Numerous Factors Contribute to Accidents Involving Rental Trucks

Many of us have rented a truck when changing residences or moving large pieces of furniture. Box trucks from U-Haul, Budget, Penske, The Home Depot and other companies are common sights on New Jersey roads. While many people rely on these vehicles because of their cargo space, durability and convenience, there is no guarantee that the person behind the wheel is capable of operating their rental truck safely.

Even companies that offer these vehicles note that there are multiple risks that lead to rental truck accidents, such as:

• Judgment errors — Drivers are creatures of habit, and a person behind the wheel of a U-Haul or another rental truck could momentarily forget that they’re not operating their personal vehicle. Without warning, they might misjudge braking distance, cornering clearance or their ability to navigate through an overpass or train trestle. 
• Operating differences — Light trucks and vans handle very differently from passenger cars and sport utility vehicles. They have greater mass, longer stopping distances, higher centers of gravity, and large blind spots. Excessive or unsecured payloads also diminish control and increase rollover risk.

• Unfamiliarity with local routes and rules — Often, someone needs a truck for a day or two because they are moving to a new location permanently or temporarily. Along with possible discomfort driving such a large vehicle, the renter might not be familiar with the area or the traffic laws that apply specifically to trucks. This confusion could lead to a dangerous lapse in attention. 
• Failure to recognize vehicle problems — Ideally, no rental truck provider would ever allow a customer to take out a vehicle with a potentially dangerous problem. However, issues with brakes, tires, lighting or steering that a renter doesn’t notice can trigger a catastrophic truck accident. 

If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a rental truck, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the crash can have a major effect on your eventual financial recovery. If you’re able, get the name of the driver and rental company. Take photographs and the scene and damage. See a doctor as soon as possible and contact an experienced attorney who can obtain critical evidence, such as the police report and rental agreement. 

Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. achieves strong results for victims of truck accidents in Sussex and Morris counties, as well as other parts of New Jersey. For a consultation regarding your potential claim, please call 973-940-8970 or contact me online. My firm’s offices are in Newton and Succasunna.