Fully loaded moving vans may weigh far more than most other vehicles on the road, and even a moving van without any cargo has the potential to cause serious damage in the case of a collision. Those who own and operate moving vans have a duty to ensure that the vehicle itself is safe, that cargo is secured, and that the driver of the van operates the vehicle with care at all times. When these responsibilities are honored, victims such as yourself or your loved one could suffer harm in a moving van collision.
You may speak with the team for a Tampa truck accident lawyer to find out how they may help you strive for the compensation that you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at for a free consultation.
The Potential Threat of Moving Vans
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy lists furniture moving vehicles among some of the heaviest on the road. These vehicles generally weigh between 26,000 and 33,000 pounds, though such weights may vary depending on:
- The size of the moving van
- The specific type of moving van
- The type of cargo being moved
- The amount of cargo being moved
Regardless of these specifics, a vehicle being used to move furniture, furnishings, and other cargo may generally be significantly heavier than smaller passenger vehicles. Vans and other heavy vehicles may have a number of shortcomings and specific features that may have been the source of your injury, a loved one’s injury, or a loved one’s passing.
A loaded or unloaded moving van may:
- Be unable to stop as quickly as smaller, lighter vehicles
- Be less capable of taking turns at high speeds, as doing so could cause the van to flip, skid, or engage in some other dangerous movement
- Cause a greater impact when striking other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or objects
- Have rear doors which, if not properly secured, could open and spill cargo into the roadway or onto other vehicles
Those who drive moving vans may have to travel long distances, and in some cases may be involved in cross-country moves. Drivers who are tasked with going long hours behind the wheel may be prone to fatigue, distraction, and other potential safety hazards.
Motorists Are Always Responsible for Their Actions
The driver of a vehicle may be the first line of defense against an accident occurring. If an accident occurred between you or a loved one’s vehicle and a moving van, then you may first assess the driver of the moving van for fault.
The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that a motorist could be guilty of negligence if they did not act as a reasonable person would to avoid causing an accident. Negligent motorist behaviors may include:
- Driving while drunk
- Driving while under the influence of drugs
- Driving above the speed limit
- Driving too closely behind other vehicles
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Failing to check a lane thoroughly for vehicles before merging
- Making turns that put themselves and others at risk of collision
- Failing to properly secure cargo
There may be other ways for the driver of a moving van to be guilty of negligence, and your lawyer may assess the facts of your case to determine all of the ways that you were put in harm’s way by a motorist or other parties.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation about how a Tampa moving van lawyer may provide responsive legal care to you or your loved one.
Potential Losses from a Moving Van Accident
Your lawyer may determine the losses you have suffered by speaking with you and your loved ones, reviewing medical bills and other relevant financial statements, speaking with your doctors, and taking any other necessary steps. The extent and value of your losses could determine the amount of compensation that your lawyer seeks for you.
You may suffer one or more injuries from a moving van accident. These could include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which the Mayo Clinic explains could have lasting cognitive and physical effects on you
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Severe cuts or burns
- Injury to internal organs
Suffering one or more serious injuries could cause you to spend substantial time away from work, and may require extensive medical care. The losses that you suffer from your moving van accident may therefore include:
- Lost income, perhaps indefinitely
- Long-term or permanent physical limitations
- Changes in your cognitive abilities
- The cost of medical care for your injuries
- The cost to rehabilitate your injuries
- The cost of treatment for psychological trauma, which could include medication and therapy
- Permanent disability
- Chronic pain
- Lost opportunities due to your accident-related injury symptoms
- Damage to your vehicle or other property
Once your lawyer determines your full range of losses and assigns them value, then they will attempt to recover fair compensation for those losses.
A Moving Van Lawyer May Complete Your Lawsuit
When you hire a lawyer, you may hand over the responsibility of seeking compensation for your accident-related losses. Your lawyer can be the person standing between your rights and those who would attempt to violate them, and they may take whatever steps required to complete your lawsuit.
Your lawyer may:
- Gather and organize evidence
- Hire experts
- Document your injuries and other losses
- Negotiate a settlement
- Complete a trial
- File any necessary appeals
Every moving van accident is unique, as is any legal action that results from such an accident. Your lawyer may take the necessary steps to resolve your specific claim, seeking the best possible outcome for you or your loved one.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
A Tampa moving van lawyer may be able to handle your legal case while you worry about getting better. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to learn how we will go the extra mile for you.