Motorhome Accident Attorneys in Orange County
Helping the Victims of RV or Motorhome Accidents
Having an RV or motorhome makes it easier to get away, relax, and see the country. You can camp and enjoy nature with everything except your food and clothing packed and ready to go. You can set up your RV for comfort, with the type of mattress you like, your own sheets and towels, your own cooking utensils, and added accessories of your choice, such as antigravity chairs, bikes, games, or fishing gear.
On the downside, an RV or motorhome can be involved in an accident, just like any other vehicle. When a crash occurs, passengers who are not buckled up can suffer serious injuries due to not being belted in. When a collision occurs, objects in the vehicle can be thrown about, striking and injuring occupants. Despite all the fun they bring, motorhomes can become deadly if involved in an accident. We at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have experience with vehicle accidents, and do everything we can to help those who are victimized by them.
What Are the Different Types of Recreational Vehicles?
Recreational vehicles (RVs) come in all shapes and sizes, from popup campers to multimillion-dollar mansions on wheels. Types of RVs include:
- Motorhome: Self-propelled recreational vehicle, combining living accommodations with a vehicle engine.
- Campervan: Van that has been fitted out, often with a coach-built body for use as accommodations.
- Fifth wheel: Camper trailer that is connected to a truck via a hitch mounted in the center of the truck bed and with a cab that extends over part of the truck bed.
- Truck camper: A recreational vehicle carried in the bed of a pickup truck (also known as slide-in or cab-over).
- Travel trailer: A camper or camper trailer towed behind a road vehicle to provide a comfortable place to sleep.
- Toy hauler: A travel trailer RV with a large opening and ramp door, typically in the rear of the vehicle.
- Popup camper: A camping trailer with canvas construction that collapses down into a much smaller, more portable package.
What Are the Particular Risks Associated With RVs and Motorhomes?
RVs/motorhomes are different than other types of vehicles and have their own unique set of hazards. Accident risks associated with RVs include:
- Rollovers: Because of their height, RVs may be prone to roll over in a sharp turn or in a crash.
- Brake failure: Motorhomes are much heavier than the average passenger vehicle, and that puts more strain on the brakes. If they are defective, brake failure can lead to a coach-built accident.
- Tire blowouts: When tires are under- or overinflated, they can blow out due to the weight of an RV. A blowout can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Fires: Propane, used for cooking, heating water, etc. in an RV, can leak in the vehicle and cause a fire.
- Low bridge accidents: If a bridge is too low for the RV to pass under, the top of the RV can collide with the bottom of the bridge, causing serious injuries and property damage.
- Steering system failure: RVs are more difficult to maneuver than other vehicles to begin with. When the steering system fails, the driver may be unable to avoid hazards and may lose control of the vehicle completely.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an RV or Motorhome Accident
Many RV accidents are caused by other reckless or negligent drivers. They can also result from manufacturing defects and other causes. If you have been involved in an RV or motorhome crash, it is important to determine quickly what caused the accident and who is responsible for your injuries. Whether the cause was the negligence of another driver, mechanical failure, or a poorly designed roadway, you need a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights.
At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, our Orange County auto accident lawyers have won hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our firm was founded in 1974 – we have more than 40 years of experience. Call us (949) 752-7474 for dedicated legal representation after a serious RV/motorhome accident.
Call (888) 752-7474, or send over our free case
review form, even if you're not sure. We're here to help.
You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.
