RV Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

RV Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has many attractions to offer for RV owners.  These places all offer scenic vistas, and are hotspots for thousands of tourists each year. For example, Los Angeles has Griffith Observatory, Angeles National Forest, Malibu Beach RV park, Joshua Tree National Park,  and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Center that offer great destinations to visit if one is doing a cross country or a California trip with their RV.

RVs offer a great way to get around the state, without having to worry about any hotel or Airbnb costs. But, it takes a skilled and experienced driver to get behind the wheel of an RV. They do not require a commercial driver’s license, but blind spots are much bigger in an RV than for a regular-sized vehicle. The number one cause of RV accidents in Los Angeles is inexperienced drivers. 

Drivers who are driving an RV for the first time may not exactly know how to maneuver through Los Angeles stop-and-go traffic, making accidents very common.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an RV accident in Los Angeles, call our top-rated lawyers to schedule a case evaluation and review your specific circumstances. During this case evaluation, our attorneys will ask several questions to determine who the responsible parties may be. With an RV, there may be several responsible parties, so it is very important that you have an attorney who has represented RV accident victims in the past. Our Los Angeles accident attorneys know what it takes to make sure that you get top-rated legal care. Call us today for more information. 

With many jobs now going remote and allowing employees to work essentially from anywhere, recreational vehicles and motorhomes are at an all-time high in sales. Recreational vehicles are also known as single trailers and even a semi-truck. However, RV accidents are still a growing problem and obligation in Los Angeles.

What Are the Different Types of RVs?

When people hear the term “RV” (recreational vehicle), many immediately picture a large motorhome cruising down the highway. However, the world of RVs is much more diverse than that! There are several types of RVs designed to cater to different needs, preferences, and travel styles.

1. Motorhomes

Motorhomes are what most people envision when they think of an RV. These vehicles are essentially homes on wheels, complete with a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. They come in three classes:

• Class A: The largest and most luxurious, offering the most space and amenities. These are perfect for long-term travel or full-time RV living.
• Class B: Also known as camper vans, these are smaller and more maneuverable but still offer essential comforts.
• Class C: A mid-sized option, often with a recognizable over-cab sleeping area, providing a balance between space and drivability.

For a more in-depth look at motorhomes and their growing popularity, check out this ABC7 article on the rise of RV road trips.

2. Fifth Wheel Trailers

Fifth wheel trailers are large towable RVs that attach to a pickup truck via a special hitch in the truck bed. This design allows for better stability while towing and creates a spacious interior, often including multiple slide-outs for added room. These trailers are ideal for families or travelers who want extra space but don’t want to drive a full motorhome.

Fifth wheels often provide more luxury features at a lower cost compared to motorhomes, making them a popular choice among long-term RVers. If you’re curious about the towing capacity required for fifth wheels, here’s a Fox11 report discussing RV towing tips.

3. Travel Trailers

Travel trailers, also known as camping trailers or caravans, are among the most versatile RVs. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small teardrop trailers perfect for couples or solo travelers to large family-sized models with multiple bedrooms. These RVs are towed by a vehicle with a traditional ball hitch, offering flexibility in both the size of the trailer and the tow vehicle.

For tips on travel trailer camping and how to make the most of your adventures, this NBC LA piece on camping trends offers some great insights.

4. Truck Campers

Truck campers are compact units that fit into the bed of a pickup truck. Despite their smaller size, they offer all the essential amenities for camping or road trips, including a bed, kitchenette, and sometimes even a bathroom. Truck campers are perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy off-roading or exploring remote areas, as their smaller size allows them to go places larger RVs can’t.

Looking for more information about the best off-road spots for truck campers? Check out this Fox11 article on hidden gems for RVers.

5. Converted Buses and Vans

Some people take DIY RVing to the next level by converting buses or vans into custom RVs. These conversions range from simple, budget-friendly builds to luxury mobile homes on wheels. Van life, in particular, has exploded in popularity in recent years, as it offers a minimalist, flexible way to travel and live on the road.

Wondering if van life is right for you? Take a look at this ABC7 article covering the van life movement and its appeal to younger generations.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of RV for beginners?

A: For beginners, travel trailers or Class C motorhomes are often the easiest to manage. Travel trailers are versatile, and Class C motorhomes offer a good balance between size and ease of driving.

Q: How much does it cost to maintain an RV?

A: Maintenance costs vary depending on the type of RV, but annual upkeep can range from $500 to $2,000. It’s essential to factor in these costs when planning for RV ownership.

What type of compensation could I recover for an RV accident in Los Angeles? 

You could recover a variety of damages in the event that you have been involved in an RV accident in Los Angeles. RV accidents could result in severe injuries, which will require immediate medical attention, and oftentimes, thousands of dollars. 

You could recover various costs like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death

Usually, when filing a lawsuit, many people do not know that they are able to recover all these damages. It takes a highly qualified attorney to make sure that your compensation is accounted for. Unfortunately, sometimes, when filing an insurance claim, the insurance company may try to downplay the amount of damages that you are owed. For example, an insurance company may offer past medical bill compensation, but may not take into consideration any future medical care that you may need from the accident. Our attorneys will help you every step of the way to make sure that you get compensated for the accident.

Why should you hire our Los Angeles RV accident attorneys?

• Our RV accident attorneys have decades of experience representing RV accident victims. Besides RV accidents, we also have experience representing motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, train accidents, bus accidents, etc.
• We have a successful track record, and our award-winning trial attorneys are not afraid of taking your case to court should settlement negotiations not result.
• We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our accident-victim clients.
• We know how stressful it could be to go through an accident, especially an RV accident since your number one priority was to go on vacation and explore. We work with our clients to make sure they get the justice they need.
• We work through a contingency agreement, which means there is no fee unless we win compensation for you.

What are the common causes of RV accidents in Los Angeles?

Besides inexperienced driving, there are also other causes for the accidents including:

• Speeding: RVs can get to a high speed slower than other vehicles, but, many drivers of RVs may have a difficult time coming to a stop or slowing down after traveling at a high rate of speed.
• Drunk driving: RV drivers might drink behind the wheel, which is a dangerous combination, and could lead to severe injuries, especially to other passengers from other vehicles.
• Mechanical failure: mechanical failure is a very common cause of RV accidents. Inexperienced RV owners do not know that they have to take their RV in for regular maintenance. If they fail to do so, mechanical failure could result. There are also several parts that go to an RV, which need constant attention and maintenance.
• Blind spots: the RV driver may not be able to see pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or other vehicles because they may be in the driver’s blind spot. 
• Illegal U-turns: when an RV makes an illegal U-turn, it could pose a safety risk for all vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
• Overloaded RV: when there are several people in the RV, the RV could get overloaded. This then increases the likelihood of a rollover accident. 

What should I do after an RV accident in Los Angeles?

You should take specific steps to make sure that you have exercised all your rights after being involved in an RV accident. For example, you should:

1. Get medical attention. Medical attention is necessary after being involved in an RV accident, especially for other passengers on board. Usually, many people think that they don’t have to wear a seat belt in an RV, which could pose a huge safety risk, and passengers could experience whiplash. 
2. Call the police immediately. The Los Angeles police department usually drafts an incident report that specifies who the parties are, where the accident happened, and the ruled-out cause of the accident. You should call the police officers to be able to get such a report.
3. Take photos of the RV accident location. Usually, RV accidents happen on freeways and highways. Pull over to a safe location and make sure you take photos of the accident.
4. Take down any witness information. 

Los Angeles RV Accident Attorney Near Me

It takes a highly qualified accident attorney to make sure that you get the compensation you need. RV accidents could take place essentially anywhere, and it could include any other vehicle. The best thing you could do for yourself after being involved in such an accident is to make sure that you have a highly-rated accident attorney on your side.

An accident attorney will hold the negligent parties responsible for their injuries, while also making sure that you get the care you need. Our legal team is on standby and ready to help you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.