Moving trucks can make relocating much easier for people who do not have a sufficiently-sized vehicle to carry all of their belongings from one place to the next. While these vehicles are convenient, they pose certain risks, mainly if the driver is unaccustomed to operating a large vehicle.
Such trucks and vans require special handling and have a slower stopping time (and a broader turn radius) than commuter vehicles. This, combined with other factors like distraction or fatigue, can lead to accidents.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), rented moving vans and light trucks are not often involved in crashes. It is much more common for heavier commercial vehicles to crash. In either case, traffic accidents, particularly those involving large vehicles, can cause significant injuries and damage.
If you were injured in a moving truck accident in Corpus Christi, a lawyer could help you seek financial compensation for your losses. In the weeks and months after an accident, you should be able to rest and focus on recovery. But if you have suffered severe injuries, you may be preoccupied with the overwhelming stress of mounting medical bills and lost wages.
The team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins is here to support you through this difficult time. Since 1988, our firm has served Texans, providing legal advocacy for victims of traffic accidents and other personal injuries. Call (877) 239-4878 to discuss how one of our Corpus Christi moving truck accident lawyers can help you pursue the monetary awards you need and deserve.
Determining Liability in a Moving Truck Accident
Before you can seek compensation for your losses, including injuries and vehicle damage, you or your lawyer must prove liability. This means establishing who was at fault for the accident and who is responsible for paying for the resulting harm.
In many traffic accidents, the driver that caused the crash is the one liable for compensating victims. This is sometimes the case with moving truck crashes, mainly if the driver is not an employee but an independent party who rented the truck for a moving day.
Generally, when a person rents a moving truck, they must sign a waiver indicating that the rental company is not responsible for any damage the renter incurs while driving. If the driver purchased insurance, you might request compensation from the insurance provider.
When a Moving Company Was Driving
However, if the driver is an employee of a moving company, their employer may be liable. Employers usually have insurance policies that extend to their employees. This means you may be able to pursue compensation from the company’s insurance provider.
When the Truck Malfunctions
In some cases, the truck’s manufacturer may be to blame – for instance, if the truck malfunctioned due to a faulty part. In this situation, you may need to pursue compensation from the part’s manufacturer. This process may be even more complicated than those listed above.
A Corpus Christi moving truck accident lawyer can help you determine who was at fault for the crash and gather the necessary evidence to prove causation and liability. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins to learn more at (877) 239-4878.
For a free legal consultation with a moving truck accidents lawyer serving Corpus Christi, call 877-239-4878
Negligence as a Factor in Moving Truck Crashes
Regardless of who is liable, the vast majority of moving truck accidents involve negligence. According to the Legal Information Institute, negligence is the “failure to exercise the level of prudence an individual would ordinarily exercise under certain circumstances.” It can also include omissions or failure to act when it is one’s duty to do so.
Some examples of negligent actions that lead to moving truck accidents include:
Speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a leading cause of all traffic accidents. Large vehicles, such as moving trucks and vans, take longer to stop because of their weight. For this reason, speeding is particularly hazardous. Because people often speed when they are in a rush, drivers who speed are also more likely to engage in other irresponsible and unsafe behaviors, such as making improper passes or lane changes.
Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is another leading cause of accidents nationwide. This can include any activity that diverts drivers’ attention away from the road. One form of distraction is texting or using a phone for other purposes. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that texting while driving is actually illegal statewide.
Other forms of distracted driving include talking to passengers, talking on the phone, eating, looking at a GPS device, or reaching down to grab something from the floor or glove compartment. Distracted driving can cause the driver to miss unexpected occurrences and delay their response time.
Driver Impairment
Another leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide is intoxicated driving. This includes operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While illicit substances contribute to many intoxicated driving incidents, prescription drugs can cause issues too, particularly those that make a driver drowsy or impair cognition.
Fatigue
Exhaustion can mimic intoxication symptoms, inhibiting a person’s ability to think clearly and respond to hazards. Because of this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established rules to mandate commercial drivers’ use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) to log how much rest they have during the day and how many hours they drive. These devices also allow companies to observe their drivers via video.
However, individuals who rent a moving truck for the day are not required to use ELDs. And even with ELDs and 11-hour driving limits in place, some drivers may get behind the wheel fatigued.
Corpus Christi Moving Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Work with a Corpus Christi Moving Truck Accident Lawyer
In the aftermath of a traumatic event, like a moving truck accident, you will likely have a lot on your mind. It is understandable that you may not wish to think about finances at this time.
However, it is essential to remember that you do not have unlimited time to seek compensation for your losses. Your already high medical bills may become higher as you incur more long-term costs as you put off seeking action.
As soon as you feel up to it, consider calling a law firm to determine how they can help you get through this difficult time. The legal team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins is prepared to support you in pursuing the rightful compensation you will need to recuperate and move forward after trauma.
Call the office at (877) 239-4878 to talk with us about your case and what we can do for you.
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