Renting a 12,000-pound U-Haul truck in New Jersey shouldn’t be as easy as swiping a credit card—but it often is. Most U-Haul drivers aren’t trained commercial operators. They aren’t required to hold a commercial driver’s license, and in many cases, their personal auto insurance won’t cover a collision. That leaves victims of a U-Haul truck accident in New Jersey facing serious injuries, complex liability issues, and unclear paths to compensation.
Here’s what you need to know if a U-Haul hits you—and whether you can sue the company.
Catastrophic Injuries from U-Haul Truck Accident in New Jersey
Because of their size and weight, U-Haul trucks are capable of causing life-threatening injuries:
- Severe burns: Diesel fuel ignites differently than regular gasoline, causing third- and fourth-degree burns when these trucks catch fire.
- Crushed limbs: Airbags and seatbelts offer little protection from bone-crushing impact, especially to legs and arms.
- Permanent disability: Many victims lose function or mobility in a limb, impacting long-term quality of life.
These injuries require extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims often cannot return to work and face mounting medical bills.
Why Suing the U-Haul Truck Accident in New Jersey Driver Isn’t Enough
Many U-Haul drivers are uninsured or underinsured. Personal auto policies typically exclude rental trucks not listed on the policy. Even if the driver is found liable, they may be judgment proof—lacking sufficient assets or coverage to pay a court award.
To recover full compensation, victims often need to go higher up the chain—to U-Haul or the rental outlet.
Negligent Entrustment and Vicarious Liability
New Jersey follows the family purpose doctrine, meaning vehicle owners can be held liable if they lend a car to someone known to be an unsafe driver. The same principle can apply to U-Haul.
If U-Haul or its outlet rents a truck to someone who is:
- Unlicensed or using a suspended license
- Known to have a poor driving record
- Driving in violation of license restrictions
Then U-Haul may be held responsible under negligent entrustment—especially if the company failed to verify the license or overlooked red flags.
The Graves Amendment—and How to Get Around It
U-Haul often hides behind 49 U.S. Code § 30106, a federal law that shields vehicle rental companies from liability if:
- They are in the trade or business of renting motor vehicles, and
- They were not otherwise negligent in renting the vehicle.
But both of these points have critical loopholes:
- Trade or business: Most U-Haul rental points are moving supply shops or hardware stores that rent trucks on the side—not true vehicle rental companies.
- License verification: In 2005, visual inspection of licenses was standard. In 2025, electronic verification is cheap and common. Failing to verify a driver’s license electronically could constitute negligence.
If either of these conditions isn’t met, Graves Amendment immunity doesn’t apply, and U-Haul can be held liable.
Bottom Line: You May Be Able to Sue U-Haul
If you’ve been in a U-Haul truck accident in New Jersey, your path to compensation might involve:
- Proving the driver was negligent or unlicensed
- Demonstrating U-Haul failed to vet the driver
- Showing the rental location wasn’t a full-time vehicle rental business
- Establishing catastrophic injuries requiring long-term compensation
An experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer can investigate and argue around Graves Amendment protections.
Contact a Lawyer about your U-Haul Truck Accident in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a U-Haul truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
