Moving day is stressful enoughโpacking boxes, coordinating logistics, and saying goodbye to your old place. But when a moving truck accident turns your plans upside down, the real headache begins. Whether itโs a U-Haul zig-zagging through LAโs notorious traffic or professional movers speeding through Fresno, these crashes can cause serious injuries and property damage. Figuring out who is legally responsible is not as easy as it seems.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, weโve helped thousands of Californians recover millions from moving truck accidents. With over $1.7 billion won for our clients in everything from truck accidents to wrongful death, our California truck accident lawyers can break down who is liable and guide you on what happens next.
Common Causes of Moving Truck Accidents
Moving trucks arenโt like your everyday carโtheyโre heavy, clunky and often driven by folks unaccustomed to their size. Hereโs why accidents happen:
Driver Inexperience
Most people renting a U-Haul or Penske arenโt professional truck drivers. Theyโre regular folk without a commercial driverโs license, often stressed and unaccustomed to handling a 10,000-pound vehicle on Californiaโs busy roads.
Overloaded or Unbalanced Loads
Poorly packed boxes or overloaded trucks can shift a truckโs weight, causing rollovers or loss of control, especially on curvy roads like Highway 101.
Mechanical Failures
Faulty brakes, worn tires or steering issues can turn a moving truck into a hazard, particularly if the rental company skimped on maintenance to save on cost.
Fatigue and Distractions
Long drives, late nights packing and messing around with GPS or phones increase crash risks, especially in heavily populated urban areas like San Francisco or San Diego.
Proving Fault in a Moving Truck Accident
Establishing liability requires solid evidence. Our attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers use:
- Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from bystanders can corroborate your story.
- Traffic or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from Californiaโs urban cameras or dashcams can pinpoint fault.
- Police Reports: Officersโ observations are vital, because they often clarify who is responsible.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: In serious cases, we bring in specialists to recreate the crash and identify causes, like load shifts or mechanical failures.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Moving Truck Accident?
Figuring out who is to blame in a moving truck crash is sort of messyโthereโs usually more than one piece to the puzzle. Under California law, hereโs who could be on the hook:
The Driver
If the driver was speeding, texting or driving recklessly (California Vehicle Code Section 23103), they could be liable for damages.
The Moving Company
If you hired professionals, the company may be responsible under respondeat superior (Civil Code Section 1714), holding employers accountable for their employeesโ negligence during work.
The Rental Company
If a mechanical defectโlike faulty brakesโcaused the crash, the rental company could share blame for neglecting maintenance, despite protections under the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. ยง 30106), which limits their liability unless negligence is proven.
Another Driver
A third-party motorist cutting off the truck or causing a collision could be at fault, especially in multi-vehicle accidents on freeways.
The Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If a defective part, like a tire blowout, caused the crash, the manufacturer or repair shop might be liable.
What to Do After a Moving Truck Accident in California
A crash involving a moving truck can be overwhelming, but these steps protect your rights:
- Safety First: Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights and check for injuries. Move to a safe spot if possible, per California Vehicle Code Section 20002.
- Call 911: Report the accident to get a police report, required for damages over $1,000 (Vehicle Code Section 16000). Stick to facts when speaking to officersโavoid admitting fault.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, damage and road conditions. Collect witness contacts and the driverโs details, including rental or moving company info.
- Seek Medical Attention: Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not appear immediately. A doctorโs visit links your injuries to the crash.
- Notify Insurers: Report the accident to your insurer and the rental or moving company, but donโt give recorded statements without legal advice.
- Contact a Lawyer: Moving truck claims involve multiple parties and confusing rules. A California moving truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process.
Compensation You May Recover
If youโre injured in a moving truck accident, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: From ER visits to ongoing rehabilitation.
- Property Damage: Repairs for your vehicle or compensation for damaged belongings in the truck.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for missed work due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
Take Control After a Moving Truck Accident
Moving truck accidents can leave you physically hurt and damaged property. Whether youโre the driver, passenger or another motorist, knowing who is liable is the first step to getting paid. Donโt let insurance companies or rental companies rip you off.
Call West Coast Trial Lawyers today at (213) 927-3700 for a free consultation or fill out our simple online contact form
