April 28, 2024
A customer went into their local rental store to pick up the tow-behind lift they had rented. They towed the equipment to their job site without incident. After using the lift, they hooked everything up and began the trip back to the rental yard.
They didn’t get too far before disaster struck. An employee of the renter stated that he took a sharp turn too quickly. As he did, the wheel of the tow-behind lift went off the roadway and was caught by the dirt which pulled the lift off the road. The employee lost control and the lift came off the hitch and rolled over into the ditch.
The employee called the rental store manager who met him at the accident location. As the manager looked at the accident scene, he realized the travel lock was missing. He also saw the safety chains had not been connected and were hanging loose.
The company that rented the machine agreed to pay the rental store for the damages. He stated he would need to speak with their accountant and get back with the rental store manager.
They have never heard from him again and the man will no longer answer their calls.
The accident will be investigated and paid according to the wording in their insurance policy. If it is determined that the renter or their employee was at fault for the accident, attempts will be made to collect from them.
This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Overland Park, Kan., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-650.
