Recreational vehicles (RV) of all kinds including camper vans, fifth wheels, and motor homes are a very popular way to travel and vacation all across North America. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people began seeking an alternative form of travel, work style, and entertainment – and RV’s became even more popular.
With the increased number of RV’s on the road, RV accidents have increased. There are many reasons for this as they are prone to problems such as extended braking distance, blind spots and lack of maneuverability, especially for inexperienced drivers.
There are many common causes of recreational vehicle accidents, but one of the biggest contributors is that states do not require drivers to receive special training or permits in order to drive an RV. You do however have to be 21 years old to drive an RV, however 10 percent of RV drivers are seniors over the age of 55 and age does increase driving impediments such as delayed response times and weakening vision.
What are Common RV Accident Causes?
Many common cases of RV accidents align with car accident causes, they are heightened with an RV due to the size of an RV compared to a car plus the reduced maneuverability and visibility increase the risk for accidents.
- Speeding
- Inexperienced drivers
- Senior drivers
- Tired drivers
- High winds
- Overloaded RV with too much weight
- Rollover due to higher center of gravity
- Runaway trailer
- Miscalculated turns
- Miscalculated stopping (heavier vehicles require longer stopping distances)
- Unbalanced loads
- Blind spot issues (not seeing another vehicle in the lane beside the RV)
How is Fault Decided in an RV Accident?
As with most accidents, it may not be easy to determine fault in an RV accident. It could be the RV driver, another vehicle driver, the RV manufacturer or a property owner that is responsible for the accident. A personal injury attorney who works with all types of motor vehicle accidents and victims of those accidents is who you need to speak to if you or a loved one have been involved in an RV accident.
Personal injury lawyers fight for the rights of people injured in accidents caused by cars, trucks and RV’s and they will fight the insurance company for the compensation you may deserve which could include the cost of medical bills, property damages, lost wages and more.
Hardee, Massey & Blodgett Attorneys
If you or a loved have been involved in an RV accident and are dealing with an injury, you have plenty on your plate to deal with. Let Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, a team of experienced accident attorneys, fight for the compensation you may deserve. With over 58 years combined experience, we have represented clients throughout eastern North Carolina with all types of injury cases. Consultations are free and you pay nothing up front, and there are no attorney fees unless we recover damages for you!
Call us today at 252-378-2525.