Companies like U-Haul offer moving trucks for inexpensive fees that customers can rent by the day or the week. When customers rent a U-Haul, they can purchase different insurance upgrades to protect their goods and themselves should an accident occur.
Discuss Your Case With a U-Haul Accident Lawyer TodayUnfortunately, U-Haul accidents can and do happen. If you have been involved in an accident involving a U-Haul moving truck, it is wise to discuss your case with a lawyer as soon as possible. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our experienced and dedicated moving truck accident litigators are passionate about representing victims of serious truck accidents. Whether you have been injured because of a negligent driver, defective truck parts, or poor maintenance, we are prepared to protect your rights. Contact our Charlotte law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Common Causes of U-Haul Truck AccidentsThere are many different causes of U-Haul truck accidents. Many of the causes of U-Haul truck accidents involve some type of negligence on the part of the U-Haul driver or another driver on the road. Other U-Haul accidents are caused by poor maintenance and inspections of the vehicles by U-Haul. Some of the most common causes of U-Haul truck accidents include the following.
Inexperienced U-Haul Truck DriversCustomers are not required to have a commercial driver's license to rent a U-Haul moving truck. Large vehicles like U-Haul moving trucks are difficult to maneuver, especially when the operator has no experience driving large trucks. Driving a U-Haul moving truck can be difficult on crowded streets and highways, even for those with training and commercial driver's licenses. As a result, drivers often misjudge space and speed, resulting in fishtailing, rollover accidents, and more.
Distracted DrivingAs with any type of motor vehicle accident, distracted driving is always a common factor in causing accidents. Most people have smartphones and can check emails, text messages, watch videos, check GPS directions, and receive instructions while on the road. U-Haul drivers are more distracted than ever, and the temptation to look at a cell phone can be strong when driving for hours at a time during a long-distance move. Despite the efforts of the federal government and local governments to stop texting and driving, many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior.
Negligent DrivingThere are many different types of negligent driving practices. Negligence is a failure to act reasonably under the circumstances. Drivers owe all other drivers and pedestrians on the road a duty of care, meaning they must drive safely. When they fail to drive safely, they put everyone else on the road at risk. Common acts of negligence on the road include driving while fatigued and ignoring traffic laws. Failure to yield at stop signs and traffic lights can also be examples of negligent driving. Failure to signal before merging onto the freeway or failure to pay attention to blind spots can also cause accidents.
Intoxicated DrivingDriving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is illegal in North Carolina. Unfortunately, the laws prohibiting drunk driving do not stop some drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Every day, drivers who are intoxicated cause devastating accidents. Being intoxicated makes it more difficult for drivers to respond and drive safely on the freeway.
Aggressive DrivingAggressive driving can also cause accidents. Common types of aggressive driving include speeding, making aggressive lane changes, and cutting off other drivers. Aggressive driving is always dangerous, but it is even more dangerous when the aggressive driver is operating a large rental truck.
Truck Defects or Poor MaintenanceRental moving vehicles undergo heavy use. Owners of these vehicles try to have their vehicles operational every day of the year. Keeping moving trucks operational requires a significant amount of maintenance. U-Haul and other moving companies have a duty to inspect each truck before renting them to customers. They should check for defects that could cause a dangerous tire blowout. They should also inspect the brakes and ensure that the hitch and trailer function correctly. When the U-Haul company fails to use reasonable care to maintain its moving trucks and an injury results, the victims may have a right to bring a lawsuit.
Contact a U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer in CharlotteIf you or your loved one has been injured in a U-Haul accident, we can help. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we offer our clients a free initial consultation so they can learn more about their case and ask us questions. Contact our Charlotte personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.