RV Accidents

RV travel has become increasingly popular, offering a comfortable way to see new places and enjoy life on the road. Unfortunately, driving such large vehicles can bring unique dangers and potential for serious accidents. If you’ve been involved in an RV crash, it’s crucial to understand your rights and find out whether you can seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost income.

A personal injury accident lawyer with experience handling RV accident cases can explain the rules that often complicate the claims process, ensuring you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.

Common Causes of RV Accidents 

When you’re operating a large vehicle like an RV, there are certain common risks that can lead to accidents. Below are some of the most common factors:

• Driver Error: Fatigue, inexperience, and distractions can make it hard for an RV driver to maintain safe control of such a heavy vehicle. 
• Vehicle Defects or Malfunctions: If brakes fail or a tire blows out, RVs can become very difficult to handle, often leading to serious collisions. 
• Poor Road Conditions or Weather: Uneven roads, potholes, heavy rain, and ice can all cause an RV to lose traction, resulting in rollovers or collisions. 
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving by Other Motorists: Other drivers who tailgate, merge recklessly, or drive aggressively around RVs place every vehicle on the road at greater risk.

If an RV crash results in injuries or damages, contacting a skilled personal injury lawyer can help clarify your legal options and pursue necessary compensation.

Types of Injuries in RV Accidents 

When an RV accident occurs, it can affect not only the people inside the RV but also those in other vehicles – or even pedestrians – who share the road. Below are some of the most frequently seen injuries:

Injuries to Occupants of the RV 

Due to the RV’s size and the way passengers are seated, crashes often lead to head, neck, back, and spinal injuries. Broken bones can develop from impacts against walls or furniture inside the vehicle. The large interior space can cause occupants to be thrown around in a collision, increasing the risk of severe trauma.

Injuries to Other Drivers and Passengers 

When an RV hits a smaller vehicle, the difference in size and weight can be significant. Occupants of the smaller vehicle could suffer shattered bones, whiplash, concussions, or more severe injuries. Pedestrians or bicyclists can also be hit, incurring serious harm if the RV loses control or fails to see them in a blind spot.

The Risk of Overturning 

RV rollovers can be catastrophic for both the driver and any other people nearby on the road. Occupants may face life-changing spinal cord damage or head trauma if they’re not wearing seat belts or the RV’s framing caves in during a rollover. Meanwhile, a toppling RV could crush a smaller car or block multiple lanes of traffic, endangering other drivers.

If you’ve been injured in an RV accident – whether you were inside the RV or another vehicle – talking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Challenges in RV Accident Cases 

When you’re dealing with an RV accident, several hurdles can make it hard to settle your claim or file a lawsuit. Below are three of the most common:

Complex Insurance Claims 

RV owners might carry both personal auto insurance and specialized RV policies, and the drivers involved in the crash might also have overlapping coverage from other insurers. Sorting out which insurer is responsible for specific damages can be confusing, potentially delaying settlements.

Determining Fault in Multi-Vehicle Accidents 

Assigning liability becomes more difficult if multiple vehicles – or even pedestrians – are involved in an RV crash. Causes might range from driver error on the part of the RV operator to reckless maneuvers by other motorists, making it critical to investigate carefully.

Long-Term Injury Recovery 

If you or a loved one experiences serious injuries, such as spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries, you may need ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Factoring these future costs into your claim can be complicated and often requires expert testimony.

If an RV accident has left you or someone you love dealing with serious injuries and other losses, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers.