Memphis Rental Moving Truck Accidents
The constant influx of people relocating throughout the Memphis metropolitan area results in many families renting moving trucks to facilitate their relocation. When renting a moving truck or trailer, most patrons presume that the vehicles are properly maintained and safe, but the failure of truck rental companies to conduct proper maintenance can lead to tires that exhibit excessive wear, dry rot or improper tire pressure. Failure to perform proper maintenance can also lead to other mechanical problems that lead to collisions like deteriorated brakes and other dangerous forms of equipment failure. In other situations, companies that rent large trucks for moving or transportation of cargo fail to adequately screen lessees so these massive vehicles are entrusted to drivers with a history of motor vehicle accidents and moving violations. This blog article provides an overview of the common types of accidents caused by rental trucks, equipment trailers, tow dollies, cargo trailers and similar types of equipment.
When you are injured in a collision involving a rental truck in Memphis, you may suffer permanent injury because of the massive size and weight of the vehicles. Collisions involving moving trucks that are not maintained or that are entrusted to an unsafe driver, as well as trailers that are improperly connected or have hitches with worn parts can cause devastating injuries. Frequently, customers that patronize rental truck companies lack the experience to safely operate these large vehicles or attach the trailers to their vehicle properly.
The size and weight of a rental moving truck or trailer makes them harder to maneuver and stop so it is essential that they be properly maintained. Tire blowouts, improperly functioning brake systems, trailers not equipped with brakes, poorly maintained steering and other shoddy inspection and repair practices can put both occupants of a rental truck and other vehicle occupants, bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians in danger. Unfortunately, equipment rental companies sometimes cut corners to save money, which can result in vehicle malfunctions that cause devastating and even fatal collisions.
Inexperienced and Improperly Screened Drivers
When a vehicle rental company provides a rental truck, trailer or equipment dolly, the company may be liable under the doctrine of negligent entrustment when they do not properly screen a driver. Drivers should have a valid driver license and safe driving record. However, most Memphis truck rental companies do not perform any kind of screening nor do they require written disclosure regarding prior drunk driving convictions, speeding or other traffic violation or even serious motor vehicle accidents. While most people understand the danger of semi-trucks being placed under the control of improperly screened, trained or supervised commercial drivers, rental truck companies make massive semi-trucks and long heavy trailers available to consumers with virtually no effort to determine that the driver has adequate experience or a safe driving history.
If you are involved in a collision involving a rented truck or trailer, you may have a right to monetary recovery. The experienced Tennessee truck accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC offer caring and compassionate assistance to accident victims and their families. To learn more, call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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