What to Consider for Your Personal Injury Claim After an RV Accident
RVs aren’t your average vehicles, and the claims process isn’t either. Whether you were driving the RV, riding in it, or hit by one, an RV accident personal injury claim will have some extra layers that aren’t part of a typical car crash case.
As a personal injury lawyer who’s worked on these kinds of cases for decades, let me help. We’ve compiled this guide to walk you through what makes RV accidents unique and what you need to consider to protect your rights.
What Kind of RV Was Involved?
Every RV case is unique, and the type of RV makes a difference in the insurance process and who might be held responsible. As a result, this detail will matter early on in building a strategy for your case.
There are several types of RVs:
- Class A motorhomes (the big bus-style RVs), which are often treated like commercial vehicles.
- Class B camper vans and Class C motorhomes. These are smaller but still have insurance and mechanical rules that differ from regular cars.
- Towable RVs, like travel trailers or fifth wheels. These are pulled by another vehicle, which means multiple policies might come into play.
Each type may involve different insurance policies, safety standards, and even different defendants. Knowing the exact classification is the first step.
Is the RV Privately Owned or Rented?
If the RV was rented, the rental company may have liability – especially if they didn’t maintain the vehicle properly. If it was a privately owned RV, the case may depend more heavily on the driver’s insurance and how/whether the RV was insured.
Keep in mind, some RV owners don’t carry enough coverage for a major injury. And some renters assume their auto insurance covers the RV when it doesn’t. In those situations, we explore every possible option so you have the best chance of success in your claim.
If a commercial entity owned the RV – like a tour company or resort – it brings an entirely different level of responsibility and insurance coverage.
The Cause of the Accident
RVs are harder to drive than regular cars and trucks, and they’re more prone to issues. As a result, mechanical issues come up on the road and can more easily lead to crashes.
Common causes include:
- Tire blowouts from heavy loads
- Rollovers due to high center of gravity
- Brake failure from worn parts or poor maintenance
- Driver inexperience or distraction
- Limited visibility and large blind spots
These factors often point to either driver negligence or poor vehicle maintenance. In some cases, the manufacturer or maintenance company may also share responsibility.
RVs are often repaired quickly or returned to rental lots, and electronic data like GPS or maintenance logs can be lost. We move quickly to preserve that evidence, talk to witnesses, and inspect the vehicle before anything is destroyed or altered.
If You Were Inside the RV When It Crashed
If you were riding in the RV, your situation is different than someone who was hit by one.
RV passengers often suffer worse injuries because they may not be wearing seatbelts or are sitting in parts of the vehicle without proper restraints. Some may be sleeping, cooking, or even walking around when a crash occurs.
In these cases, it’s crucial to investigate whether the RV’s layout, safety features, or design contributed to your injuries.
Whose Insurance Pays, and How Much
RV accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance:
- The RV’s liability coverage
- The driver’s personal auto policy (if different)
- Rental company insurance (if applicable)
- Commercial liability, if the RV was being used for business
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Sorting out who pays what takes experience and persistence. Insurance companies will often try to point fingers at each other to avoid paying and wear you down. That’s why having a lawyer who understands RV claims is so important.
Dealing with Serious or Long-Term Injuries
RV accidents often lead to serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns or lacerations from overturned vehicles
- Emotional trauma, especially for families or children involved
If your injuries will require long-term care, surgery, or impact your ability to work, your settlement should reflect that. My team works with medical experts to estimate future care costs and fight for the compensation you need.
We put you first not just today, but for the years ahead.
Working with Our Lawyers on Your RV Accident Personal Injury Claim
RV accidents come with a lot of unknowns, but you don’t have to figure them out on your own.
My team and I have gotten our stellar reputation in the Mid-South not just for our legal skills, but for treating clients with compassion and respect. We handle the hard parts of the case so you can focus on healing. And we don’t get paid anything until we win your case.
If you’ve been injured in an RV accident – whether you were inside the RV, hit by one, or driving another vehicle – we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your story, your options, and how we can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.