Illinois Rental and Moving Truck Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Attorneys for People Injured By Rental Trucks and Moving Trucks

Accidents involving rental and moving trucks can be devastating. These large vehicles, often driven by individuals without professional truck driving experience, pose unique risks on the road. When collisions occur, injuries, property damage, and long-term financial losses can follow. Understanding the scope of these accidents, why they happen, and how to respond legally and practically is critical for victims and their families.

For decades, John J. Malm & Associates has built its reputation on standing up for people whose lives have been disrupted by serious accidents. Our firm is known for meticulous case preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a client-focused approach that never loses sight of what truly matters: your recovery, your family, and your future. When a rental or moving truck accident causes severe injuries or loss, our Illinois truck accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and resolve to take on insurance companies and corporate defendants and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.

“Accidents involving rental and moving trucks often reflect a combination of inexperience, stress, and inadequate preparation. Victims deserve legal advocates who understand how to untangle liability, secure evidence, and fight for full compensation on behalf of those harmed by these collisions.” — John J. Malm, Naperville trucking accident lawyer

What Are Rental and Moving Truck Accidents?

Moving trucks and rental trucks are used extensively during residential and commercial relocations, but operating these vehicles safely requires specialized awareness. Unlike commercial truck drivers who must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, many individuals renting moving trucks are everyday drivers without formal training on how to handle large vehicles. As a result, rental and moving truck accidents frequently involve driver error, improper loading, fatigue, or unfamiliarity with truck handling dynamics.

These accidents can occur in rural roads, urban traffic, highways, or residential streets, often resulting in collisions with other vehicles, rollovers, jackknifes, or property damage. Because of the size difference between a moving truck and a passenger car, even low-speed impacts can cause significant injury or harm.

National Truck Accident Statistics

Heavy truck accidents, including those involving rental or moving trucks, are a significant safety concern across the United States:

• Nationwide FMCSA data shows that over 160,000 truck accidents occur annually, involving large trucks and buses.
• In 2021, there were 523,796 large truck accidents in the United States, with more than 101,000 resulting in injuries and 4,444 causing fatalities.
• Between 2005 and 2010, 145 fatal crashes involved daily rental trucks in federal crash databases, resulting in 177 fatalities and 163 injuries.

While not all of these accidents are tied to rental or moving trucks, these data illustrate that truck crashes, of all types, are frequent and serious. Given the unique dynamics of rental truck use (e.g., inexperienced drivers), moving trucks comprise a meaningful subset of the overall risk.

Why Moving Trucks Are Particularly Dangerous

Driver Inexperience and Lack of Training

Unlike professional commercial drivers, individuals renting moving trucks often:

• Have no formal training on truck handling.
• Are unfamiliar with vehicle blind spots, braking distances, and maneuverability.
• Underestimate how size and weight affect acceleration, stopping, and cornering.

Because of this, even routine movements such as turning or lane changes can be hazardous.

Improper Loading and Weight Distribution

Moving trucks are often loaded by individuals who underestimate the importance of load distribution:

• Heavy items placed unevenly can shift during transit, affecting balance.
• Unsecured cargo may move suddenly, leading to rollover risks or loss of control.

Fatigue and Stress

Moving trucks are typically rented during high-stress scenarios, such as relocation:

• Drivers may travel long distances without adequate rest.
• Fatigue reduces reaction time and situational awareness.
• Stress exacerbates judgment errors, especially under time pressure.

Mechanical Failures or Lack of Maintenance

Although some federal studies show that rental trucks are more likely to pass roadside inspection than non-rental trucks, maintenance issues still occur:

• Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering problems may contribute to crashes.
• Rental companies sometimes fail to identify mechanical defects before renting vehicles.

Distracted Driving and Speeding

Like other road users, distracted driving (e.g., phone use) and speeding contribute significantly to crashes involving moving trucks.

Given these factors, it is no surprise that rental and moving truck accidents occur with notable frequency and severity.

Common Causes of Rental & Moving Truck Accidents

While every accident has its own unique facts, certain causes recur in these crashes:

• Driver Inexperience: Many renters have little awareness of large vehicle dynamics.
• Improper Loading: Shifting or uneven loads compromise vehicle stability.
• Fatigue: Extended driving periods without rest contribute to delayed reactions.
• Mechanical Issues: From unseen maintenance gaps to tire blowouts, mechanical failures can precipitate crashes.
• Distracted or Reckless Behavior: Texting, adjusting navigation, or unsafe speed choices heighten risk.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Wet roads, wind, or snow amplify accident likelihood.

These causes often interact (e.g., driver fatigue plus poor load distribution) increasing danger.

Typical Injuries and Consequences in Rental Truck Crashes

Accidents involving moving trucks often result in a wide range of injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Fatalities in severe cases

Because rental trucks can weigh significantly more than passenger cars, impacts often transfer substantial force to occupants of smaller vehicles, making injuries more severe even at lower speeds.

Liability and Compensation After Moving Truck Accidents

Establishing fault and pursuing compensation after a rental or moving truck accident can involve multiple parties:

Potentially Liable Parties

• The Truck Driver: If negligent (speeding, distracted, impaired), the driver may be personally liable.
• Rental Company: If the truck was poorly maintained or rented without proper safety disclosures, the rental company might be liable.
• Third Parties: Another negligent motorist or entity (e.g., vehicle parts manufacturer) could share fault.

Insurance Complexities

Rental truck insurance options can be confusing. Some renters decline supplemental coverage to save costs, leaving victims to navigate conflicting policies. Proving liability and securing compensation is essential, especially when insurance coverage is contested.

Evidence Matters

In personal injury claims, evidence such as:

• Accident scene photos
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Maintenance and rental records
• Medical records

can be pivotal in proving negligence and quantifying damages.

Warning Signs You Should Seek Legal Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a moving or rental truck accident and you observe:

• Delays in insurance acceptance of responsibility
• Denied coverage or inadequate settlement offers
• Disputes over liability
• Severe injuries requiring long-term care

you should consult an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

What to Do After a Rental or Moving Truck Accident

Victims and their families should take prompt, strategic steps after a crash:

Immediately After the Accident:

• Call 911 and ensure all injured parties receive medical care.
• Report the crash to the police.
• Take comprehensive photos of the vehicles, scene, skid marks, and injuries.
• Gather contact information for all drivers and witnesses.
• Notify your attorney as soon as possible.

In the Days Following:

• Keep detailed records of medical treatment and expenses.
• Preserve all correspondence with insurance companies.
• Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rental and Moving Truck Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a moving truck accident?
A: Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, exchange information with other parties, and contact an attorney. Accurate documentation safeguards your rights and strengthens future claims.

Q: Can the rental company be held liable?
A: Yes, if poor maintenance, improper inspection, or failure to disclose safety risks contributed to the crash, the rental company may share liability.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for an accident with a rental moving truck?
A: An attorney can help identify all liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation, especially when fault is disputed.

Q: What types of compensation can I pursue?
A: Victims may recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, future care costs, and property damage.

Q: Is driver inexperience a valid legal argument?
A: Yes. If the driver was clearly unfamiliar with truck operation and acted negligently, that can form the basis of a negligence claim.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Rental Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one was injured in a rental or moving truck accident, time matters. These cases involve complex liability issues, multi-party responsibility, and insurance disputes that require experienced legal advocacy. At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois trucking injury attorneys help accident victims pursue justice, recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and hold negligent parties accountable.

Don’t navigate this alone. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Your recovery starts with a conversation, call us now.