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Recreational Vehicle (RV) Accident Attorneys

As options like remote working and retirement travel become more common, we may see many more recreational vehicles (RVs), or motor homes, on the roadways. Although motor homes can be as long as a single-trailer semi-truck and are much more difficult to maneuver than a personal vehicle, many states (including Georgia) do not require special driving permits to operate these massive vehicles. In short, anyone can get behind the wheel of an RV in these states.

The problem is, due to their large size and lack of maneuverability, RVs can create massive damage when they get into a crash. These can basically create the same type of aftermath as truck accidents and can leave people injured much in the same way. 

If you or a loved one were involved in such an incident, you may need the assistance of an RV accident lawyer. At Fried Goldberg, we have decades of combined experience handling lawsuits involving crashes with large vehicles like RVs. Contact us at (877) 591-1801 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to determine your legal rights and options. 

Common Types Of Recreational Vehicles

When people hear the phrase “recreational vehicle,” most think of conventional motor homes. However, the term can encompass a wide range of vehicles, including:

• Fifth-wheel trailers
• Folding camping trailers
• Van campers or converted vans
• Truck campers

RVs can be classified into two main types: motorcoaches and towable rigs. Motorcoaches have their own engine and are self-powered, while towable RVs require a separate vehicle (usually a truck) to tow them. 

Each of these RV types can be associated with different types of accidents. For instance, towable RVs are often involved in jackknife accidents as well as ones where the trailer detaches from the vehicle.  

Compensation Available in an RV Accident Lawsuit

RV accidents can result in serious injuries, which can create physical, emotional, and financial hardships for the victim. Filing an accident lawsuit can result in the injured party receiving a damages award, which can cover various costs, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death expenses, if applicable

In many instances, standard insurance won’t always cover every loss and expense associated with an accident. Thus, pursuing legal action may be the only way for the victim to be fully compensated after an accident. 

Typical Causes of RV Accidents

There are many different causes of RV accidents, but driver inexperience is near the top of that list. Just because a person passes a test and obtains the proper license (if needed) doesn’t always mean they have the training to drive such a massive vehicle in all conditions. 

This is especially true for long interstate RV trips — many new RV drivers and vacation renters simply have not driven across the country before. They may encounter new terrain, demanding weather, and challenging traffic patterns they aren’t familiar with. These can all combine to create more driving hazards and greater risks than normal. 

Driver fatigue is another contributing factor to RV crashes and accidents. Unlike commercial drivers, who have to follow break and rest laws to ensure they’re not driving for long stretches of time, RV drivers aren’t required by law to stop and rest. A common mistake is for an RV driver to “keep going” even though they may be tired or sleepy, ultimately resulting in an accident. 

Other common causes of RV accidents can include:  

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Faulty mechanics/mechanical failure
• Inability to stop
• Turning/lane change issues
• Blindspot issues   
• Trailer jackknife  
• Left turn and U-turn issues  
• Rollovers
• Overloading/unbalanced load
• Runaway trailers

RV Accident Injuries

Injuries resulting from an RV accident can be similar in nature to truck accident injuries. This is again due to the large size and weight of RVs, which can make injuries more severe and catastrophic. RV accident injuries can include: 

• Spine/spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burn injuries (many RV trailers have fuel/gas storage compartments that can explode)
• Whiplash injuries
• Scarring/disfigurement 
• Broken bones

These types of injuries can lead to permanent, life-long changes for the accident victim. If you or a loved one have been injured in an RV crash, you may be entitled to financial assistance for your losses. Contact Fried Goldberg at (877) 591-1801 for representation for your case. 

What to Do After an Accident With an RV

There are several steps you should take if you’ve been in an accident with an RV. First, seek medical care immediately after an accident. If you are injured or you have lost a loved one, it may be hard to think of documenting what happened in the accident, but this is vital to your case. 

Take photos of the scene and of your injuries, and write down an account of the events leading up to and following the crash. 

It’s also important not to speak to any insurance agents until you’ve spoken to your attorney. The goal of insurance companies is to pay as little to victims as possible. As overwhelmed as you may be with your recovery, you may unintentionally waive your legal right to compensation.

Contact an RV Accident Attorney

RV accident lawsuits require specific knowledge of pertinent laws, which can be complex. At Fried Goldberg, LLC, we have decades of experience handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. We rely on our in-depth knowledge of accident laws as well as our understanding of the tactics insurance companies will utilize to overturn your claim. 

We have the resources to thoroughly research the accident and hire the necessary medical experts and accident analysts. Place your claim in our hands, and our aggressive attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact us today at (877) 591-1801 for a free consultation.

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