Every year, thousands of people relocate to Miami, attracted by its warm climate, vibrant culture, and growing economic opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Miami-Dade County is experiencing some of the fastest growth of metro areas not just in Florida, but in the U.S. With this surge in population comes a steady increase in moving truck traffic, especially popular options like U-Haul trucks. These moving trucks introduce unique hazards on our local roads. If you’re involved in a moving truck accident in Miami, understanding the aftermath and knowing your legal rights is crucial.
Miami’s Population Growth Fuels More Moving Truck Accidents
Over the past few years, Miami has become one of the top destinations for new residents, especially remote workers and retirees from the Northeast and Midwest. This influx has led to a noticeable uptick in DIY moves, with many individuals choosing to rent trucks from companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget to handle their own relocations.
These trucks are significantly larger (and heavier) than average vehicles. Combine that with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel, and the potential for a U-Haul truck accident or similar incident increases dramatically. Unfortunately, these collisions are becoming more common on Miami’s highways and residential neighborhoods alike.
What makes a moving truck so dangerous for South Florida’s roads?
Most people renting a moving truck aren’t professional drivers. Yet, they’re suddenly responsible for maneuvering a large, often overloaded vehicle through congested urban areas and in heavy Miami traffic.
Here are a few specific challenges that make moving trucks dangerous for surrounding drivers:
Limited visibility
Larger blind spots can make it difficult to change lanes easily.
Longer stopping distances
Fully loaded moving trucks require more time and distance to stop. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Wide turns
Novice drivers often misjudge turns, resulting in side-swipes or collisions with nearby vehicles, curbs, or structures.
Top-heavy design
Moving trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially if improperly loaded.
In addition to the trucks’ physical size and weight, Miami’s unique driving conditions (sudden tropical storms, heavy traffic, and aggressive drivers, to name a few) further amplify the above risks.
Now that you understand how moving trucks pose a risk to drivers, it’s important to know why these accidents happen.
Common causes of a moving truck accident in Miami
1. Inexperienced drivers
The most common factor in moving truck accidents is inexperience. Renting a U-Haul or similar vehicle doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), meaning almost anyone can get behind the wheel. Many renters underestimate how difficult it is to control a truck that can weigh over 10,000 pounds when fully loaded.
2. Improper loading
Improperly loaded cargo is a common cause of moving truck accidents.
Uneven weight distribution can significantly impact the handling of a moving truck. Improperly secured items, especially heavy pieces like furniture, may shift while the vehicle is in motion, causing balance issues or even tipping the truck during sharp turns or sudden stops. Since many inexperienced people are not only driving these trucks but also packing them, poor loading practices are the norm.
3. Mechanical failures
Not all truck rental companies maintain their fleets equally. Brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other issues related to mechanics and maintenance can cause catastrophic accidents. This danger is further exacerbated by the driver’s inexperience in responding quickly and safely in an accident.
4. Driving under stress or fatigue
Moving is stressful, and many people operate moving trucks after long hours of packing and loading. Fatigued or distracted driving is a serious risk factor, especially on long-distance hauls into Miami from other parts of the state or country.
5. Violation of traffic laws and regulations
Sudden lane changes, speeding, running red lights, or failure to yield are all common traffic violations seen in a moving truck accident. In Miami’s high-traffic environment, even a small mistake can have serious consequences.
What should you do if you’re involved in a U-Haul truck accident?
Being involved in a U-Haul truck accident can be overwhelming. What steps should you take first if it happens to you?
- Call 911. Always report a moving truck accident, regardless of severity. Request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the scene if you’re physically able. Take photos of all vehicles involved, including the road conditions, damage to your vehicle, the moving truck that hit you, injuries, etc.
- Exchange information. Be sure to get contact details and insurance information from all parties involved. Take down the information of the company that owns the truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget, etc.) as well as the personal information of the driver.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine and don’t need transportation by ambulance, get checked out by medical professionals as soon as possible after the crash. Some injuries can take hours, or even days, to show up. If you experience any pain after a truck accident, get help immediately.
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced with truck accidents. A skilled attorney can help you determine liability, deal with insurance companies, advocate for your rights, and fight for compensation to help with your injuries and losses.
Brooks Law Group provides legal help after a moving truck accident
At Brooks Law Group, we understand how disruptive and traumatic a moving truck accident can be. Our experienced Miami truck accident lawyers work hard to hold negligent drivers, rental companies, and insurers accountable, so you can focus on recovery.
We’ve helped injured individuals throughout South Florida secure the compensation they deserve. These settlements provide for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the complexity of a truck accident case overwhelm you. We’ll take care of the legal heavy lifting.
Contact Brooks Law Group today!
If you’ve been involved in a U-Haul truck accident or any other type of moving truck accident in Miami or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The team at Brooks Law Group is committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation tailored to your unique situation. Our contingency fee means you never have to worry about being able to afford the legal help you need. We even make it easy and stress-free to book your free consultation! We put people first, and our community is at the heart of our practice.
If you’ve been in an accident and don’t know where to turn, Look to Brooks.
