the trailer is what caused the accident. it was epmty (which i was told would nto eb a problem) and it went over a bump and then jacknifed causing me to lose control of my vehicle. Then a semi trailer hit me. now they are coming to collect on the semi trailers damage $17000 worth. Is there any way that uahul should be held responsible since i was not cited as the accident being my fault? if we had been warned that not carrying anything in the trailer would be dangerous we would never have done it.
2007-01-15 17:35:06 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Sorry, but the bad news is that part of that contract you signed with U-Haul stated that you would be responsible for any damage caused TO the trailer or BY the trailer, so you might be getting a bill from U-Haul too. I'm afraid this ones on you.
2007-01-15 20:35:28 · answer #1 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As everyone has previously stated, you have a duty to maintain control of your vehicle at all times, empty trailer or not. It's also your responsibility to make sure the trailer is properly hooked up to your vehicle so things like this don't happen.
The only way U-Haul may SHARE in the responsibility of the semi damage is if YOU can prove the trailer was defective, they knew, or should have known, the trailer was defective, and they rented it to you regardless.
Is your insurance company involved? Are they extending coverage for the damage? If they're not involved, you need to get them involved b/c if they do afford coverage, the bill will be paid up to your limits of liability.
By the way...it doesn't matter if you were cited. Being cited doesn't determine negligence. And that's what this comes down to, whether you were negligent or not.
2007-01-17 13:42:06 · answer #2 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So the trailer tried to pass you when you hit a bump? Did you hit the brakes as the trailer hit the bump? How fast were you going? I have a hard time believing it was the fault of the trailer based on the information here.
2007-01-15 18:09:17 · answer #3 · answered by Fred C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DMV says you have to be able to have control of your vehicle at all times. If you did not read the warnings on the equipment log you are at fault, and if you are going up against professional drivers who may have a million miles under the wheel hauling 80,000 pounds at a time with no accidents, your chances of winning are very slim. it boils down to do you have the experince to be on the road with the equipment you are operating? DMV can't police everyone. good luck.
2007-01-15 18:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Right 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have been pulling trailers (including U-HAULS) for 40 years, MT AND full, half full, and TOO full, and have NEVER had any kind of accident. AND, yes, I've hit a lot of bumps too.
Your story sounds suspicious to me. Stop trying to blame someone else for your incompetence.
2007-01-16 06:33:55 · answer #5 · answered by Trump 2020 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not dangerous to pull an empty trailer... traveling too fast while pulling any trailer is.
2007-01-15 17:41:17 · answer #6 · answered by misc 75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really are supposed to be in control at all times. It's been said they used to rent larger trucks to unqualified drivers. I hope you bought the extra insurance.
2007-01-15 18:45:12 · answer #7 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, but you are liable.
2007-01-15 17:42:38 · answer #8 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
nope.
2007-01-15 20:38:08 · answer #9 · answered by RANDELL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋