Rise in RV Rentals During COVID-19 Could Cause More Accidents
Amid the coronavirus, many RV (Recreation Vehicle) companies are seeing spikes in sales and rentals. Recreational vehicles include camper vans, fifth wheels, motor homes, and toy haulers. Families are looking for ways to travel and get outside, and RVs seem to be the safest choice during this pandemic. According to the Chicago Tribune, reservations for RVs climbed by 331% since April. With an increase of RVs on the road, though, there is a higher chance of getting into an accident. In 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 75,000 people sustained injuries due to an RV Accident.
It’s important to be aware of some of the leading causes of RV accidents so you can practice caution on the road, especially if you come into contact with any RVs.
RV Accident Causes:
Speeding
An RV is much heavier than a regular car, which makes it more difficult to stop abruptly. At fast speeds, you may also not be able to brake in time. It is never a good idea to go faster than the speed limit.
High Winds
As RVs are now being made to be lighter weight and more cost efficient, there is a chance they could flip over. It is important to keep you stabilizing jacks down when parked. Sideway winds are the most dangerous.
Tired Drivers
According to AAA, tired drivers are more dangerous than drunk drivers in any vehicle. It is important to get a good night’s sleep before heading off on a long trip and limit the amount of driving time. Also, don’t travel at times when you’d usually be sleeping.
Overloaded RVs
If your RV is overloaded in an accident, it could possibly be deemed your fault. Overloading an RV is against the law. You need to review your insurance policy and find out the acceptable weight for your RV. You can weigh your RV at certain truck stops.
Unevenly Loaded RVs
For obvious reasons, an unevenly loaded RV can be very dangerous. If driving, you will notice a pull in one direction if your vehicle weight is uneven. It is important to fix this issue, as it can also lead to a tire blowout.
Detached Trailer
If you are pulling a car or trailer, you need to make sure it is properly attached to the hitch. If the towing hitch fails, this could be a major disaster for those in your vehicle as well as nearby vehicles.
Rollover
Based on the structure of an RV, they are more prone to rollover than a normal passenger vehicle. Most often, distracted drivers and speeding are the causes of these types of accidents.
Miscalculated Turns
Hitting a curb in a RV is quite different than in your standard car due to the size. When you are taking wide turns, it is important to stay in your own lane.
Miscalculated Stops
Due to the heavier weight and size, it will take a while longer to stop than a regular car. You always need to be on the lookout for other vehicles so you have plenty of time to brake if needed. Getting your brakes checked before a long trip is also important. Also, allow plenty of room between your vehicle and others.
RV Blind Spots
Due to the large size, it is highly recommended to find an RV that has backup cameras. Changing lanes can also be a challenge because there are more blind spots then in a smaller vehicle.
Helping Clients Heal After Car Accidents
It takes a knowledgeable and experienced accident attorney to understand all of the rules and regulations that apply to RV vehicles. At Sam C. Mitchell & Associates, our personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations for those who are injured, and you pay us only if we succeed in getting you compensation. We understand that most people don’t plan to get injured in an accident and aren’t able to afford their medical bills, property damage, and other damages. Our legal team has a firm understanding of the law and can pursue the compensation you deserve from those who were negligent. Whether you have mounting bills from hospital stays, surgeries, ambulance rides, and physical therapy costs, or you’ve had to miss weeks or months of work, we’re able to help you cover the costs so you can move forward with the healing process.
Contact Sam C. Mitchell & Associates online or by phone at 618-932-2772 for a free consultation to discuss your case if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Our auto accident attorneys have helped countless clients who have been injured as a result of distracted driving, drunk driving, and other human errors.
Resources: http://blog.quickrvinsurancequotes.com/top-10-causes-rv-accidents/