RV (Recreational Vehicle) Accidents

As a popular destination for travelers nationwide and throughout the state, as well as residents who like the mobility of a house on wheels, recreational vehicles (RVs) are prevalent around South Florida. Unfortunately, these vehicles are big, and when they are involved in a collision, they can cause significant injuries. Often, RV accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence, either because they are not proficient in operating such a large, bulky truck or because of distractions on the road. The Miami RV accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist victims of truck accidents with pursuing the compensation that they need to aid in their recovery. The team represent people throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida, who are bringing claims against negligent parties responsible for their injuries.

RVs, also known as motor homes and fifth wheels, are basically the size of typical 18-wheeler trucks. However, RV drivers do not need to meet the same requirements regarding licensing, training, and other safety precautions that drivers of other semi-trucks must go through, even though the challenges faced by RV drivers are the same. Typically, interstate commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to certain regulations set by federal and state authorities regarding mandatory vehicle maintenance, inspections, and commercial driving licenses, as well as imposing restrictions on drivers, such as allowable time spent on the road per day or week. Since recreational vehicle drivers do not have such guidelines to follow, they are more likely to be unable to control their vehicles in certain situations, and serious accidents can result. An RV accident attorney can help Miami residents bring a claim when this happens. Some common causes of RV collisions include:

• Misgauging the vehicle’s turning radius and striking another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist
• Improper lane changes leading to sideswiping accidents
• Driver fatigue
• Improperly securing cargo or equipment to an RV’s roof or back

An RV’s parts are also likely to fall into disrepair, especially after traveling long distances without being checked. Tire pressure may drop due to heavy loads and wear, factoring into the ability of a driver to control the RV.

Drivers of RVs have the same duty of care as any other motorist on the road. All road users must act in a safe manner while operating their vehicles. The legal standard for this duty requires actions that a reasonable and prudent person would take if confronted with the circumstances at hand. A driver is negligent when they breach that duty, causing injuries to a victim that result in damages. An RV driver who drives for extended periods of time without rest and strikes another vehicle after falling asleep, or who is distracted by their phone, may be found negligent. If liability is shown, a victim may recover compensation for property loss, past and future medical costs, income loss, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering damages.

When an RV accident results in a fatality, certain family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death case against the negligent party to seek funds for burial or funeral expenses, as well as loss of consortium. In Florida, family members have two years from the date of a decedent’s death in which to file a claim, and other victims must file their personal injury actions within four years from the date of the injury.

The aftermath of a serious RV accident can be a chaotic and emotional time. The motor vehicle collisions at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offer knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance and representation to victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the surrounding areas who are trying to cope with their recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an RV, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Miami RV accident attorney and find out more about how we can help.