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You may have seen attorney Chris Davis on local or national news programs discussing the firm's high-profile cases or offering commentary on other legal issues.
The award-winning attorneys at Davis Law Group are dedicated to holding rental truck companies and drivers responsible for causing serious harm to others. We helped accident victims in Washington State recover large settlements and verdicts for more than 25 years.
Contact Davis Law Group today for a free case evaluation: (206) 727-4000.
What Causes Moving Truck Crashes?
Rental truck accidents are much more destructive and carry a much higher risk of serious injury, and companies' reputation for lack of maintenance only increases this risk.
The many complaints against these large corporations include:
- Inexperienced Drivers
- Aging Fleets
- Improper Maintenance on Vehicles and Equipment
- Brake Failure and Other Mechanical Issues
- Dangerous Towing Policies
- Lack of Quality Control
Investigating Negligence In Truck Accidents
In 2007, the Los Angeles Times compiled a detailed investigative report into the overall safety of rental truck companies like U-Haul. In their investigation of more than 200 U-Haul rental trucks, LA Times researchers found that more than half were overdue for “company-mandated” safety inspections that were required by law to be completed every 30 days.
In many cases, these “mandatory” safety inspections of U-Haul rental trucks were more than one year overdue, meaning that countless U-Haul customers could have been potentially exposed to unsafe vehicles.
Because rental trucks are not considered commercial vehicles under federal law, they are not subjected to inspection and federal oversight of the U.S. Department of Transportation. And although company officials contend that their in-house inspection and maintenance policies exceed federal requirements, a number of investigations into these companies have proven that rental trucks are often under-serviced and poorly maintained, if at all.
Over the past decade or so, numerous rental truck companies have come under fire for allowing vehicles that have not been properly maintained and serviced to be rented to unsuspecting consumers. But what is perhaps even more disturbing is how often these companies have destroyed evidence in order to avoid being held accountable for their own negligence.
In one investigative report, the Los Angeles Times found at least 11 instances in which rental truck company U-Haul had destroyed or lost evidence that would be used to prove the company's negligence in a personal injury case. Although the company claims that it has never "intentionally" destroyed evidence, it is somewhat difficult to understand how such a large piece of equipment could mysteriously go missing.
Types of Rental Truck Collisions
Understanding the different types of collisions involving rental trucks is important for accident victims. Rental truck accidents of all types lead to some of the most severe wrecks seen on American roadways. Due to the sheer size alone, rental trucks can cause considerable property damage and cause catastrophic injury on a number of innocent victims.
These are some of the most common types of rental truck collisions:
- T-bone collision. When a truck driver runs a red light or blows through a stop sign, there is a good chance it will result in a T-bone collision.
- Head-on collision. If a truck driver goes over the center line and collides with another vehicle, the crash will almost always result in serious injury or death.
- Underride/override. If a passenger vehicle crashes underneath a truck, or a truck rear-ends another car, the wreckage is usually severe.
- Rollover accident. Trucks that tip over on highways may crash down and hit other vehicles.
- Left-turn accidents. Trucks must make sure they have enough room to safely make a left turn, otherwise vehicles may crash into the trailer.
- Jackknife accident. When a truck driver brakes hard and fast, it causes the trailer to shift outward at a 90-degree angle in front of the cab.
- Backing accidents. Truck drivers that don’t take the proper precautions while backing may cause injuries.
Injuries in a Rental Truck Collision
At Davis Law Group, our rental truck accident attorneys seek the most compensation for Washington state motorists who suffer injuries. We have a national reputation for successful truck accident litigation.
Many rental truck crash victims that contact us have survived wrecks only to find themselves with a decreased quality of life. Our goal is to get them the financial compensation to move on with their lives.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Respiratory injuries
- Wrongful Death
You’re not alone if you’ve suffered a rental truck crash injury. If you have a rental truck accident injury case, or think you may have one, call (206) 727-4000 today or contact us through our website.
Damages Recoverable After a Rental Truck Accident
Your personal injury attorney should be aware of all the potential damages recoverable in a rental accident case. While some may be obvious — medical bills, rehab, etc. — others aren’t. Only an experienced attorney can maximize your claim and put the most money back in your pocket.
Damages in a truck accident case may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages/Earning Capacity
- Loss of Essential Services
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Affection/Consortium/Quality of Life
- Property Damage
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
The Need for Experts in a Rental Truck Accident Case
At Davis Law Group, attorney Chris Davis works with the top trucking experts in rental truck accident cases. Many accident lawyers make the mistake of retaining experts later in the case, only to realize too late that experts should’ve been brought in right after the crash.
Experts may be used on your case for a variety of reasons, including to determine fault and make a valuation of your damages. Rental and its insurance company is sure to contest parts of your case, and it’s important that you have experts on your side fighting for you.
Potential experts include:
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Economist
- Medical Expert
- Mental Health
- Vocational expert
- Roadway Design Expert
- Truck Maintenance expert
- Forensic Toxicologist (drugs)
- Safety Expert
- Transportation Investigator
- Metallurgist
- Engineer
- Pathologist
Free Legal Consultation For Injured Victims
If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a trucking accident caused by someone else's negligence, it may be in your best interests to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Washington state law permits injured victims and their loved ones to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation after an accident, though the law sets strict time limits on these claims.
The award-winning team of car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group will review your personal injury case free of charge and help you determine if hiring a lawyer is in your best interests. Call our office in Seattle at (206) 727-4000 or use the confidential contact form on this page to request a free legal consultation with our attorneys.