A legal blog for people affected by rental trailer or truck accidents.

Trailer sway, disconnect and decoupling accidents are very unpredictable and extremely hazardous. The causes of a trailer sway accident may be obvious, or they may involve procedures and inspections which were neglected or overlooked.

Accidents involving rental trailers and moving vans have a much higher incidence than those involving household vehicles for two reasons:

• These vehicles are typically being driven by inexperienced drivers, unfamiliar with the turn radius and handling characteristics of the vehicle. Also, inexperienced drivers can incorrectly load cargo into the vehicle, resulting in a dangerously unbalanced load.
• Some rental companies routinely cut expenses by reducing maintenance on fleet vehicles, resulting in unsafe vehicles that are rented to unsuspecting consumers.

Once a trailer begins to sway, it is very difficult to correct. The trailer may quickly become uncontrollable, causing an accident that may inflict injuries, or in extreme cases, cause accidental death. Professional and commercial drivers are trained to avoid the circumstances which trigger trailer sways, but drivers may not be aware of the potential hazard of towing a trailer.

If you have been in an accident with a rental trailer or moving van, it is important that you seek legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected. Even if your injuries, or those of your passengers, are minor, it is important to establish a personal injury claim to protect your rights. However, if your situation is more severe, Jon Kieffer from Wagstaff & Cartmell will do everything possible to help.