Texas RV Accident Lawyer

Texas RV Accident Attorney

Have You Been In an RV Accident In Texas?

A recreational vehicle (RV) is a motor vehicle, or a trailer, that includes living space. Many people use them to travel across the country, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit various needs and tastes. Unfortunately, RVs are often involved in accidents on Texas roadways, resulting in severe injuries and even death. At the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Texas RV accident lawyer is here to help you when you have suffered injuries in an accident involving an RV. Call us today at (713) 535-7051.

Types of RV’s

There are three main types of RV’s, with each type having different categories.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are part living quarters, and part motor vehicle. They are not towed, but are self-propelled. Motorhomes have three classes, A class, B class, and C class.

• A Class: An A class motorhome is the biggest of the big. They can be as long as 45 feet, and some even sleep up to 10 people. While motorhomes can be the pinnacle in luxury, they can also be quite expensive, and only get 8-10 miles per gallon.
• B Class: B class motorhomes are smaller than A or C class. Built on the same chassis used for vans, they are often called camper vans. They are generally only big enough for one, possibly two, people.
• C Class: C class motorhomes are middle of the road in size, smaller than the A class but larger than the B class. They are built on a truck chassis and can typically sleep between 4-8 people.

Trailers

Trailers are small homes that are able to be towed behind another vehicle that has the required towing capacity. Many people prefer trailers because once they arrive at the place where they are setting up camp, they can unhook the trailer and their motor vehicle is free to be driven around. A trailer eliminates the need to have an additional vehicle to be used for driving once camp has been established.

There are several categories of trailers:

• Fifth-Wheels: Fifth-wheels are towed by pickup trucks via their fifth-wheel hitch, which extends over the bed of the pickup truck. These types of trailers can be spacious and are generally stable to tow.
• Travel Trailers: Small travel trailers can be towed by SUVs, while larger travel trailers are typically towed by a truck. Travel trailers are a more economical option for families.
• Toy Haulers: A toy hauler is very similar to a travel trailer, but there is a ramp on the back that can be folded down and a toy, such as a motorcycle, golf cart, or ATV, placed into the back of the trailer.
• Pop-Up Trailers: Pop-up trailers have canvas walls that can be raised and lowered. They are typically small and lightweight.

Truck Campers

A truck camper is a small compact living space designed to fit perfectly in the back of a pickup truck. The campers can be slid into place in the truck bed. Truck campers are a great option for solo travelers, as they can go, and stay, anywhere that is able to be reached by a pickup truck.

Causes of Accidents Involving RVs

RV’s are a popular choice for travelers, but driving and towing these vehicles does not come without its fair share of dangers. There are a few factors that our Texas RV accident lawyer has seen contribute to accidents involving RVs.

Driver Fatigue

RVs are used by many people to travel cross-country. While they are a relatively inexpensive travel option, long hours on the road often leads to driver fatigue. A tired driver is a dangerous driver, especially when they are responsible for such heavy machinery that dwarfs passenger vehicles. Driving an RV takes focus and mental clarity, and when a driver is not able to operate the vehicle in a safe manner, they should pull over and rest. Our Texas RV accident lawyer has seen too many accidents that could have been prevented had the driver taken the time to get adequate sleep.

Trailer Sway

HIgh winds are often unpredictable, and when they come in contact with an RV, they can cause it to go into a neighboring lane and hit other vehicles. RVs are large and heavy, and can cause extensive damage when they collide with smaller vehicles, although lighter RVs are more likely to be affected by trailer sway and pushed out of their lane. There is also the chance that a driver will try to maneuver in such a way as to offset the sway caused by high winds, and in reality they overcorrect, sometimes leading to the RV being flipped. If the RV is being towed, the towing vehicle may flip, as well.

Trailer sway can also occur when two trailers are passing by one another on the highway. A vacuum is formed, causing the vehicles to collide.

Driver Error

Driver error is a common cause of RV accidents for several different reasons. Many RV drivers are older people who have retired and are spending their golden years traveling and seeing the country. While this is a wonderful way to spend a much-deserved retirement, the age of these drivers does affect their ability to safely operate such a large vehicle. Senior drivers are more likely to have weak vision as well as a delayed response to an emergency situation.

RVs are large vehicles, much longer and wider than standard passenger vehicles. Because of their size, they have significant blind spots which affect the ability of their driver to see other objects located around the RV.

Confer With a Texas RV Accident Lawyer at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm

A Texas RV accident lawyer at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will be able to provide you with unparalleled representation when you have suffered injuries in an accident with an RV. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation. You may reach us by calling (713) 535-7051 or via our contact page.