There are many benefits to taking care of a move on your own, especially if it’s just a small and local move. There has been a rise in DIY moving, particularly due to the fact that the costs of moving have risen, which has resulted in an uptick for businesses such as U-Haul, Budget, Penske, and others. While the appeal of cost savings can be tempting, there are hidden dangers to renting moving vans, which can lead to accidents and injuries that you should be aware of.
Learning what exactly these dangers are and how they can impact you legally can be beneficial. If you should hire a lawyer and learn how a contingency fee works in law, for instance, having the foundational ‘why’ behind this action is crucial. Below are the common dangers to familiarize yourself with.
Why Rental Moving Vans Are Riskier Than Passenger Cars
First and foremost, many people assume that renting a moving van is easy because it’s just another vehicle. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are major size and weight differences between moving vans and regular cars, which makes them harder to maneuver on roads.
Due to this, a moving van also requires more distance to come to a complete stop. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions if you are unfamiliar with the exact amount of distance to place between yourself and other cars on the road. On top of these issues, moving vans also have more blind spots and limited visibility due to a lack of a rear-view mirror. This makes lane changes inherently more dangerous, especially for relatively inexperienced drivers. The risk of sideswiping vehicles or even hitting pedestrians is a very real possibility.
Generally speaking, the unfamiliarity with driving a large vehicle can also create issues. Given that many people renting moving vans may have never done so before, they might make common mistakes such as overcorrecting turns, misjudging clearances, and improper braking techniques.
Common Causes of Rental Moving Van Accidents
Taking all of the above into account into a summarization, there are a few consistent and common causes of moving van accidents on the road:
- Driver Inexperience: A lack of proper training on how to handle a large truck can result in difficulty navigating through busy streets, highways, and parking lots.
- Improper Loading and Overloading: Unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing loss of control, whereas overloaded trucks make braking and handling more difficult.
- Mechanical Issues and Poor Maintenance: Rental trucks are often used frequently and may not be well-maintained, leading to issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions increase accident risks.
- Fatigue and Long-Distance Driving: DIY movers often drive long hours without adequate rest, and the increased risk of drowsy driving and impaired reaction time are serious issues.
While it’s entirely possible that you may never be involved in an accident while conducting your move, it’s always better to be more prepared than less. By recognizing the above risks, you can take preventative action on the road.
Liability in Rental Moving Van Accidents
Naturally, should you find yourself involved in an accident while driving a moving van, the question of liability arises. There are many parties who can be held responsible, including:
- The driver (if negligence is proven).
- The rental company (if poor maintenance or safety violations are involved).
- The moving company (if an employee was driving the van).
Depending on the scope of the accident, insurance may cover the bulk of the costs. If the rental company’s insurance covers accidents, then you’re likely all set. However, not all companies offer this, and when signing a waiver, you may be taking on all the risk in the event of an accident. This means you will either need to rely on insurance or out-of-pocket payments in the event of an accident.
How to Stay Safe When Renting a Moving Van
While hiring movers is always recommended when you don’t think you can tackle a move by yourself, it’d be an oversight not to acknowledge that situations arise where you may need to do exactly this. In these situations, it’s of the utmost importance that you take proper steps when renting a van to keep yourself safe:
- Choose the right size van for your needs.
- Inspect the vehicle for maintenance issues before driving
- Practice driving the van in an empty lot before heading out.
- Be mindful of blind spots and allow extra stopping distance.
- Take breaks during long trips to avoid fatigue.
If you ever don’t feel comfortable with driving the moving van you’re using, pull over and evaluate your options. The severity of crashes involving these vehicles warrants an extra level of caution.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident with a Rental Moving Van
Nobody wants to be in an accident with a moving van, but the inevitable can sometimes happen. When this occurs, utilize the following steps to protect yourself legally;
- Call the police and document the accident
- Get contact information from the rental driver and any witnesses
- Contact your insurance company within 24 hours, if possible, or the rental van insurance
- Research rental truck insurance policies
- Visit a doctor to inspect yourself for any and all injuries
Work with an accredited lawyer to defend your rights
Above all else, think about consulting a personal injury lawyer if you were injured in a moving van accident. Whether you caused the wreck or someone else did, if there were serious injuries or major property damage, then the question of liability may come up, and it can be beneficial to have a legal expert on your side. Always emphasize safety precautions when getting behind the wheel, especially if you don’t own the vehicle. By driving cautiously and ensuring you are prepared, you will immediately reduce the likelihood of a wreck. This will save you time, energy, and even medical bills that you otherwise would have needed to pay in the long-run.