St. Charles Motorhome Accident Attorneys

Today, over nine million families own motorhomes, with about 40 million people traveling by RVs each year in the United States. 

Nearly a half-million motorhome owners use their vehicles as their main residence.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that RV accidents have put around 75,000 people in hospitals every year. 

Federal Accident Reporting System data revealed that RV crashes claimed the life of 212 people between 2000 and 2007, averaging 26 per year. 

If you or a loved one were involved in a motorhome accident in Missouri, you need the assistance of a St. Charles motorhome accident lawyer. 

Common Types of RVs

The term “recreational vehicle” isn’t limited to conventional motorhomes. The term covers a wide selection of vehicles that include:

•    Truck campers
•    Folding camping trailers
•    Van campers or converted vans
•    Fifth-wheel trailers

Recreational vehicles have two classifications. They are:

1. Motorcoaches that have their engine built-in and are self-powered.
2. Towable RVs that need to be towed by a separate vehicle, such as a truck.

These types of RV can be linked to various types of accidents. Towable RVs, for example, are likely to be involved in accidents where the trailer gets uncoupled from the vehicle pulling it.  

Causes of Motorhome Crashes 

Motorhomes can have the length of a single-trailer semi-truck and can be harder to steer than a standard four-wheeled vehicle. Despite this, there is a lack of crash-test standards as a basis to improve a motorhome’s safety features. 

Many states do not require drivers to have special permits to operate these large and heavy vehicles, which means that just about anyone can drive an RV in these states.

It is because of their massive size and difficult maneuverability that RVs cause catastrophic damage when involved in a collision. In the event of a crash, the many objects inside the vehicle become deadly projectiles that can badly injure or kill passengers. 

An RV crash can leave behind an aftermath of severe injury and wrongful death similar to big rig accidents.

Some of the major causes of RV and motorhome crashes include:

Speeding

Their massive size makes RVs more difficult to control than a typical passenger vehicle, especially when it runs at high speeds.

Inexperienced Drivers

A person can pass a driving exam and obtain a license. However, they shouldn’t be allowed to sit behind the wheel of an RV without the specialized training to operate such a huge vehicle. New drivers may travel in unfamiliar terrain, inclement weather, or varying traffic conditions that can create greater driving risks.

Driver Fatigue

Unlike commercial drivers who have to observe break and rest regulations, there are no specific laws for RV drivers to stop and rest. Driving for long periods can make a driver doze off, and be in an accident.

Strong Winds

Despite their massive size, RVs are constructed to be more lightweight and cost-effective. This makes them more inclined to flip over during strong winds, especially if they are traveling at high speeds.

Rollovers

RVs have a higher center of gravity which makes them more likely to roll over when moving at a high rate of speed, or when the driver is reckless, distracted, or impaired.

Overloaded RVs

An overloaded RV puts added strain on the tires, brakes, transmission, and engine, which can increase the chances of a vehicle malfunction. Too much weight on some tires can cause uneven tire wear, which can likely result in a blowout.

Blind Spots

The blind spots on an RV differ from that of ordinary passenger vehicles. If the RV lacks a backup camera, the driver will need to do a full walk-around to prevent colliding with people or objects while backing up.

Turning Errors

Cornering is more difficult because of the RVs massive size. Turns must be wider and slower to keep the vehicle in its lane.

Longer Stopping Time

An RV takes much longer to stop compared to smaller cars and trucks. Collisions happen if the driver fails to brake in time.

Detached Trailer

Trailers can get detached from the towing vehicle and crash with other vehicles if they are not adequately secured.  

RV Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained in an RV accident can almost be similar to truck accident injuries. As mentioned, this is owing to the huge size and weight of recreational vehicles, which cause more severe and catastrophic injuries.

RV accident injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries caused by an explosion of RV’s fuel/gas storage compartments
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

Can Injured Victims File for Compensation in an RV Accident Lawsuit?

Serious injuries resulting from RV collisions can lead to permanent, often painful changes in the victim’s life. These include physical, emotional, and financial sufferings which the accident victim must endure.

The injured party can receive compensation by filing an RV accident lawsuit which can help cover various expenses such as: 

• Medical bills
• Healthcare costs
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Loss of current and future income
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

There are numerous instances where the insurance won’t cover all losses and expenses related to a vehicle accident. Seeking legal action, therefore, may be the only means for injured persons to receive fair compensation after the accident. 

Contact a St. Charles RV Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorhome accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help to improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

At Shea Kohl Law, we have decades of experience in handling complex motor vehicle accidents. We have the means to investigate the accident, look into medical records, and work with the necessary medical experts to build a strong case.

Contact us today at (636) 946-9999 to get a full evaluation of your case.