Florida RV accidents can be devastating and deadly. Learn about why they happen so frequently, what you should watch out for on the roads, and what your legal rights are if you are injured in a collision!

Why does Florida have such a high rate of RV accidents?

Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States and in the world. As a part-time home to many senior citizens (“snowbirds”) who travel to enjoy the warmer weather during the winter and spring months, and as the permanent home to vacation spots such as Disney World, Miami, and the Florida Keys, it had approximately 131 million visitors in 2019 alone. Because of this, there are many people who rent, drive, and live in RVs (recreational vehicles) here in Florida, which consequently has more RV accidents than in many other states. The sunshine state is popular amongst visiting and full-time RVers because of its views, camping sites, beautiful beach highways, and because it is one of only three states that offer substantial savings when residency is established.

What factors make RV accidents more likely to occur?

According to one report released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2012, more than 75,000 injuries occurred as a result of RV accidents in the U.S.. Data also found that there are about 26 RV accident deaths every year.

RVs are a popular method of transportation all across North America, but for many reasons, they are at an extremely high risk for accidents.

For one thing, RVs are larger, longer, and higher up than typical passenger vehicles, which means that they are harder to turn and are prone to blind spots, extended braking distance, and lack of maneuverability – all factors that increase the risk of a collision.

The law does not require that drivers receive any special permits or training to drive an RV. That means that inexperienced drivers who are not equipped to handle the unique challenges driving an RV presents are legally able to operate these vehicles as long as they are 21. Inexperienced drivers are not the only problem, though. 10% of RV drivers are senior citizens over the age of 55, and senior drivers generally may experience weakening vision and delayed responses, particularly when operating challenging vehicles like RVs. RVs are used for travel, typically, which means that some accidents may be caused by tired drivers or by overloading the RV past its weight capacity.

Factors that are dangerous for any vehicle, such as speeding, tailgating, or distracted/intoxicated driving, are also factors that contribute to Florida RV accidents.

What are the most common types of Florida RV accidents?

The most common types of Florida RV accidents include:

• Off-tracking, a phenomena where the rear tires follow a different path of the front tires when the RV is rounding a curve. This can cause impact with objects and vehicles on the right-hand side of the RV. Off-tracking happens with every vehicle, but it is much more pronounced in RVs because of the size.
• Rear overhang swing, which occurs when the back axle of the RV swings out in the opposite direction the RV is turning. Both rear overhang swing and off-tracking can be exceptionally dangerous for pedestrians or bikers who are on the inside path of the RV’s turn.
• Rear-ending accidents, which occur because the driver misjudged the stopping distance necessary for the RV to stop safely or because someone cut them off.
• Accidents that occur due to runaway trailers that become unattached from the RV or due to items attached to the RV’s roof or back that are improperly secured
• Driving off of the road or colliding with other vehicles because of an inability to maintain steering control
• Vehicle function failure (tire blowout, mechanical failure, etc.)

What should I do if I get in a Florida RV accident?

Just as you should with any accident, if you are involved in a Florida RV accident, you should immediately seek medical attention (even if you don’t feel hurt at the time – adrenaline could be preventing you from feeling your injuries), contact local law enforcement to take an accident report, and take pictures of the accident scene. The next step is to contact a local personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the insurance claims process.

What are my rights when I’ve been injured in a Florida RV accident?

If you have been injured in a Florida RV accident, you have a legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. Injuries sustained in an RV crash may be extensive and costly. You may have to pay for costs associated with hospitalization, ambulatory care, surgeries, imaging tests, medications, doctor and specialists’ visits, medical devices, and more. If the accident wasn’t your fault or was not completely in your control, insurance should help pay for these costs. Unfortunately, insurance companies will always try to devalue or discredit your claim in order to protect their bottom line. That’s where Florida RV accident injury attorneys at The Florida Law Group can come in and fight for the justice and monetary compensation you deserve.

We can help you determine how much your case is truly worth and then work to ensure you don’t accept a low offer, but truly get the amount you need to heal. To date, our lawyers have recovered over $1 billion dollars for our clients. Our lead attorney, Chris Limberopolous, is a board certified civil trial specialist, a distinction only 1% of lawyers have achieved. Our excellence has earned us national recognition from prestigious legal organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the Trial Lawyer Board of Regents, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, Avvo, the Best Lawyers List, and from media organizations like the Wall Street Journal, Tampa Bay Times, and more. You never pay unless we win! Call today to schedule a free consultation with The Florida Law Group.