Any large truck on the road has the potential to cause serious damage and injuries if it crashes. For this reason, commercial drivers are required to go through training and examinations before they can receive their commercial driver’s license that allows them to operate these huge and dangerous vehicles. However, there is one type of situation that allows individuals with no training whatsoever to get behind the wheel of large trucks, and this is when someone rents a Uhaul or another type of moving truck.
Simply because individuals only rent trucks for a few hours or days does not make them any less dangerous. In fact, there may be an even greater risk of crashes as these trucks normally have to be driven on residential streets, which can be significantly more difficult to maneuver than a highway. In addition, when a moving truck is full of heavy furniture and belongings, it can cause serious damage if it crashes.
Who is Liable for a Rental Truck Accident?
There are several questions regarding who may be liable for a rental truck crash. The following are some examples of parties who may be liable:
- The driver – If the crash occurred because of driver error, that driver should be responsible for compensating any victims for their accident-related losses.
- The rental company – A rental company may be held accountable for a crash if it rented a truck to an unlicensed or underage driver, if it failed to properly maintain the truck and a malfunction caused the crash, or due to any other negligence on the company’s part.
- The truck manufacturer – If the crash occurred because the truck was sold with an inherent defect, the company that manufactured and sold the truck may be implicated.
Have You Been Injured by a Rented Truck? Call a Truck Accident Attorney Today
Cases involving rental trucks can involve many unique and complex legal issues. If you have been injured in any type of truck accident, you should not delay in discussing your situation and your options with a highly experienced Houston truck collision lawyer. Stewart J. Guss, Attorney At Law and our legal team can protect your rights in even the most complicated type of trucking case, so please contact us for a free consultation at 800-898-4877.
1https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license
