Were you involved in a crash with a U-Haul truck? Accidents with U-Haul trucks are unfortunately not rare, and the unpredictability of drivers in general—paired with the size and weight of U-Haul trucks—can be a dangerous combination for everyone on the road.
However, with a Kansas City U-Haul truck accident lawyer by your side, you won’t be alone. At Foster Wallace, we understand how to handle crashes of this nature, and we’re committed to advocating for your rights as a collision victim.
With over 45 years of experience representing people as their Kansas City truck accident lawyer, we’re here to help. Your Injury. Our Fight.
Causes of U-Haul Truck Accidents in Kansas City
U-Haul accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from driver inexperience and the challenges of handling a larger vehicle. Here are examples of common causes of U-Haul truck accidents:
- Driver inexperience: Unlike professional truck drivers who undergo training, U-Haul customers often have no experience driving a large box truck. This inexperience leads to mistakes such as difficulty judging stopping distances, miscalculating turns, or failing to check blind spots.
- Improper loading: A poorly loaded U-Haul truck can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or difficulty controlling the vehicle. Uneven weight distribution may also lead to cargo shifting unexpectedly, throwing off the truck’s balance.
- Brake failures: U-Haul trucks are used by thousands of renters, and poor maintenance can lead to brake failures or malfunctions. Larger rental trucks require greater stopping distance, and worn-out brakes can lead to devastating crashes.
- Speeding and reckless driving: A U-Haul truck does not handle the same way as a standard passenger vehicle, and when renters drive too fast, swerve between lanes, or make aggressive maneuvers, accidents become more likely.
- Blind spots: U-Haul trucks have larger blind spots than standard vehicles, and drivers who are unfamiliar with these limitations may fail to check before merging or changing lanes.
- Fatigue: Many renters drive long distances when moving and may be exhausted, leading to slower reaction times and an increased risk of accidents.
- Faulty or defective equipment: U-Haul trucks should be properly maintained, but rental companies do not always conduct thorough inspections between customers. Malfunctioning turn signals, worn-out tires, or engine problems can contribute to serious accidents.
When you reach out to legal counsel, your Kansas City personal injury lawyer will look into the details of your case and investigate the cause of the collision that left you injured.
Who is Liable in a Kansas City U-Haul Truck Accident?
Your U-Haul truck accident attorney in Kansas City will determine liability in your case. Liability will depend on several factors, including the cause of the accident, the condition of the truck, and the parties involved.
The U-Haul Renter
In many cases, the person who rented the U-Haul truck is responsible for any accidents they cause while operating the vehicle. This means they may be personally liable for damages if they were negligent.
Here are examples of driver negligence:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Failing to secure cargo properly
U-Haul as a Rental Company
U-Haul is generally protected from liability under the Graves Amendment, which is a federal law that prevents rental vehicle companies from being held responsible for accidents solely based on vehicle ownership. However, U-Haul can be held liable if the following is proven:
- The company rented a vehicle to someone unfit to drive, such as an individual without a valid license or a person visibly intoxicated at the time of rental.
- The truck was not properly maintained, and mechanical failure—such as faulty brakes or bald tires—contributed to the crash.
- There was a defect in the rental agreement, such as a failure to provide the correct vehicle safety instructions or inspect the vehicle before handing it over to the customer.
Third-Party Liability
Other parties may also be responsible for a U-Haul truck accident, depending on the circumstances:
- Another driver: If another vehicle caused the crash by cutting off the U-Haul or engaging in reckless behavior, that driver may be liable.
- A truck manufacturer or maintenance provider: If the accident resulted from a defective part or improper repairs, the manufacturer or mechanic may be held responsible.
- Property owners or municipal entities: Property owners or government agencies could share liability if poor road conditions, missing signage, or hazards on private property contributed to the accident.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Missouri Insurance Rules for U-Haul Accidents
Insurance coverage in U-Haul accidents can be complicated because rental trucks are not always covered under standard personal auto policies. The following are potential sources of coverage.
U-Haul’s Rental Insurance Options
U-Haul offers a couple of optional insurance plans for renters:
- Safemove®: This covers damage to the truck and includes cargo protection but offers limited liability coverage.
- Safemove Plus®: This provides a higher level of liability protection in addition to truck and cargo coverage.
These policies are optional, meaning renters who decline them may be personally responsible for damages if they get into an accident.
Personal Auto Insurance
Many personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental trucks, especially those exceeding certain weight limits. This means that renters often need to either rely on U-Haul’s insurance or purchase separate coverage.
Liability Coverage in Missouri
Missouri law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
However, these minimums may not apply to U-Haul rentals, and if a renter does not have the right coverage, they could be held personally liable for damages.
Contact Our U-Haul Truck Accident Attorneys in Kansas City Today for Legal Advice and Guidance
It’s no secret that U-Haul truck accidents can be particularly complicated due to issues that stem from liability, insurance coverage, and state laws. Collisions of this nature can result from driver negligence, improper vehicle maintenance, or a third party’s actions.
However, no matter the cause, you deserve to seek justice and pursue compensation as the victim of a crash involving a U-Haul truck. While we can’t go back in time and reverse the injuries or damages you sustained, the dedicated team at Foster Wallace can help you move forward with your case.
We have recovered over $1 billion for clients in combined settlements, jury awards, and judgments. The sooner you call us, the sooner our U-Haul truck accident attorneys in Kansas City, MO, can start working toward financial recovery on your behalf. Reach out today.
