Ryder and U-Haul Accidents

Moving from one residence or office to another, or simply having to transport a large cargo load, is a common occurrence. Instead of relying on someone else to do the heavy lifting, we often use the services of a rental truck company, such as Ryder or U-Haul, for such endeavors. However, as renters, people may not realize the care it takes to maneuver these types of large vehicles, and serious accidents as well as injuries can result from this lack of experience. The Miami truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can assist people who have been involved in a crash with a U-Haul or Ryder vehicle in pursuing proper compensation. We represent victims in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as other regions of South Florida.

Although drivers are given the option of obtaining insurance when renting a vehicle from U-Haul or Ryder, they may not always exercise that option, leaving a victim in significant financial need following an accident. Additionally, a driver injured as a result of a defective rental truck may have legal recourse against the company responsible.

Whether a claim is brought against a driver or a rental company, such as U-Haul or Ryder, a victim must show that the defendant was negligent. To establish negligence, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions fell below the reasonable standard of care, and that this carelessness caused the injury and resulted in damages. U-Haul and Ryder have a duty to conduct reasonable inspections of their trucks, and they must engage in regular maintenance to ensure their safety. Failing to do so may be considered a breach of the duty of care and thus negligent. For example, if an accident is a result of faulty brakes that have not been inspected or repaired, a victim potentially could receive damages for any injuries caused by that failure.

Even if a driver’s own negligence was partially to blame for the injuries, he or she may still recover some damages. In Florida, the amount of compensation is awarded based on each party’s degree of fault. For instance, if a victim is 35 percent responsible for his or her injuries, they may still recover up to 65 percent of the total damages from another liable party.

As access to rental moving trucks has increased, so has the amount of accidents and injuries involving these vehicles. In Florida, almost 7,000 motor vehicle crashes annually involve medium or large trucks, such as U-Haul and Ryder vehicles. Generally, to rent one of these large vehicles, an individual merely must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Given the low level of qualifications, drivers are often inexperienced and do not know how to maneuver these trucks in the correct manner. This leads to accidents due to events such as:

• Cargo shifting due to improper loading;
• Speeding;
• Failing to notice or check blind spots;
• Distracted drivers;
• Trailer swaying or a runaway trailer; or
• Failing to obey signs or yield the right of way.

Drivers of these large vehicles must adhere to the same rules of the road that all other drivers must obey to keep our highways safe. Failing to do so can result in serious accidents. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney who can assist you in determining the cause of an accident, as well as who is responsible, is important in pursuing proper compensation for your injuries.

If you have been involved in an accident with a U-Haul or Ryder vehicle, the Miami truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to trying to make sure that any parties who were responsible are held liable. We also represent people in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a motor vehicle collision attorney.