Illinois U-Haul Accident Lawyers

Experienced Injury Attorneys Helping Victims of Moving Truck Crashes Throughout Illinois

Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, and when a moving truck is involved in a crash, the results can be catastrophic. U-Haul and other rental moving trucks are ubiquitous on Illinois roads: people rent them for one-way moves, local moves, towing vehicles, or hauling trailers. Because renters are often inexperienced with larger vehicles, and because rental fleets operate at very high volume, collisions involving U-Haul trucks present special risks and legal issues.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating a U-Haul accident can be. What was supposed to be a simple move across town or across the state can turn into a life-changing tragedy in seconds. Our Illinois U-Haul injury attorneys have extensive experience representing individuals injured in commercial and rental vehicle crashes, and we are dedicated to helping victims recover full compensation for their injuries and losses.

“When a moving truck crash causes an injury, the consequences can be life-altering. At John J. Malm & Associates, we work hard to find the truth, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the resources victims need to rebuild.” — John J. Malm, Naperville truck accident lawyer

How Common are Truck Crashes in Illinois?

Illinois sees hundreds of thousands of crashes every year. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Facts report recorded nearly 300,000 reported crashes on state roads in 2023 and more than 1,200 traffic fatalities, underscoring how dangerous our roadways can be for passenger vehicle occupants and people in vulnerable vehicles alike. While that statewide data does not isolate rental moving trucks like U-Haul, it shows the scale of risk for anyone sharing the road. When a rental moving truck is involved, factors such as driver inexperience, poor loading, and towing sway can convert an otherwise survivable crash into a serious injury or fatality.

Rental Truck Use and Exposure

U-Haul’s business model results in an enormous number of one-way and local rentals each year. The company tracks growth and equipment flows in an annual Growth Index compiled from millions of one-way transactions, data that demonstrates the sheer volume of U-Haul vehicles on the road and helps explain why crashes involving rental trucks regularly make the news. More trucks rented = more exposure and, absent strong safety measures, more accidents.

National and Federal Research on Rental Truck Safety

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) produced a Rental Truck Safety Study for Congress that examined crash causation and characteristics in rental-truck crashes. The FMCSA found that crashes involving rental trucks often differ from commercial truck crashes because the drivers are frequently non-professional and may lack experience with the vehicle type; human factors (error, inexperience, improper loading) were commonly implicated.

Typical Causes of U-Haul and Rental Truck Accidents

Crashes involving U-Haul trucks commonly result from a combination of human error, improper loading, mechanical factors, and roadway conditions. Key causes include:

• Driver inexperience: Many renters have never driven a box truck, are unfamiliar with blind spots, required stopping distances, height clearance, or how the vehicle responds while cornering and braking.
• Fatigue and stress: Moving day often involves long hours, late nights, and early mornings; renters may drive while exhausted.
• Improper loading and weight distribution: Overloading, failing to secure cargo, or concentrating weight toward the rear increases the risk of rollovers, jackknifes, and loss of control.
• Towing and trailer sway: Tow trailers and dolly setups create additional dynamics. If the tow/haul configuration is wrong or the towing vehicle is undersized, sway and instability can occur. Historical company records and investigative reports have highlighted sway incidents involving rental towing equipment.
• Speeding and lack of familiarity with braking distances: Larger trucks require greater stopping distances. Misjudging speed and distance can cause rear-end or intersection collisions.
• Poor vehicle inspection or mechanical failure: While rental companies maintain fleets, occasional mechanical issues (tires, brakes, lights) can contribute to collisions.
• Distracted driving and impaired operation: As with any crash, distraction or impairment dramatically raise risk.

Why Rental Truck Collisions Can Be More Dangerous

A crash with a U-Haul moving truck can create severe outcomes for several reasons:

• Vehicle size and mass: Even small box trucks are heavier and ride higher than passenger cars, increasing the force of impact and the likelihood of underride or roof intrusion.
• Cargo hazards: Unsecured furniture, appliances, and boxes can shift and become projectiles inside the truck or, if the truck rolls, can exacerbate injury severity.
• Rollover risk: High center of gravity and improper loading increase rollover likelihood, which often leads to severe injuries or death.
• Towing instabilities: A poorly configured trailer can sway or detach, striking other vehicles or causing the tow vehicle to lose control.
• Renter error: Unlike commercial truck drivers, many renters lack professional training in operating larger vehicles or towing loads over long distances.

Injuries and Damages Common in U-Haul Crashes

Injuries from U-Haul and rental-truck collisions mirror those in commercial and large-truck crashes, and often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from blunt force or crushing injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from high-impact collisions or rollovers
• Fractures and dislocations, especially to extremities and ribs
• Internal organ injuries requiring emergency surgery
• Severe lacerations and soft-tissue trauma
• Amputations in catastrophic crush scenarios
• Psychological injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and depression following traumatic collisions

Beyond medical care, victims may face long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and life-long disability. Damages in legal claims typically seek compensation for medical expenses, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral costs and loss of consortium.

Common Legal Issues in U-Haul Crash Claims

Cases involving rental moving trucks can be legally complex because multiple potential defendants and liability theories can exist:

• Renter/operator negligence: The primary duty often rests with the driver who rented the vehicle. If they drove negligently (speeding, impaired driving, improper lane use), they can be held liable.
• Vicarious liability and agency issues: In some circumstances, the rental company may bear responsibility if its employee contributed to the crash (e.g., an employee was driving) or if improper training, negligent maintenance, or faulty equipment was a proximate cause.
• Product liability or maintenance claims: If a mechanical defect (brake failure, tire blowout caused by poor maintenance) caused the crash, a claim could be brought against the company that serviced the vehicle or manufacturers of defective parts.
• Towing/attachment liability: If a trailer swayed or detached because of a defective hitch or improper rental-company instructions, additional parties may be responsible.
• Third-party liability: Another negligent driver, dangerous road conditions, or a municipality’s failure to maintain infrastructure may be at fault.

Establishing fault requires careful gathering of evidence: police reports, maintenance logs, rental agreements, photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, and often expert reconstruction and mechanical inspection.

Steps Victims Should Take After a U-Haul Crash

If you’re involved in a collision with (or in) a rental moving truck, protect your legal rights and safety by taking these steps:

• Seek medical care immediately. Your health is the priority; prompt treatment also documents injuries for later claims.
• Call 911 and request a police report. Official reports provide crucial documentation of the scene and statements.
• Preserve evidence: Take photographs of vehicles, scene, road conditions, cargo, and injuries. Keep all medical records and correspondence.
• Get witness contact information and statements if possible.
• Save the rental agreement and receipts. The rental contract, any insurance forms, and inspection checklists are vital.
• Notify your insurer, but be cautious about recorded statements. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts; consult an attorney before giving recorded statements.
• Contact an experienced trucking injury attorney who handles moving truck and large-vehicle collisions. A lawyer can secure evidence (maintenance records, rental logs), identify all responsible parties, and pursue compensation.

These steps are both practical and legally prudent, they help preserve the strongest possible case if liability and damages must be litigated.

Frequently Asked Questions about U-Haul Accidents

Q: Can I sue U-Haul if I was hit by a rental truck?
A: Possibly. You and your lawyer will examine whether the renter was negligent, whether the rental company had any role (maintenance, training, defective equipment), and whether any third parties share fault. Each case is fact-specific.

Q: Is the rental company automatically liable for accidents caused by renters?
A: Not automatically. Rental agreements typically treat renters as independent operators, however, the company may be liable in some situations (e.g., negligent maintenance, defective parts, employee misconduct). An attorney will investigate the relationship and any company culpability.

Q: What insurance applies to U-Haul accidents?
A: U-Haul offers optional loss-damage and liability protection at rental, and many renters rely on their own auto insurance or credit-card coverage. Determining which policy applies, and the policy limits, is a key early step in any case.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
A: Illinois has statutes of limitation that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit. For personal injury, this is generally two years from the date of injury, though special rules can apply. Preservation of evidence early on is crucial; consult a lawyer promptly.

Q: What compensation can I recover after a U-Haul crash?
A: Victims may recover medical expenses, rehabilitation and future care costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and surviving family damages.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a U-Haul Accident

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have experience investigating complex vehicle collisions, including those involving rental moving trucks. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, mechanical engineers, and medical experts to identify:

• Who was legally responsible (renter, rental company, third party)
• Whether inadequate maintenance or defective equipment contributed to the crash
• The full extent of damages, including future care needs and loss of income

We aggressively pursue compensation and accountability, including negotiating with insurers and litigating when defendants refuse to make victims whole.

Contact the Trusted Illinois U-Haul Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a U-Haul or rental truck accident in Illinois, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. These cases can involve multiple parties, insurance disputes, and complex liability issues, but our team of experienced Illinois U-Haul accident attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates has the experience and resources to help. We will fight to hold negligent drivers and rental companies accountable and to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and lost income.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our team protect your rights and help you rebuild your life after a devastating U-Haul accident.