Recreational vehicles offer a lot for people who want to travel on the road. People can travel to various campgrounds or drive until they get to their desired location or see something interesting. But accidents do occur with these vehicles. Unfortunately, RV accident can cause serious injuries and damages because of the RV’s size and weight. If you were injured in an accident involving an RV, a West Virginia personal injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can help you.
When a serious accident occurs, you may have piling medical bills while you’re trying to recover. Missing work usually adds to this stressful situation. But you don’t have to go through this alone. DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC is ready to help you stand up to negligent drivers and hold them accountable for their actions. We will fight to get you compensation that covers pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
The Difference Between an RV and a Car
Recreational vehicles accidents differ from car accidents because RVs are often much bigger. There’s more of a chance to lose control of the vehicle and possibly cause a wreck with another vehicle on the road.
- Average camper trailers can way about 5,200 lbs. without water and when it isn’t stocked. When it’s on the road, the trailer can weigh about 6,700 lbs.
- An average car can weigh about 4,079 lbs.
Recreational vehicles also have different seatbelt laws. In West Virginia, only those riding in the front of an RV need to be buckled in. Seatbelts prevent people from getting thrown around the vehicle or ejecting from the vehicle in a crash. Without that restraint, people can sustain major injuries.
Heavy vehicles traveling on highways have the potential to cause terrible collisions. Recreational vehicles can also be driven on highways. A high-speed crash with a large vehicle or trailer could cause catastrophic injuries, or injuries that cause some form of permanent damage. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and loss of limb are examples of catastrophic injuries.
What Contributes to RV Accidents?
There are many factors that can increase the chance of an RV accident. Many of them are similar to truck accidents. Vehicles that are heavier and larger such as semis, tractor trailers, and RVs need drivers who understand that they need to be more careful than they would if they were driving a car.
The following can cause RV crashes:
Driver Mistakes
Inexperienced drivers may not know that their vehicle has different blind spots from a smaller car. They could forget to check the spots before changing lanes or turning and cause an accident. RVs also need more time to slow down and turn safely. A new driver may not know when to start easing off the gas pedal when they need to make a stop or turn.
Drivers can also be reckless. They may make dangerous driving decisions like speeding or tailgating other vehicles. Going over the speed limit reduces their control of the vehicle and they have less reaction time if something happens on the road.
Like drivers in 18-wheelers, RV drivers can try to travel long distances across multiple days. They may not be getting all the sleep they need. Fatigued or exhausted drivers aren’t alert and won’t be able to quickly respond to situations that can occur while driving. They also run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, where they can hit other vehicles or run off the road and hit stationary objects.
Weight Capacity
RVs with too much weight aren’t safe for the road, just like tractor-trailers. They have set weight capacity and the weight should be distributed as evenly as possible so one part of the vehicle isn’t under more stress. Too much weight could cause a tire blowout and the driver won’t have any control of the overloaded vehicle.
Your personal injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will carefully investigate your case and find out what mistake or negligent behavior caused the accident that injured you. Our lawyers are experienced in motor vehicle accidents and will look at every aspect of the accident so you have all the facts about why the accident happened and the total cost of your injuries.
Get Help from a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC know that filing a claim may seem overwhelming when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of an RV accident. But that’s why we’re here to help. We will stand by your side and fight to get you the justice you deserve.
We firmly believe that negligent drivers need to be held responsible for their actions. When you speak up and hold them accountable, you’re showing them that their dangerous behavior isn’t okay. Your claim could prevent them from making poor driving decisions in the future and potentially avoid future accidents.
We’re ready to get started on your claim. Give us a call today for a free consultation.
