People use moving vans, as the name implies, to transport furniture and personal belongings to new residences. You can find moving vans on the roadways of Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. Unfortunately, those moving vans are sometimes driven by people who are not used to handling such large, heavy vehicles. This inexperience could lead to the driver making a mistake while behind the wheel, resulting in an injury accident.
If you suffered an injury because of the negligence or recklessness of someone operating a moving van, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical costs and emotional trauma. Look toward a Jersey City moving van lawyer, such as the team at Morelli Law Firm, to help present your side of the story. Call us at (212) 751-9800 today.
Operating a Moving Van Safely
When someone chooses to move, he or she may hire a moving company to carry the furniture, load the boxes, and drive the moving truck or van for them. Other times, someone may rent a moving van and drive it himself or herself.
Unfortunately, accidents can occur in either situation.
Accidents Involving Moving Company Vans
A moving company may have a fleet of vans and trucks with trailers to serve customers based on the size of the move. Sometimes, the driver at the moving company may have experience driving a car, but he or she has no experience with a moving van. This inexperience could lead to an error and an accident with other vehicles on the road.
The moving company has an obligation to properly maintain and care for its vehicles. Should the moving company fail to maintain the brakes on its moving van or allow it to operate without safety lighting or with bald tires, it could be found negligent if those issues result in a crash where the other driver suffered injuries.
If the moving company does not have the correct state licenses to operate, as determined by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, it could be subject to fines. It also could be found negligent in a crash with injuries.
Accidents Involving Rental Moving Vans
For someone handling the move on his or her own, renting a moving van is a common step. However, the majority of people who rent these large vehicles have very little experience driving them.
For example, U-Haul says a 15-foot moving van weighs more than 8,000 pounds empty and can weigh up to 14,500 pounds when loaded. This weight dwarfs the size of a typical midsize sedan, which weighs around 3,000 pounds.
If the investigation into the accident shows that the rental company did not maintain the vehicle properly, it could be found liable during a lawsuit, along with the driver of the rental moving van. However, if investigators discover that the driver behaved negligently, but the van was in good working order, only the driver could be found negligent.
Hiring an Attorney for Help with Your Case
Moving van accidents can be devastating to those involved and their families. As a Jersey City moving van lawyer, we know just how these accidents can affect the family financially and emotionally, even after the victims have recovered from their physical injuries.
At Morelli Law Firm, our team is ready to help present your side of the story. We will study the facts, looking to show how your life has changed after the injury.
By investigating the case, we will figure out exactly what happened and who should be liable for your injuries. We can study the police report of the crash, as well as the maintenance records for the moving van to determine why the crash occurred. Call us at (212) 751-9800 for a free review of your case.
Types of Compensation Available
After an accident with a moving van or truck, you could receive compensation for a variety of items related to your injuries. These damages can relate to physical injuries you suffered during the crash, and they can help you with the mental trauma you may be experiencing in the aftermath of the accident.
Some items for which you could receive awards include:
- Medical bills: these items could include the costs for an ambulance ride to the hospital, for surgeries, doctor visits, and x-rays and other medical tests
- Treatment costs: treatment could range from the costs for physical therapy, prescription drugs, a stay at a rehabilitation facility, and equipment needed for health care, such as crutches or braces
- Lost income: wages lost could include compensation while recovering from the initial injuries, as well as estimated income you may lose in the future because your injuries leave you unable to work in the same profession
- Pain and suffering: these awards are for mental trauma, ongoing pain, a reduction in quality of life, and anxiety
Jersey City Moving Van Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Receiving the Benefits to Which You Are Entitled
After your injuries, you may hear from the insurance company representing the responsible party. That insurer may try to convince you that the company is working on your behalf to help you receive a settlement quickly. However, a fast settlement does not mean you are actually receiving the compensation you need to cover your current and future medical bills.
If you would like some help with your case, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation. If you choose to hire us, we will be ready to begin working on your behalf immediately, studying the facts in your case.
As a Jersey City moving van lawyer, we will work for you alone. The insurance adjuster may say he or she is working to help you, but that is not quite true. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. You do not have to accept the first settlement offer from them. You have the right to try to seek a higher settlement, using the facts in the case to show you deserve it.