Renting a truck from U-Haul can help for an easier move, but their large size presents unique risks. These heavy vehicles handle differently than standard cars and require skill to adapt to limited visibility and braking. For those unfamiliar with operating trucks, U-Haul rentals can quickly turn dangerous when proper precautions are not taken.
Collisions with U-Haul trucks inflict severe harm due to the sheer force involved. Understanding common accident factors and damages allows you to advocate for your rights. An Okemos truck accident lawyer can help you with the process so you know how to fight for your rights.
Why U-Haul Accidents Happen
Renting moving trucks from U-Haul is a convenient and affordable way to move belongings. However, these large vehicles also come with safety risks that untrained drivers may not anticipate. U-Hauls weigh significantly more than passenger cars and handle them differently, which can lead to accidents if proper precautions are not taken.
U-Haul renters may not be used to the size, visibility limitations, and slower braking abilities. Sudden maneuvers and speeding in these heavy vehicles heighten rollover and loss of control risks. Drivers should take time to get accustomed to the size and feel of operating a U-Haul before getting on the road.
Fatigue is another factor in U-Haul crashes as people often use them for long moves. Driving while exhausted impairs reaction time and focus. Drivers trying to push through to finish the move in one long haul put themselves and others in danger. Taking regular breaks and not driving when tired are key to reducing accident risk.
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What Happens When You Are in an Accident with a U-Haul Driver
Being in a collision with a U-Haul truck can be traumatic and confusing. As with any accident, the first priority is ensuring medical care for any injured parties and notifying police to file a report. Responsibility for damages is determined by investigating the circumstances and facts around what happened.
If the U-Haul driver is found at fault, their insurance and U-Haul coverage should pay for your vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other costs from the incident. However, negotiating with insurers can be challenging. A U-Haul truck accident attorney in Okemos helps maximize compensation and protect your rights after the crash.
Do not assume U-Haul will handle damages fairly or promptly. As the injured party, you must take action and build a case, collecting police reports, witness statements, photo evidence, and more. Extensive documentation prevents insurers from denying or delaying your legitimate claims.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Types of Damages to Claim in a U-Haul Accident
If you are injured in a U-Haul truck accident caused by a negligent driver, there are specific categories of damages you can claim. You can do this through a lawsuit or settlement demand. Some options are the following:
Economic Damages
Economic damages involve:
- Medical expenses: All costs associated with medical treatment, both initial and ongoing care
- Lost income: Wages lost due to missing work during recovery and reduced earning capacity if disabilities result
- Property losses: Repair or replacement costs for vehicle, belongings, etc. damaged in the crash
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages involve:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and loss of mobility from crash injuries
- Emotional distress: Mental anguish, depression, anxiety experienced
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities and hobbies that previously brought joy
- Loss of companionship: Impact on relationships with friends and family
Punitive Damages
A punitive damage reward is one of the most uncommon to get, but still possible. It is used in cases of extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety. Thorough documentation of all losses is key to maximizing compensation through a settlement or court award. An attorney can help you to prove and calculate damages.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How to Provide the Best Type of Evidence to Support Your Case
Winning just compensation relies on compiling irrefutable evidence. Police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimonies, bills, and other documentation build an ironclad claim. Know what type of evidence to gather, such as the following:
- Take photos of the accident scene from each angle that you can before vehicles are moved, including skid marks, debris, and hazards.
- Take images of vehicle damage and injuries as soon as you can.
- Get your police report and request maintenance records for road defects.
- Compile medical bills, treatment records, and prognosis reports.
- Retain receipts documenting property losses and other costs.
- Written statements from eyewitnesses provide critical third-party validity.
Building a strong case shows the damage so you can get the compensation you deserve. An experienced Okemos U-Haul truck accident attorney knows how to utilize evidence to maximize your settlement or court award. Trust their expertise to make every piece of documentation count.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Common Injuries from a U-Haul Accident
Collisions with a U-Haul truck can cause severe injuries because of their large size and weight. Understanding common trauma helps accident victims recover damages for all harm done. Many distinct types of injuries may result, such as the following:
- Head and brain trauma from violent strikes inside the vehicle during a crash.
- Broken ribs or collapsed lungs if the truck rides up and over the other vehicle.
- Leg, arm, and joint fractures from the pressure of bent or crushed metal.
- Cuts and other injuries that happen from broken glass, like from the windshield or windows.
Psychological issues like PTSD may also arise following the traumatic event. You can experience anxiety, insomnia, depression, and flashbacks that disrupt work, activities, relationships, and more. It is important to seek recovery when you deal with any of these injuries.
Go After the Compensation You Deserve with a U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer in Okemos
If you experienced injuries in a U-Haul truck crash, we are here to help. Our thorough approach and trial experience can provide better potential for the outcome of your case. All you need is to bring us the evidence, and an Okemos U-Haul truck accident lawyer can help you with every other step.
You need to heal from your injuries, so you can let us handle the legal side of things. Contact us for a free consultation. We will help you with the next step you should take so you can make sure you are going through the process correctly.
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