Whether it is a move down the street or cross-country many people turn to U-Haul for the vehicle(s) they need to get all their stuff transported from one location to another. U-Haul’s roots originated in 1945 and a decade later the company had a fleet of more than 10,000 trailers on the road. Decades later there are many different types of U-Haul vehicles available and a driver is likely to see one on the road nearly every day.
The large number of vehicles available has helped the company grow, however, it has also increased the number of motor vehicle incidents involving U-Haul.
The majority of U-haul vehicles are large trucks, and in Florida nearly 7,000 motor vehicle collisions involved medium and large trucks. U-haul trucks often weigh tens of thousands of pounds and when they collide with another vehicle or pedestrian, the results can be deadly.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a U-Haul accident caused by a negligent driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
For a free, no-obligation evaluation of your claim, fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form or call 1 (855) 722-2552.
Types of Vehicles Available
Most frequently U-Haul trucks are the most common mode of transportation for those who need to move their belongings, however U-Haul has an entire line of various types of vehicles.
Some other transporting vehicles available include:
- Cargo Vans
- Utility Trailers
- Cargo Trailers
- Auto Transports
- Pickup Trucks
The line of trucks available by U-haul range from small 10 foot trucks to larger 26 foot trucks. Additionally the company also offers equipment such as trailer hitches, bike racks, and lighting for trailer hook-ups.
Causes of U-Haul Accidents
In order to rent a U-Haul a person must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. For this reason, inexperience is a common cause of U-Haul accidents. Drivers who have never driven a large truck or who simply have little experience on public roads have difficulty maneuvering these large vehicles and any attachments they might have.
Some further common causes of U-Haul accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failure to Check Blind Spots
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
- Distracted Driving
- Cargo Shift
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals
- Trailer Swaying
- Runaway Trailer
Poor vehicle maintenance might include bad brakes, faulty vehicle components, and more. There have been several reported accidents caused by issues with the vehicle including one where the truck caught fire.
Types of Collisions
Depending on the type of U-Haul being used, collisions can vary. In some cases a driver may only be involved in a one-vehicle accident wherein they collide with a fixed object such as a pole, highway median, or parked vehicle.
Some other types of collisions include:
- Blind Spot Crashes
- Rear-end Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Sideswipes
- Pedestrian/Cyclist Collision
Although not common, head-on collisions are also a possibility as some drivers who are in a new area may not realize that they are turning down a one-way road. If you or a loved one is driving into a new location always be sure to have printed directions available and to pull over if you need to read them rather than risk getting involved in an accident.
Contact our U-Haul Accident Lawyers
Although U-Haul does offer insurance coverage, not all drivers will enroll in the option and some will get behind the wheel without any insurance at all. If you or a loved one has been injured in a U-Haul accident at the hands of another negligent party, our experienced attorneys are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Gordon & Partners we are dedicated to representing fighting for the injured, not the insurance companies. With more than 180 years of combined legal experience, our team of attorneys can help guide you through the entire litigation process. We have offices located throughout Southern Florida and are proud to serve the following areas:
- Pembroke Pines
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Boca Raton
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Jupiter
- Stuart
…and many more towns and cities in the tri-county area. To find out more about your legal rights and how we may be able to help you, contact us at 1 (855) 722-2552. Our intake staff members will connect you with one of our knowledgeable lawyers after a few initial questions about your claim.
We may also be contacted online. Simply fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form and we will assess your situation right away.