Who is Liable in a California Moving Truck Accident?

Moving day is stressful enough—packing 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 it’s a U-Haul zig-zagging through LA’s 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, we’ve 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 aren’t like your everyday car—they’re heavy, clunky and often driven by folks unaccustomed to their size. Here’s why accidents happen:

Driver Inexperience

Most people renting a U-Haul or Penske aren’t professional truck drivers. They’re regular folk without a commercial driver’s license, often stressed and unaccustomed to handling a 10,000-pound vehicle on California’s busy roads.

Overloaded or Unbalanced Loads

Poorly packed boxes or overloaded trucks can shift a truck’s 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 California’s urban cameras or dashcams can pinpoint fault.
• Police Reports: Officers’ 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 messy—there’s usually more than one piece to the puzzle. Under California law, here’s 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 employees’ negligence during work.

The Rental Company

If a mechanical defect—like faulty brakes—caused the crash, the rental company could share blame for neglecting maintenance, despite protections under the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 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 officers—avoid admitting fault.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, damage and road conditions. Collect witness contacts and the driver’s details, including rental or moving company info.
• Seek Medical Attention: Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not appear immediately. A doctor’s visit links your injuries to the crash.
• Notify Insurers: Report the accident to your insurer and the rental or moving company, but don’t 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 you’re 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 you’re the driver, passenger or another motorist, knowing who is liable is the first step to getting paid. Don’t 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