Collision on X Street Involves U-Haul Truck
A two-vehicle crash in Sacramento on August 3 resulted in injuries to at least one person. The collision occurred at X Street and Broadway in the Curtis Park area around 3:45 in the afternoon. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) collision report stated that it occurred between a BMW and a U-Haul van.
Medics Called to Scene to Assess Injuries in Two-Vehicle Crash
Medics were called to the scene because of reported injuries that occurred in the two-vehicle crash. One person allegedly hit the windshield of their vehicle when the vehicles crashed into each other. The CHP is investigating the collision to determine fault and how the two-vehicle crash happened.
Dangers of Rental Trucks
A U-Haul or other box truck is much larger than most passenger vehicles, taller, heavier and has blind spots that make it difficult for the driver to see, especially if the person renting it is a novice. However, even though most large trucks require a CDL license to operate, a U-Haul does not, so as long as the driver is of age, they can rent one even if they have had no training or experience.
Accident Causes Involving U-Hauls
A two-vehicle crash involving a U-Haul truck can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who use a GPS or text/talk on a cell phone while driving are distracted, which is a major cause of a two-vehicle crash.
- Speeding: Accidents caused by U-Haul trucks also occur due to speeding. If the truck’s cargo is not adequately secured, it can shift and cause the driver to lose control if they are speeding.
- Drunk drivers: It is dangerous to drive a U-Haul truck while intoxicated as it is in other vehicles. If the company rented a truck to someone who had been drinking, they may be held liable for accident injuries.
- Fatigue: Sleepless nights are a common cause of fatigued driving. Fatigued driving accidents can happen when drivers do not get enough sleep or they work swing shifts.
- Taking an unfamiliar road: Sometimes, unfamiliarity with the road can lead to a two-vehicle crash. The driver may go the wrong way on a one-way street, be busy looking for street signs and looking for landmarks to determine their location.
- Failure to yield: The U-Haul driver may be under the impression that other drivers are obligated to wait for their vehicle because it is larger and harder to maneuver. That’s not true. It is everyone’s responsibility to obey traffic laws and be courteous to others.
- Untrained drivers: A U-Haul truck can be rented by almost anyone with a license. U-Haul drivers are often ill-equipped to handle this task, misjudging their vehicle’s size and space needs. It is common for people not to know how to load properly, which can result in fishtailing. Because U-Haul trucks do not require a CDL license, they can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
- Rental company negligence: Rental companies are responsible for maintaining and regularly inspecting the vehicles for tire, brake and other potential problems before renting them.
- Not allowing for weather conditions: Bad weather conditions such as rain, snow or sleet can make it more dangerous to drive a U-Haul. A driver who does not alter their speed or take extra precautions in bad weather can end up causing an accident.
Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. Call us at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice from one of our accident attorneys if a negligent driver caused your injuries. You can also message us online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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