Omaha RV Accident Lawyers

Representing Omaha RV Accident Victims

Recreational vehicles are a great way to get out and see the country. For many Americans, RVs are a fun, economical, and convenient way to travel. The downside is that large motorhomes require more skill to safely operate than smaller passenger vehicles. Inexperienced RV drivers can put others on the road at risk.

Why Do RVs Pose a Risk for Other Motorists?

Recreational vehicles are large homes on wheels. Massive RVs can weigh up to 30,000 pounds or more dry – without fuel, fluids, cargo, or passengers. In a collision between a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle and an RV, occupants of the smaller vehicle can be seriously injured. An additional risk factor is that RVs do not drive like cars. They accelerate and brake slower and have much larger blind spots.

If you have been injured in a car accident involving a recreational vehicle, speak with an experienced Omaha RV accident attorney. You may have a claim against the RV driver.

What Types of RVs Cause Damage on the Roadways?

RV adventurers have many different models to choose from. Motorists may be at risk from different types of recreational vehicles on the roadway, including:

• Travel trailers: Towable by a variety of vehicles, travel trailers can be used for vacationing or a full time RV lifestyle.
• Fifth wheels: Designed for more stable, easier towing, fifth wheels maximize room for living with space over the cab.
• Class A motorhomes: These motorhomes are some of the largest RVs on the road. Spacious and luxurious, they are designed for long-distance family trips.
• Camper vans: These Class B motorhomes are more compact but still provide a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
• Toy haulers: These vehicles provide RVers with a place to sleep and a way to haul their toys – motorcycles, ATVs, etc.

What About Injured RV Drivers and Passengers?

Not all RV accidents are caused by RV drivers. Drunk, distracted, drowsy, aggressive, or otherwise negligent drivers of smaller passenger vehicles, as well as negligent truckers, can cause collisions involving recreational vehicles. When this occurs, RV drivers and passengers have a right to seek compensation from at-fault drivers. An RV passenger injured in a crash that occurred when someone else was driving may also be entitled to pursue compensation.

Why Are RVs Involved in So Many Accidents?

Large RVs can be more difficult to drive than smaller cars and SUVs. Motorhomes can be harder to control, not only because of their weight, but because of how it is distributed. Longer motorhomes can be difficult to navigate and turn. Inexperienced drivers can hit cars to the sides of the vehicle while executing turns or overestimate breaks in traffic. Heavy recreational vehicles take longer to bring to a full stop than lighter weight vehicles. Most RVs have large blind spots, and drivers can miss other vehicles when changing lanes.

How Is Liability Determined in an RV Crash? What if the RV is a Rental?

Nebraska is not a no-fault state. If a negligent RV driver caused a crash in Omaha, that driver can be held liable for resulting injuries. Under Nebraska’s modified comparative fault rule, each party involved in a motor vehicle accident is assigned a percentage of fault. An injured party can only seek compensation if he or she was less responsible than the other parties(s) involved. An RV rental company can only be held liable for RV accidents if it knowingly rents to an intoxicated, incompetent, reckless, or inadequately licensed driver.

After an RV crash with serious injuries, contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234. Our experienced Omaha auto accident lawyer has the knowledge and skills to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve.