Fort Lauderdale Rental Truck Accident Lawyer

The average driver can feel a tinge of nervousness when getting behind the wheel of a U-Haul or another brand of a rented moving truck. Whether you were moving you or your family’s belongings across the nation, across town, or across the street, there is plenty that can go wrong when operating an unfamiliar vehicle as big and heavy as a rental truck.

If you or a loved one was in an accident involving a rental truck, we are here to assist you. Call our team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000 today for a free consultation with a rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Rental Truck Accidents Are More Common Than Many Realize

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines large trucks as those with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds. For reference, according to U-Haul, the popular 26-foot U-Haul moving truck weighs nearly 13,000 pounds even when it is empty.

Several factors make rental trucks more difficult to maneuver safely, especially when compared with smaller vehicles. These include:

• Slower braking time
• More blind spots, which can increase the chance of collision
• Wider turning radius
• Greater difficulty when changing lanes
• Smaller margin for error due to increased vehicle weight

Those who have been in a rental truck accident should be aware of their legal options. If you or a loved one was in an accident involving a large rental truck, a rental truck lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can guide you through the legal steps necessary to pursue the damages to which you are entitled.

Establishing Fault for Your Rental Truck Accident

Rental truck accidents are different from other kinds of vehicle accidents because the rented vehicle is not owned by the driver. This can complicate the question of liability. While the driver can still be held responsible for their negligence, such as if they ignored traffic signals, drove while distracted or intoxicated, or exceeded the speed limit, there are situations where the rental company may be liable as well as, or even instead of, the rental truck’s driver.

Some situations where the rental truck company may be at fault include if the rental truck was not properly maintained or if it was improperly leased to the driver. A rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you demonstrate the negligence of the liable party and seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and other expenses.

What a Rental Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Do for You

Even experienced drivers can become victims of rental truck accidents. When you do end up in this position, consider what a rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can do for you.

Our team will:

• Meet with you at the hospital to hear your story and provide immediate counsel
• Review police reports, video evidence, and interview witnesses when possible to get a complete picture of the accident circumstances
• Speak with medical professionals to ascertain the full extent of your injuries, pain, and suffering
• Correspond with your insurer to process any necessary paperwork
• File a claim with the liable party’s insurance carrier
• Initiate legal action as soon as possible
• Remain in contact with you and your loved ones from the time we meet until a judgment or settlement is reached

We will handle the legal and administrative side of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.

We Know the Relevant Statutes

Florida law dictates that victims of rental truck accidents may not bring legal action after a certain amount of time has passed. Florida law (316.066) allows victims of vehicle collisions resulting in injury or death generally ten days to file a Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form with the relevant department. These reports can be complicated and confusing, and our team can help you make sure that such a report is filed properly and in time.

Once you file a crash report, other legal considerations remain. Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action against the liable party. This process requires you to complete and file further paperwork, and any number of errors could hinder your ability to obtain damages.

We know how to file these documents, as our team is well-versed in collision-related cases. We will not just provide a rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to help initiate and guide you through the legal process—you will be working directly with partners Jason and Debi Chalik. Call our team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000 today for a free consultation.

Typical Rental Truck Accident Damages

The circumstances of each rental truck accident are unique, but we have an idea of damages that may be awarded in these cases. They include potential reimbursement for:

• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Any surgery caused by the accident
• Medical transportation
• Ongoing physical and/or psychological therapy
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Mental anguish
• Wrongful death

Know Your Options in the Case of Wrongful Death

Rental truck accident cases involving the death of a loved one present a unique set of circumstances. Following Florida law (95.11), wrongful death claims in Florida must generally be brought forth within two years of the accident. This can present added stress to those victims who choose to take on the pursuit of damages without legal counsel.

Additional damages you could recover in a wrongful death action may include:

• The cost of loss of support and services to the victim’s family, including interest
• The cost of future loss of support and services awarded to the victim’s family
• The cost of a spouse’s lost companionship and protection
• The cost of a child’s loss of parental companionship and guidance
• Medical and/or funeral expenses
• Loss of future earnings and support, including interest
• Pain and suffering

There is no need to pursue these potential damages on your own. A rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you shoulder the load during this difficult time.

You Deserve Honest, Personal Representation

The team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers prides itself on our commitment to personal service. Call us at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (954) 476-1000 today for a free consultation with a rental truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We can help you pursue the recovery you deserve.