Vacationing in a recreational vehicle (RV) is becoming increasingly popular. Some individuals even choose to live in an RV full time, traveling the country. According to the RV Industry Association, sales of RVs have seen a strong increase in the past year. This means that the United States is likely to see an ever-increasing number of RVs on our roads.

However, driving an RV can be much more challenging than driving a passenger car and the dangers of accidents with RVs are ever-present. Getting into a crash with a motorhome can be terrifying, dangerous, and costly. Much like commercial trucks and other larger and heavier vehicles, motorhomes can cause great damage to cars and horrific injuries to individuals. 

If you or a loved one got hurt in an accident with an RV, Labrum Law Firm can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out about your legal rights: (615) 338-9500.

Causes of RV Accidents

The dangers of accidents with RVs can include tipping and roll-overs at high speeds or during high winds, due to the higher center of gravity of RVs. RVs are also generally more challenging to maneuver, especially larger models, and typically take much longer to stop than a passenger vehicle. 

Since most states do not have any special requirements for driving an RV, such as special training or a permit, inexperienced RV drivers can be a danger on the road. RVing is also traditionally popular with retired senior citizens who may suffer from failing vision and slower reaction times due to old age.

Crashes with RVs can occur due to many reasons, including but not limited to:

• Inexperienced drivers
• Elderly drivers
• High winds
• Following too closely
• Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
• Driver fatigue
• Problems with a trailer
• Miscalculated turns
• Road defects
• RV defects
• Poorly loaded RVs

While there can potentially be numerous reasons for accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified driver error or negligence as the number one factor in motor vehicle accidents. 

If another driver caused your accident due to their carelessness or recklessness and you have suffered injuries and vehicle damage, you could have legal recourse and recover compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney from Labrum Law Firm can inform you of your legal options.

Who Is Responsible for the RV Accident?

RV accidents can be much more complicated to understand than car accidents. While the driver may be at fault for the accident, there could be many other contributing factors to an accident such as vehicle defects, bad road design, and poor maintenance. RV accidents can involve several defendants, depending on circumstances.  Liable parties in an RV accident can include:

• The driver 
• The owner of the RV
• An RV rental company
• The RV manufacturer
• An RV parts or trailer manufacturer
• The company that serviced or repaired the RV
• The company or individuals that loaded the RV

Since RV accidents can be complicated, having a seasoned accident attorney by your side can help you prove your case and damages. Ways in which an attorney will try to prove liability and build a case include:

• Establishing negligence of the at-fault party or parties
• Proving the accident happened due to the at-fault party's negligence
• Proving the victim's damages such as medical bills and vehicle damage

If someone else is responsible for your injuries or the passing of your loved one, you could pursue damages. Call Labrum Law Firm now to determine whether you have a case and to learn more about your legal rights. 

Compensation Victims Could Recover

The dangers of accidents with RVs can include fatal and permanent injuries due to the sheer size and weight of RVs. Accident injuries can involve spinal cord damage and paralysis, traumatic brain injury, fractures, loss of limbs, and even death.

Catastrophic injuries can change the life of an individual and their family forever, potentially causing immense pain and suffering as well as emotional distress. The costs for serious injuries can be astronomical. However, if the accident happened due to another's negligence, victims could potentially file a lawsuit and recover compensation. 

While it can be difficult to generalize without knowing the specifics of an accident and the victim's injuries, types of damages can include:

• Past, present, and future medical costs relating to the accident
• Income loss and future income losses
• Modification to the victim's home and vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of limb(s)
• Permanent disability

Victims could be entitled to other types of compensation, depending on their specific RV accident and injuries.

Wrongful Death

If your loved one died in an RV accident, you could potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a dear family member, getting compensation can help avoid financial hardship for those left behind. Relatives could receive, among other damages:

• Medical expenses up to the death of the victim
• Burial and funeral costs
• Loss of income from the deceased
• Loss of companionship

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Tennessee?

If you are thinking of taking legal action after an accident, you should contact one of our attorneys to help you assess your options, especially if some months have already passed since your RV accident. According to the Tennessee Statute of Limitations Code § 28-3-104, victims generally have only one short year in which they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. The time starts ticking down on the day of your RV accident and injury.

Labrum Law Firm Can Help You

Timely action can be crucial for getting what you deserve after an RV accident. Getting legal advice as soon as you can after an accident with an RV can help you get clear on your legal options and the next best steps for recovering what you deserve. 

The dedicated and experienced attorneys at Labrum Law Firm are committed to helping victims of negligence recover the settlement they need to go on with their lives after a tragic crash. We can:

• Analyze your RV accident thoroughly
• Determine all potential at-fault parties
• Calculate your damages and future expected damages
• Communicate with insurance company adjusters
• Fight for a fair out-of-court settlement
• Represent you aggressively at trial

Call Labrum Law Firm today and take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our dedicated team members: (615) 338-9500.