Jason Stephens | November 14, 2022 | Truck Accidents
U-Haul rents various equipment, including trucks, vans, and trailers. Even though some of the vehicles are especially large in stature, you do not need special training or a commercial truck license to rent and drive a U-Haul truck.
Unfortunately, most people do not have any experience driving a large moving truck.
These vehicles can be difficult to maneuver and handle, especially when fully loaded. Many people overload U-Hauls or improperly load items to move as much as possible in one trip with one vehicle. The result can be a catastrophic accident that causes severe injuries.
Who Is Liable for a U-Haul Accident in Fort Worth, TX?
Typically, the person who causes a traffic accident is liable for damages caused by the crash. You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for injuries, financial losses, and other damages.
However, U-Haul could be liable for the damages caused by an accident. For example, if the company failed to maintain the truck which led to the crash, U-Haul could be liable for damages.
The first step in filing a U-Haul accident claim is to determine the factors that contributed to the cause of the collision. Then, you must determine who is responsible for each of those factors. A Fort Worth U-Haul accident lawyer can help you by investigating the accident to determine who is liable.
Does Car Insurance Cover a U-Haul Accident Claim?
As an at-fault state, Texas drivers are required to have minimum amounts of car insurance. Generally, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company pays the claim for damages.
However, many car insurance policies exclude coverage for rental vehicles. Therefore, even though the person driving the U-Haul caused the car accident, their car insurance policy might not cover the damages.
The person renting the truck might have purchased insurance coverage from U-Haul. In that case, the insurance provider for U-Haul would pay the claim. But unfortunately, many people decline the optional insurance coverage offered by U-Haul when they sign the rental agreement.
Can I File an Uninsured Motorist Claim for a U-Haul Accident?
Uninsured motorist coverage compensates you for damages caused by an uninsured driver. Texas does not require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. However, your insurance company must offer this coverage, and you must sign a written statement if you choose to decline coverage.
You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance provider compensates you for damages for the U-Haul accident as if it covered the at-fault driver.
However, before your insurance company issues a settlement check, you must prove that the other driver did not have insurance coverage for the U-Haul accident. Furthermore, you have the burden of proving that the other driver caused the accident.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover for a U-Haul Accident Claim?
You are entitled to compensation for your economic damages. These damages represent the monetary losses and expenses you incur because of a personal injury. You are also entitled to compensation for your non-economic damages.
The types of damages you can recover for a U-Haul accident claim include:
- Impairments, disability, scarring, and disfigurement
- The cost of medical treatment, including medical bills, rehabilitation, and nursing care
- Assistance with household chores and personal care
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of wages, benefits, future earning potential, and other income
- Decrease in quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses and costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
The compensation you recover for damages depends on the extent of your injuries and other factors. If you are partially to blame for the cause of a U-Haul accident, your compensation could be reduced under Texas contributory fault laws.
Steps To Take after a U-Haul Accident in Fort Worth
Immediately notify the police by calling 911. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene and make a video with your cell phone. Write down the names and contact numbers of eyewitnesses and bystanders.
Seek medical treatment for your injuries. Prompt medical care can help avoid issues that could lower the value of your injury claim.
Contact a Fort Worth personal injury for legal advice. Dealing with U-Haul can be challenging. The company and its insurance provider will do everything possible to avoid liability for the claim.
If you file an uninsured motorist claim, you should seek legal advice before talking to an insurance adjuster. Even though you are dealing with your insurance provider, the adjuster tries to undervalue your claim to protect the company from liability. The best thing to do is to let your personal injury attorney handle the insurance company and U-Haul.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth truck accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000