U-Haul is one of the most popular DIY movers. Individuals can rent a U-Haul vehicle or trailer, for as long as they need to move their belongings, and then return it. Just like any other vehicle on the road, U-Haul vehicles can also get into an accident.
Has a U-Haul vehicle hit your parked car? There could be multiple liable parties in such a case. Let us explore what happens if your parked car gets hit by a U-Haul vehicle, and your legal options to recover compensatory damages.
Who is Liable for U-Haul Accidents?
When there is a U-Haul accident, the party whose negligence or misconduct caused the wreck is responsible for the damages. This could be U-Haul, the person driving the U-Haul vehicle, or a third-party driver.
In some cases, the driver or owner of the parked vehicle could also be at fault. For example, if the vehicle was parked in a way that obstructed traffic flow or where there was a parking brake failure, then the accident could be the fault of the owner or driver of the parked vehicle.
When a driver rents a U-Haul, typically they are offered an option to get insurance to cover damages to the rental vehicle, towing expenses, liability coverage for bodily injuries, and additional coverage. However, the insurance coverage offered could vary. You may still need to prove liability as U-Haul might only cover damages that were caused by the fault of the U-Haul driver. If the accident happened due to a fault in the U-Haul vehicle, such as mechanical problems, then the U-Haul could be held liable for the collision.
To establish liability for a case where a U-Haul crashed into your parked vehicle, you need to prove that the alleged at-fault party owed a duty of care toward you and that they breached this duty to cause damage to your parked vehicle.
Such cases can often get a bit complex, especially if there is a dispute about liability. It is best to get an attorney involved in the process who can guide you through each step of the legal proceedings. Auto accident attorneys have the legal expertise, experience, and resources to guide you on whether you have the best legal options to recover damages.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If a U-Haul hits your parked vehicle, you need to contact the authorities as soon as possible. A law-abiding and responsible driver would never flee the accident site. They should have left a note of your vehicle with their contact information so you can contact them to initiate an insurance claim. If the driver is unknown, then you may need to do some investigation to identify the U-Haul driver.
Law enforcement officials and car accident attorneys can help with the investigation process. Once you have identified the at-fault party, you can cite legal action against them. If your auto insurance includes coverage for hit-and-run accidents, you may be able to get some financial coverage through your policy if you can’t identify the driver.
Consult with an Experienced U-Haul Accident Lawyer
At D.R. Patti & Associates | Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the frustration of having your parked vehicle hit by a U-Haul truck. We know exactly what is needed to build a strong case against the at-fault party. Allow us to assess your case to determine the best legal strategy to recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our U-Haul accident lawyers at DR Patti & Associates | Car Accident & Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys can assist you in all types of auto accidents including U-Haul collisions, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle accidents.