One of the most well-liked outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. is recreational vehicle (RV) camping. Tourists visiting the Atlanta area often enjoy days of relaxation and fun in their RVs. While it is a great way to take the whole family on vacation, RV accidents can happen all too quickly.
The weight and size of an RV are a severe threat to other motorists. Making matters worse, many RV drivers are inexperienced. When an RV operator is negligent while operating one of these vehicles, severe accidents can happen.
If you or a loved one were injured in an RV or motorhome accident, talk to an experienced lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation.
What Are RVs?
RVs are motor vehicles or trailers that also have living quarters. The term “motorhome” is often used interchangeably with “RV”; however, RV is a technical and legal term, while motorhome informally describes various types of recreational vehicles. In addition to motorhomes, RVs may include:
- Fifth-wheel trailers
- Camper vans
- Pop-up campers
- Towable RVs
- Caravans
Depending on their capacities, lengths, and qualities, Georgia motorhomes can fall into three classes: Class A RVs (large), Class B RVs (medium), and Class C RVs (small).
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The Most Common RV Accident Causes
There are numerous common causes of RV wrecks. One of the most significant issues is that Georgia is one of several states in which a person does not need specialized training or have to meet unique driver’s license requirements before getting behind the wheel of an RV. The Georgia General Assembly does not classify RVs as commercial vehicles.
Additionally, many RV drivers are senior citizens, meaning they may have delayed response to driving conditions and diminished vision or other health issues. Furthermore, the sheer size plus reduced maneuverability increase RV crash risk factors, which include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Larger blind spots
- Poorly balanced loads
- Miscalculated turns
- High winds
- Excessive speed
- Senior drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Overloaded RVs
- Runaway trailers
- A higher center of gravity leading to rollovers
- Failure to consider longer stopping distances
- Tire blowout
- Unsecured luggage falling off the vehicle into the roadway
An experienced RV accident lawyer can help you investigate the cause of your accident. In many of these cases, the RV operator or owner could be found negligent. If there was equipment failure, the RV manufacturer could also be held accountable.
If you or a loved one were injured, you might be entitled to pursue legal action. An Atlanta RV Accident Lawyer will assess your claim eligibility and help you decide against whom to file.
RV Accident Injuries
The symptoms of your RV accident injuries could develop over time, or they may be immediate and severe. If you have severe injuries after your wreck with an RV, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.
Possible injuries that can occur from an RV accident include:
- Serious burns
- Concussion or other head injuries
- Whiplash or other neck or back injuries
- Cuts or abrasions
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken bones
- Partial or total loss of sight or vision
When an RV collides with your motor vehicle, your injuries could be catastrophic. Even if your injuries are temporary, they can still be considered serious.
What to Do at the RV Accident Scene
RV accidents can be life-altering. If you are up against mounting medical bills or are unable to work after an accident caused by an RV driver’s negligence, you can seek financial compensation through a lawsuit.
To strengthen your compensation claim, gather evidence and document your injuries as soon as possible. The following are steps you should take at the scene:
- Stop your vehicle — You are legally required to stop after an accident, no matter how minor. Turn on your hazard signals and, if possible, pull off the road and safely away from moving traffic.
- Render any assistance needed — You are also legally obligated to render aid to anyone injured. If necessary, call, or have somebody else call, 911 for emergency medical attention.
- Call the police — In Georgia, an auto accident report is required if there are injuries or property damage of more than $500. Do not settle matters without the police involved. Protect your rights first by always reporting the wreck as soon as possible.
- Exchange information — Make sure you gather the other driver’s full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and auto insurance policy number and company name. Also, jot down the RV’s make and model.
- Never admit fault — When you are talking to the investigating officers, always answer honestly but never expose information you are unsure about. For example, if they ask you about injuries, say you are “not sure” rather than “no” if you do not know if you are injured. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company reaches out to you, do not sign anything or agree to recorded statements until you have spoken to an accident attorney.
- Take photographs — In RV accidents, pictures are worth 1,000 words (and many more dollars). Photos maintain an accurate record of the accident scene immediately after the wreck. Include pictures of vehicle damage, your injuries, the injuries of others in your party, and an overall shot of the accident scene.
- Talk to an RV accident lawyer — You may not need to talk to a lawyer at the accident scene; however, it is a vital step you should take soon afterward. An RV accident lawyer can help you with your insurance claims, examine your case, and assist you with a plan of action. They know what it takes to help you get full compensation for your injuries.
Call John Foy & Associates
The lawyers at John Foy & Associates have served Atlanta victims of negligence since 1999. We are here to maximize your damage compensation and help you feel whole again. We charge no fees unless we win your case, so there is no risk to you.
Call the Strong Arm today at (404) 400-4000 to schedule your free consultation.
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