The recreational vehicle (RV) industry has long been around, and since the early 1920s people have used these types of vehicles to travel all around the country. Driving a recreational vehicle does not require any special licensing or training which is good for those who would like to drive one, but also a danger to their fellow motorists.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have successfully represented clients throughout the state of Connecticut and have more than 140 years of combined legal experience doing so. We have offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London, and serve clients throughout Connecticut.
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Important Details About RV Crashes
Although recreational vehicles are very large, a commercial driver’s license is not needed to operate this kind of large vehicle. Depending on the type of recreational vehicle being driven, an RV can weigh thousands of pounds more than an average vehicle. Although RVs are large and might keep drivers and passengers safe, it could also be the cause of an accident. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, more than 367,000 car crashes occurred throughout the state, and of these, 122 involved motor home/recreational vehicles, including one fatal accident.
National statistics on recreational vehicle accidents are difficult to find as some states have different standards for what they consider to be a recreational vehicle. There are three main types of RVs:
- Motor Homes
- Travel Trailers
- Truck Campers
Motorhomes combine the travelling and living space, travel trailers are attached to another vehicle, and truck campers provide living quarters as an attachment to a pickup truck. Being involved in an RV accident is similar to that of large truck or bus crashes due to the vehicle’s size. If you or a loved one has been injured in an RV accident by a reckless driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Causes Of Recreational Vehicle Collisions
The size and weight of an RV are a danger to the driver, passengers, and fellow motorists on the road. Some common causes of recreational vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Sharp Turns
- Inexperienced Drivers
- Poorly Balanced Weight
- Overcorrection/Oversteering
- Tire Blowouts
- Failing to Properly Check a Blind Spot
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Since drivers do not need special training or licensing, those who are not experienced driving large vehicles can easily miscalculate driving maneuvers.
Vehicle maintenance is also important; particularly for travel trailers and campers that are often hitched to another vehicle. Should the hitch break because of a tire blowout, it could lead to a serious car crash.
Types Of RV Collisions
Similar to large truck accidents, the length and width of the vehicle play a role in the type of collision that can occur with a recreational vehicle.
Some common types of RV Accidents include:
- Rollovers
- Tilt Accidents
- Sideswipes
- Read-end Collisions
Rollovers are one of the most common types of collisions involving RVs often caused by sharp turns or speeding. If an RV hits a guardrail, it could also lead to a serious rollover collision and in serious cases, the vehicle could go over the guardrail.
The Potential Injuries Of These Crashes
Part of what can cause an RV accident to be fatal is the lack of safety equipment. Recreational vehicles are often used by families on vacation or who are traveling long distances, the vehicle becomes a home and so it is rare for all passengers to be using their seat belts resulting in occupant ejection.
Some common injuries from RV Accidents include:
- Head Trauma
- Broken Bones
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Facial Injuries
- Herniated Disc
If passengers inside the RV were wearing seat belts, they could still suffer from injuries caused by all the materials inside the vehicle. Most RVs have additional seats, tables, cupboards, and kitchens therefore there are many hazards within the vehicle as much as there are outside of it.
Contact Our Lawyers Today For A Case Evaluation
If you or your loved ones were involved in a recreational vehicle accident caused by another party, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys are ready to help you fight for your rights.
To find out how we may be able to help you, contact us at 800-PERKINS for a no-obligation, no-cost initial consultation about your accident claims. Our intake staff members will connect you with one of our lawyers after a few initial questions about your accident. If you prefer to contact us online, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page, and we will review your case right away.