Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Many families take advantage of the summer to move. In addition, many college students move to new apartments or move into student housing during the summer and fall months. Moves can pose a number of hazards, the most significant being the risk that families run by renting large moving trucks. Truck rental companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets, but each year people are injured in serious moving truck accidents in Miami and other Florida cities. You can avoid these by following these tips:
1) Consider movers. If you are moving a great deal of furniture and many possessions, movers may be a safer option. Most drivers are simply not trained to drive large trucks and run the risk of causing a serious car accident in Miami or their community by trying to operate a heavy truck on moving day. Large moving trucks are heavy and have many blind spots. In addition, driving this sort of truck requires you to consider clearance under bridges, shifting cargo, and other issues you do not need to worry about with a car. If budget is an issue, compare several movers or consider do-it-yourself or self-service movers. These types of movers will drop off a storage container at your home and leave it so that you can load the container. A professional driver will then drive the container to your new destination and you will be responsible for unloading. Since you do much of the hard work yourself, this costs less than hiring movers but still ensures you do not have to drive a large truck.
2) If you do decide to rent a truck, take some precautions. Choose a truck that is about 10% larger than what you will need, so that you do not overload the truck. Compare the safety records and reviews of several rental companies. Visit the companies in person and ask for a demonstration of the truck and its safety features. You should not rent a truck until you have gotten some training in how to use it. Before your move, take the truck to a mechanic for a once-over. This way, if the truck is in poor condition and puts you at risk of a traffic accident in Miami or at your destination, you can return it to the rental company and ask for another truck before you start loading your possessions.
3) Stay organized. Pack well in advance of your moving day, taking care to keep boxes well out of walking areas. Keep in mind that trip and fall and slip and fall accidents in Miami and other cities are very common on moving day. You can generally avoid them by staying organized and keeping walkways clear.
4) Pack your cargo carefully. Distribute weight evenly over the truck and tie down boxes and furnishings so that they do not shift as you drive. Ask your rental company for loading and packing tips. In addition, consider renting dollies so that it is easier for you to load the truck without hurting your back.
5) Give yourself plenty of time. Moving day should be as unrushed as possible. Rushing around increases the risk of an accident. Check and double-check as you go. For example, when backing up in your rental truck, be sure to check blind spots carefully to prevent any back over accidents.
If you have been injured in a moving truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to receive a free, no obligation case review. You can meet with the legal staff of the Flaxman Law Group to discuss viable options in your situation.