What to Do If You’re Injured in a U-Haul Truck Accident

Whether you’re moving across the country or across town, U-Haul trucks can make it far easier to get your home moved in fewer trips. That’s why you see so many on Tennessee roads. However, one of the dangers of U-Haul trucks is that they are typically driven by those who are used to driving their own vehicles. Going from a standard passenger vehicle to a boxy, heavy U-Haul truck is challenging, and the likelihood of accidents goes up with inexperienced drivers.

If you’re hurt in an accident with a U-haul truck, seeking legal assistance immediately can help you fight for fair and full compensation. Call Wagner Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your next steps.

Immediate steps to take

When you’re involved in a crash, what you do right away is important because it can help you protect your legal rights and your physical health. After a crash, call emergency services to report it. If directed to, move your vehicle to a safe location. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries so you can request an ambulance if needed. Avoid discussing the details of the crash with the other driver—you don’t want to say anything that could be interpreted as you accepting responsibility for the crash. When police report to the scene, make sure you tell them what you experienced so your side of the story is included in the accident report.

Information to collect

Before you leave the scene of the accident, it’s important to make sure you have all the information you need. You’ll need the U-Haul driver’s name and contact information, as well as their insurance information. If possible, get a copy of their rental agreement. Jot down the number on their U-Haul truck, as the insurance company will likely need that for their investigation.

If anyone stops to provide help or indicates that they witnessed the accident, get their contact information to pass along to your attorney. You should also ask the police officer at the scene how to get a copy of the accident report.

The importance of medical care

Seeking medical attention is absolutely essential after a U-Haul accident. You may feel fine after an accident, or you may worry that you’ll look dramatic if you go in and don’t have any injuries. But the fact is that many injuries are not immediately visible, and the longer you wait to see a doctor, the harder it can be to treat them. It is far better to seek medical care and not need it than to skip medical care and end up needing it. Depending on how you feel and the severity of any injuries you notice, you may get checked out by a primary care practitioner, an urgent care clinic, or an emergency room.

Not only is this important for your health, it’s crucial for your legal case as well. If you want to recover compensation from the at-fault party, you have to be able to link your injuries to the accident. That means getting checked out soon enough after the accident to prove causation. The longer you wait to go to the doctor, the more doubt there may be about what caused your injuries.

Your top priorities

After the adrenaline stops pumping and you’ve handled the immediate aftermath of your U-Haul accident, concentrate on these priorities:

• Recovering: Your health is absolutely your top priority throughout this process. Make sure you are getting enough rest to give your body a chance to bounce back from the trauma it has experienced.
• Getting your vehicle taken care of: You should start the process of getting your vehicle checked out by a trusted mechanic. This will give you a better understanding of whether your vehicle needs to be repaired or if it will need to be replaced entirely.
• Documenting your losses: Keep track of your financial and non-financial losses as the days pass. This includes documenting days off of work, money spent on medical care or medications, any outside help you have to bring in for your obligations at home, and your pain and suffering.
• Talking to a lawyer: A truck accident lawyer can take a better look at your accident and injuries to determine the strength of your case. From there, you can begin working on pursuing compensation.

Exploring legal options

Accidents involving rental trucks can be much more complex than accidents involving two people driving their own vehicles, so you should consider reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Rental truck companies often provide some level of insurance to customers, but customers may also be able to waive that insurance if they can provide their own. Some credit cards and personal auto insurance policies may offer rental coverage, but often exclude larger trucks or vehicles used for moving. It’s important to review the terms or speak to your insurer before relying on this coverage. There are a lot of different factors at play, and until you talk to an attorney, you don’t know which policies are relevant to your case and what the policy limits are.

Your lawyer can also start their investigation to figure out who is liable for the crash. While it is usually the fault of one or both drivers, there are situations where neither party is to blame. The chances are higher when there’s a rental vehicle involved, as these vehicles go through a ton of wear and tear. The company may have failed to do a proper inspection, missed necessary repairs, or otherwise set drivers up for failure by sending them out in an unsafe vehicle.

Discuss your next steps with Wagner Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers

The team at Wagner Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you demand full and fair compensation after an accident. Let’s discuss your case during a consultation. Get started by calling us or contacting us online