If you suffered injuries in a moving truck accident in Las Vegas, you likely feel unsure about where to turn for compensation. There’s good reason to feel confused. Determining liability after a moving truck accident is not straightforward.
Identifying who is at fault is crucial for any motor vehicle accident. However, with moving trucks, your legal options may differ based on the type of truck that hit you and individual factors unique to your case. You’ll get the best advice by consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Moving Truck Crash?
Moving truck accident liability could fall on numerous parties, depending on the truck and the actions of everyone involved.
Professional moving company
If you got hit by a truck belonging to a professional moving business, you could have a truck accident claim against the truck’s driver or the company if negligence by either party caused the wreck.
Rental company
If you rented a truck (like a U-Haul) to move yourself, the question of liability gets more complex. Under federal law, the owner of a vehicle isn’t liable for injuries caused by a driver to whom they rent or lease the vehicle if the following remains true throughout the rental or lease:
- The owner is normally engaged in the business of renting or leasing vehicles.
- The owner engaged in no criminal wrongdoing or negligence.
This means that you can generally assume driver liability in moving accidents rather than liability on the part of the rental company that owns the moving truck.
There are always exceptions. A rental company might be liable if:
- Poor maintenance led to equipment failures that caused the wreck.
- The company rented the car to an unlicensed driver.
- The company knowingly rented a truck to someone while ignoring signs they were unfit to drive.
Other drivers
Las Vegas is a busy city with congested roads. If a reckless driver struck the moving truck and caused a multi-vehicle accident that harmed you, you could hold the other car’s driver responsible for your injury. Or if you were a pedestrian clipped by an impatient driver trying to zip around a moving truck on a residential street, the car’s driver could be liable.
Common Causes of Moving Truck Accidents
Moving truck wrecks can occur for many reasons. Examples include:
- Inexperience – Operating a large moving truck is more challenging than driving a car. The driver’s inexperience with large, heavy vehicles could cause crashes.
- Unfamiliarity with the area – Someone driving a moving truck may not know the area well. Accidents are more likely in unfamiliar locations.
- Carelessness – Moving truck wrecks can result from the same actions regular accidents do, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, and other traffic violations.
Determining Liability
Determining liability after a moving truck wreck requires investigating the crash and gathering evidence. Common forms of evidence include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos or video footage of the wreck and the crash scene
- Medical records
In some instances, reconstructing crash conditions is necessary to prove liability. An experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney will have access to experts who can provide this valuable service.
Seeking Compensation for Moving Truck Accident Injuries
You could be entitled to significant compensation after a moving truck accident, including money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But first, you need to identify all liable parties and build a robust case against them.
These aren’t tasks you need to handle yourself. A Las Vegas truck accident attorney from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can handle the legal legwork while you heal. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
