Rental trucks are handy when moving to a new house or hauling away a few select items. However, they can be intimidating to drive. Their large size is foreign to most drivers, and objects in the rear can shift the truck’s weight during the drive.
Due to these factors, truck accidents can happen while operating a rental truck, and whether or not the driver is responsible for damages caused by the accident isn’t necessarily cut and dry. Several factors must be considered when determining fault, including the driver’s safe practices, the negligence of any other drivers involved, insurance and the overall safety of the rented truck.
Here, we’ll take a look at what happens if you’re involved in a rental truck accident.
If you’re the driver in a rental truck accident…
If you are driving a rental truck at the time an accident occurs, you could very well be held liable for any damages to the truck itself and other drivers involved.
Some individual insurance policies do not cover large rental trucks due to weight restrictions. Many companies offer protection for both cargo and truck passengers; however, this coverage is added as an additional fee. If you opt out of this coverage, you’ll be stuck paying for everything yourself if the accident is your fault.
Be sure to check your policy before renting.
If you’re hit by a rental truck…
If you are driving your own vehicle and get into an accident with a rental truck that is caused by another driver, then you may have the right to sue for your losses. Depending on whether it was a vehicle malfunction or driver error, the driver or the rental truck company should be held responsible for paying up.
If the rental truck malfunctions…
If the rental truck has malfunctioning parts, such as faulty brakes or bad tires, the rental company or even the manufacturers of the defective part could be liable for the accident. There are situations, however, where these parties may not be solely responsible, and the driver must pay in part as well.
If you’ve been involved in a Tampa truck accident and feel you should be compensated for your losses, the team at Lorenzo & Lorenzo is prepared to help. We have the experience and know-how to fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
