Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Supports Augusta Residents Following U-Haul Truck Accidents

If you have been injured because of a U-Haul truck crash, you are likely facing a mountain of medical bills and the stress of being unable to work. You might feel like the rental company is trying to shift all the blame onto you or another driver while ignoring their own responsibilities.

The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Augusta U-Haul accident lawyer team is here to help you understand your legal rights and get compensation. You do not have to face the legal system alone while you are trying to heal. Call us today at 706-955-1559 to speak with a legal professional about your situation.

Common Causes of U-Haul Truck Wrecks

The reasons behind a U-Haul accident are often more complicated than a standard car crash. Because these vehicles are rented out to the general public, many drivers lack the specialized training required to operate a truck of that size safely. Our legal team investigates every detail to determine exactly what went wrong. Common factors that contribute to these dangerous incidents include:

• Inexperience with large vehicle dimensions. Most renters are accustomed to small sedans or SUVs. They often fail to account for the massive blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” that surround a U-Haul truck. This leads to sideswipe accidents when changing lanes or collisions while backing up.
• Improper cargo loading. If the weight inside the truck is not distributed evenly, the vehicle becomes unstable. Heavy items placed too far to one side or toward the very back can cause the truck to sway dangerously or even tip over during a turn.
• Failure to maintain equipment. U-Haul trucks are high-mileage vehicles that are used by many different people in short periods. If the rental company fails to inspect brakes, tires, or steering components between rentals, a mechanical failure can occur on the road, leaving the driver helpless.
• Driver fatigue during long moves. Moving is an exhausting process. Many renters spend all day loading a truck and then attempt to drive long distances while physically and mentally drained. This exhaustion leads to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.

U-Haul Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries

The sheer size and weight of a U-Haul truck mean that any impact it has with a smaller vehicle will be violent. The occupants of the passenger car almost always suffer the most severe harm. These injuries often require a lifetime of medical intervention and personal care. Our Augusta U-Haul accident lawyer team regularly helps victims who are suffering from:

• Traumatic brain injuries. The force of a truck hitting a car can cause the head to strike the interior of the vehicle or cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This results in concussions, cognitive impairments, and changes in personality that may never fully resolve.
• Complex spinal damage. U-Haul trucks are often large and heavy. They are also frequently loaded with heavy furniture and other household items. This can cause pedestrians and other motorists to suffer severe whiplash if they are struck by a U-Haul. As a result, victims often suffer chronic back pain or permanent paralysis.
• Multiple bone fractures. Because of the heavy impact, victims often suffer broken legs, arms, ribs, or pelvic bones. These fractures frequently require surgical intervention, including the use of metal plates and screws, and months of painful rehabilitation.

Rental Agreements & Liability

U-Haul’s attorneys and insurers often try to hide behind the legal fine print of rental agreements to disclaim any responsibility. For example, it is fairly common for the rental agreements to claim that U-Haul as a corporate body has no liability, regardless if you are injured as a renter or if you are hit by someone renting the truck. While the “fine print” may seem scary at first, our experienced Augusta U-Haul accident lawyer team has many years of experience defeating these claims and ensuring that victims get the legal compensation they need.

Our attorneys carefully review every page of the rental agreement to identify where the company may have failed in its duties. If the company provided a truck with worn-out brakes or tires that were bald, they can be held accountable for their negligence. We also look for instances where the company failed to provide adequate instructions or warnings about the specific risks of the vehicle being rented. Dealing with a multi-billion-dollar corporation requires a legal team that knows how to challenge their defensive tactics and hold them to the standards required by Georgia law.

Litigating Through Insurance Gaps and Disputes

Many people assume that their personal auto insurance will cover them if they are in an accident while driving a U-Haul. Unfortunately, many standard policies specifically exclude “commercial-sized” vehicles or trucks over a certain weight. This can leave a driver personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

Additionally, the optional insurance offered by U-Haul at the counter often has very specific exclusions. For example, if the company determines that you overloaded the truck or were driving in a “negligent” manner, they may try to deny your claim entirely. Our Augusta U-Haul accident lawyer team is experienced in handling these insurance disputes. We look for every possible source of recovery, including your own uninsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, and the rental company’s corporate insurance, to ensure that you are not left paying for a crash that was not your fault.

Important Steps To Take Following a U-Haul Accident

The moments after a crash with a large truck are terrifying. You might be in shock or dealing with intense pain. However, if you are able, taking certain actions can protect both your health and your legal rights. We recommend the following steps:

1. Seek medical care immediately. Even if you think you are okay, the adrenaline can mask serious injuries. A doctor can perform imaging tests to check for internal damage or spinal issues that might not be visible.
2. Ensure the police file a report. A formal police report is a vital piece of evidence. It provides an objective record of the scene, the parties involved, and any citations issued for traffic violations.
3. Capture detailed photos. Take pictures of the truck, your vehicle, the positions of the cars, and any debris on the road. Also, take photos of the interior of the U-Haul if it appears that the cargo shifted or was not secured.
4. Do not admit fault or apologize. Be polite, but do not make any statements about the cause of the accident to the other driver or the rental company’s insurance adjusters. These statements can be used against you to reduce your compensation.
5. Notify your own insurance company. You have a duty to report accidents to your insurer, but you should stick to the basic facts until you have spoken with an attorney.
6. Contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm early. The sooner you involve our experienced attorneys, the quicker we can get you the legal recovery you deserve.

Why Choose the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm?

Our clients choose us because we provide more than just legal advice; we provide personal support during one of the hardest times in their lives.

• Personal support. You will never be just a case number to us. We keep our clients informed at every step of the process and are always available to answer your questions. We know that the legal process can be confusing, and we take the time to explain your options clearly.
• Thorough investigations. The attorneys at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to uncover exactly how the accident occured and what risk factors were at play. Our team also works with private investigators to secure documentation and collect evidence before “mysteriously disappears.”
• We work on a Contingency-fee basis. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You will never pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you.

The Long-Term Impact of U-Haul Wrecks on Families

We take the “human” costs into account when building your case. We talk to your family members and friends to understand how the accident has changed your life. Our Augusta U-Haul accident lawyer team is dedicated to securing a recovery that helps you restore your independence and provides a sense of security for your family’s future. We handle the legal burdens so that you can focus on your family and your recovery.

Speak With an Augusta U-Haul Accident Lawyer Today

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and the value of your claim. Whether you were the driver of the rental truck or the occupant of another vehicle hit by a U-Haul, our team has the experience you need. Call us today at 706-955-1559.