RV Accident Lawyer

Roughly 40 million people go RVing in the United States every year, and more than 9 million families currently own motorhomes, pop-up campers, camper vans, toy haulers, fifth-wheelers, and caravans. Nearly a half-million are using an RV as their primary residence.

A vacation in a Winnebago, Airstream, or other recreational vehicle is a fun and affordable way to explore the country. But according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 75,000 people are hospitalized annually due to an RV accident. While statistics on crash deaths are difficult to come by, data from the Federal Accident Reporting System indicates that RV accidents killed 212 people – or an average of 26 per year – between 2000 and 2007.

Because of their large size, lack of crash-test standards, and the presence of many objects that can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a collision, an RV crash is more likely to cause severe injury and wrongful death than a typical car wreck. The Killino Firm’s highly trained and experienced RV Accident Lawyers have a proven record of success helping the victims of negligent drivers and defective vehicles obtain the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an RV accident, and you’d like to speak with an attorney about your case, please contact the Killino Law Firm today at 1-877-875-2927.

Driving an RV: What You Need to Know.

An RV is any motor vehicle or trailer that includes living quarters designed for accommodation, such as a kitchen, a bathroom, and one or more sleeping quarters. Today’s recreational vehicles range from utilitarian models outfitted with basic cooking facilities and a bed to luxury motor coaches complete with air conditioning, water heaters, televisions and satellite receptors, and granite countertops.

Motorized recreational vehicles have a built-in engine, eliminating the hassle of hooking and unhooking the RV from a towing vehicle. There are three classes of motorized RVs:

According to the RV Consumer Group, Cass A motor coaches tend to have more structural problems than other options and are more likely to sustain serious damage in a 20-mph collision. There is no rear occupant crash testing for Class A RVs, and federal regulations only require seatbelts for front-seat occupants.

Camper vans are easier to drive and get better fuel economy than other motorized RV options.

Class B RVs must also meet federal seatbelt standards for front-seat occupants but not the rear.

Like Class A and B RVs, Class C motorhomes are only required to have seatbelts for the front seating positions.

Towable RVs are also known as caravans. These vehicles aren’t equipped with an engine and must be attached to a tow vehicle (usually a pickup truck or SUV) for transport. Examples of towable RVs include:

Bumper Pull Travel Trailers connect to a standard trailer hitch and range from 10 to 40 feet.
Pop-up Campers range from 8 to 16 feet and fold into themselves for easy travel and storage. The pop-up is tent-like and offers an open-air feel when in use.
Fifth-Wheel Trailers are the largest towable RV option and extend over the bed of a truck. Fifth-wheels range from 22 to 40 feet and require a pickup truck with a specially fitted hitch. They offer all the amenities of a Class A motorcoach but are easier to store when not in use.
Toy Haulers are trailers or fifth-wheelers that feature a “garage” in the back with a ramp door for access.

Most states do not require a special license for RVs weighing under 26,000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds. But some states do require a non-commercial license to drive an RV above a particular length or weight, while others require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate the largest motorhomes and trailers.

Twenty-two states require all RV occupants – including children — to use a seatbelt, and 26 have seatbelt requirements based on a child’s age. Several states require seatbelt use for the front seats only, and others – like Colorado – exempt RVs from child safety seat requirements.

Leading Causes of RV Accident and Motorhome Crashes

Some of the most common causes and contributors to RV crashes include:

Inexperienced Drivers: Although motorhomes, camper vans, fifth wheelers, and toy haulers are more challenging to maneuver than typical passenger vehicles, many states don’t require specialized training or licensing to drive an RV.
Speeding: Because of their large size, recreational vehicles are much harder to control than standard passenger vehicles, especially if traveling at a high rate of speed.
High Winds: As RVs have become more lightweight and cost-efficient, they’re also more likely to flip over in high winds, especially if the vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed.
Fatigued Drivers: Anxious to get to their destination, many RVers stay on the road until they’re practically falling asleep. While drowsy driving is dangerous for everyone, the sheer size of an RV means there’s even less room for error.
Overloaded or Unevenly Loaded RVs: Driving an overloaded RV places added stress on the tires, axles, brakes, engine, and transmission, increasing the likelihood of an accident. An unevenly loaded vehicle will place too much weight on some tires, leading to uneven tire wear and possibly a blowout.
Detached Trailer: Trailers must be adequately secured to prevent detachments and collisions with other vehicles.
Rollovers: Because recreational vehicles have a higher center of gravity, they’re more likely to roll over when a driver is distracted, careless, speeding, or impaired.
Miscalculated Stops: It takes much longer to stop an RV compared to a smaller passenger vehicle. An accident can occur if the driver doesn’t start braking in time or if the braking system isn’t wired correctly from the trailer to the towing vehicle.
Miscalculated Turns: Because RVs are so large, cornering is quite different compared to a typical passenger car. The driver must take wider and slower turns to ensure the vehicle stays in its lane.
Blind Spots: The blind spots on an RV are also much different compared to a standard passenger vehicle. If a recreational vehicle lacks a back-up camera, performing a complete walk-around before backing up will prevent collisions with any people, animals, or objects in its path.

Staying Safe in an RV

Depending on their size, an RV can be as difficult to maneuver as a semi-truck, take just as long to stop, and have similar blind spots. Compared to typical passenger vehicles, they’re more likely to flip over in high winds and have a higher center of gravity that makes them more prone to rollover accidents.

If you’re planning an RV vacation, keep these tips in mind to stay safe on the road:

Be Aware of Size: Driving a motor coach or travel trailer requires route planning to ensure ease of maneuverability. An RV GPS device or Trucker Atlas can alert you to low bridges or other restrictions before you begin your trip. You’ll also need to choose gas stations that allow plenty of room for maneuvering around the pumps and parking areas.
Know that Wide Turns are Required: RVs require wide turns to stay in your lane and to avoid taking your rear tires up onto the curb. Watch your rear-view mirrors, stay as close to the center lane as possible, and be aware of impatient drivers who may try to pass you.
Take it Slow: With all that extra weight behind you, braking will take some extra time. Speeding in an RV inhibits your ability to brake on time and increases the likelihood of a crash. You’ll also need to maintain a greater distance from the vehicles in front of you to ensure adequate reaction time.
Maintain Your RV. Keep up with preventive maintenance and conduct regular inspections of your RV systems, especially brakes and other components that can cause an accident while you’re traveling.
Double Check the Tires: Tire blowouts are the leading cause of RV accidents. Make sure they’re not worn, under-inflated, or overloaded before every trip.
Keep Up with RV Recalls: While manufacturers and dealers will issue recall notifications, some RV owners only become aware of a recall when they experience a problem or have an accident.
Be Aware of the Weather: Adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, sleet, and high winds, contribute to a significant number of RV accidents. If the weather turns nasty while you’re on the road, pull over and wait it out. After a storm, stay alert for downed trees and power lines, and never drive through standing water.
Use Seatbelts and Child Safety Seats: Before renting or purchasing an RV, make sure the cab is appropriate for installing a safety seat. Smaller Class B and C RVs built on a conventional van/truck chassis must meet the same safety standards as passenger vehicles for the front and are more likely to have features to install a child safety seat.
If you’re traveling with kids, your best bet is a towable trailer so your children can travel properly restrained in the towing vehicle. But make sure the driver has experience towing the trailer.

Contact The Killino Firm Today

The Killino Firm’s RV Accident Lawyers have the knowledge and resources to ensure every responsible party is held accountable for your injury. If you or a loved one were hurt in an RV accident, call toll free at 877-875-2927, to contact an attorney and get the legal help you need today.

Testimonials

Courtney S

1 year ago

We contacted this firm when our son suffered a birth injury. They listened to our potential case and took us on. They helped us all the way through the process, always took my calls and questions. Killino is very passionate about his work and it felt like he was upset for our son like he was his own child. The paralegal, Kayla, was always on top of things and helpful. The whole firm that we worked with really did their best for us and now we have what we need to care for our son. We couldn’t be more grateful.

Reggie B

1 year ago

Jeff and his team at Killino Law Firm are truly exceptional! They took on my daughter’s challenging case when no one else would, and their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. Thanks to their amazing work, we can now take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. Jeff handled everything with professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. If you’re in need of a personal injury & accident lawyer, look no further—Jeff is your guy. I can’t recommend him and his exceptional team enough!

Corey E

2 years ago

The Killino firm is an excellent firm that tirelessly advocates on behalf of their clients. I’ve come across a lot of great personal injury attorneys in my time and simply put, Killino is the best.

Jeanne Y

3 years ago

Since day one I called the Killino firm, I was heard and taken care with respect. I very much thank Jeff for his proffesionalism and commitment. some days I’d email him in the middle of the night and exepct a response within an hour. They went beyond our spectactions. He did as promised. my husband and I are grateful for working with you. I’d 100% recommend this firm!!! thank you Jeff and the team

Trisha H

4 years ago

My sisters and I are so very grateful for The Killino Firm. They worked tirelessly for over three years on our case, were very attentive and kept us updated every step of the way. Aside from being gifted at what they do, Jeff and Dawn are so caring and understanding. Every single person we were in contact with from the firm was professional and kind. We will always recommend this firm! We really can’t thank them enough.

Michaelene C

5 years ago

Highly knowledgeable, listened to my concerns, gave wonderful advice and took a genuine interest in my case. Absolutely the best lawyers and firm around. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for competent lawyers to handle their case no matter how complicated.

Rhonda L

5 years ago

They helped me get through a terrible situation they were relentless for fighting on my behalf and because of there hard work my situation was resolved very favorable for me and my family I can’t thank them enough if you need help call them first you won’t be sorry

The Killino Firm Changes Lives

In the aftermath of a wrongful death or catastrophic injury, particularly those involving babies and children, victims and their families are forced into the new “normal”. Their lives are often characterized by multiple facets of struggle; physical, medical and financial. The worry and stress can be unbearable. But, that is where the Killino Firm steps in.

Life-Changing Financial Security

Time and again for over two decades Jeffrey Killino has changed the lives of his clients and their families with recoveries that will provide for all future medical care and day to day needs. The Killino Firm clients are regularly purchasing new homes and vehicles; securing much needed medical care and assistance; and sleeping better at night know there are millions of dollars to take care of them for the rest of their lives.

Ongoing Client Support and Protection

Yes, the Killino Firm regularly secures multi-million dollar settlements and/or verdicts, however, we measure our true success in terms of how we change our clients’ lives. The Killino Firm is dedicated to its clients and their plight. After the cases are over, the Killino Firm stays involved and available to it’s clients as the journey continues.

Caring for Clients and the Community

At the Killino Firm we care about our clients and we care about our community, which is why from time to time when we uncover a hazard or danger with the potential to harm others, the Killino Firm takes action to alert the public and appropriate regulatory authorities.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

RV Accident Lawyers

Child Trust Fund

Fill out and submit the form below for a confidential legal review: