I was recently hit by a moving truck when it ran a red light; the driver claims the brakes malfunctioned, but I’m not sure. Who is responsible for my injuries?

After an accident, it can be difficult to discern exactly what happened and what caused the crash. Many people experience such a high amount of stress immediately following a crash that their memory is often very jumbled, only to be sorted out days later. Even then, after the details of the crash become clear once again, it can seem nearly impossible to determine what—or who—caused the crash.

Moving Truck Accident Liability Requires Careful Investigation

Rented moving truck accidents are complicated. Unlike most truck accidents, the person driving the truck is not a commercially-licensed driver, and they are not experienced behind the wheel of the truck they are driving.

This does not relieve them of liability entirely, however, and in many cases, the driver of the rental truck can be found responsible for one of the following:

• Distracted driving: Just as in a car, undivided attention is required to drive a truck. The many distractions of moving may tempt the driver to look away from the road for a brief, but vital, moment.
• Negligent driving: Moving trucks handle infinitely worse than the average car or SUV. Driving with excessive speed or disregard for road conditions can lead to terrible wrecks in a heavy moving truck.
• Inexperience: It doesn’t take much to rent a moving truck—in fact, most people with a standard license and the funds to pay can rent one of these massive vehicles.

On the other hand, rented moving trucks take a lot of abuse being driven by inexperienced drivers moving heavy loads. These trucks require proper and frequent maintenance to ensure a safe ride—and the driver in your accident may have been telling the truth. Careful investigation of your wreck may reveal that the rental truck company was liable for the brake failure, which means that your compensation would come from the trucking company rather than the renter’s auto insurance policy.

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Moving Truck Wreck, Call Attorney Chris Hudson Today

After an accident of any kind, it can be a good idea to reach out to an attorney when liability is unclear. If you’ve been hurt in a moving truck accident and you are unsure of what your next step should be, schedule your free consultation with truck accident attorney Chris Hudson today by phone or by filling out the online contact form.