Top Rated Erie, Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle (RV) Accident Attorneys

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Team of Battle-Tested Litigators Possesses the Expertise and Practice to Provide You with the Finest Personal Injury Representation. Jed Dietrich, Esq. will Fight to Obtain the Best Possible Outcome for Your Recreational Vehicle (RV) Collision in Erie, Pennsylvania, Throughout the Keystone State, and Beyond.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) range in size from camping trailers to large luxury units the size of charter buses. These vehicles provide individuals and their families with an excellent way to travel and see the country. Most RVs are much larger than other vehicles, have substantially wider turning radiuses, and do not require any special training to drive. Because of their overall lack of maneuverability and magnitude, these massive vehicles can be dangerous to both occupants and others on the road. This is especially true with Winnebago drivers lacking sufficient experience behind the wheel. Unfortunately, in the event of an accident, campers are capable of causing catastrophic damage. Victims, especially those in smaller passenger vehicles, may suffer devastating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, amputations, burns, whiplash, complete paralysis, or even death. These grave injuries commonly result in long hospital stays, piling medical expenses, intensive physical therapy, and missed time from work.

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our compassionate attorneys realize that no amount of money can heal your pain and suffering. However, reasonable compensation can help you obtain the treatment you need to recover. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has aggressively litigated to get over $175 million in judgments and settlements for injured victims in Erie, Pennsylvania, throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, and beyond. Our select attorneys appreciate the impact your injuries may be having on your entire family. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team will do everything possible to seek justice and ensure that anyone responsible pays for their negligence. Our highly qualified attorneys would be honored to offer you a free claim evaluation. The Dietrich Legal Team’s seasoned litigators are available anytime at 814-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. Our leading lawyers take all claims on a contingency fee basis, so our elite legal counsel is free until we WIN your case.

Under Pennsylvania law, a Class C license allows individuals to operate a single vehicle or any combination of vehicles with a gross weight of not over 26,000 pounds. Consequently, no special license or training is needed to legally operate most recreational vehicles. This does not make the average camper any easier to control, and accidents involving these vehicles often occur for various reasons. By better recognizing the risks that exist with operating RVs, you can proactively protect yourself from collisions. Some of the widespread contributing factors our veteran attorneys frequently witness in accidents involving campers include:

1. Inexperienced Drivers: Operating a Winnebago is vastly different from driving your average car. Most people are not behind the wheel of a recreational vehicle that often and lack the repetition required to master such a huge vehicle.
2. Driver Error: Due to the magnitude, motorhomes require lots of additional space for braking. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the size and weight of their campers can easily misjudge the amount of space needed to stop safely in traffic. They may also take turns too quickly or sideswipe other cars when merging.
3. Distractions Behind the Wheel: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a recent year alone, collisions caused by driving while distracted claimed over 3,140 lives and injured another 424,000 victims. When RV operators choose to take their eyes off the road, the risk of crashing substantially increases.
4. Hazardous Road Conditions: Everyone in Northwestern Pennsylvania knows that the weather conditions can alter rapidly and without warning. Furthermore, with an average yearly snowfall of over 100 inches, Erie, Pennsylvania, is the snowiest town in the Keystone State. Recreational vehicles’ size makes them highly susceptible to inclement weather conditions, especially ice and snow. Even a thin layer of rainwater on the road can decrease the traction of the tire treads enough to cause a hydroplaning accident.
5. RV Manufacturing Defects: After determining that Goodyear tires sold for use on recreational vehicles experienced a high rate of failure, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) forced a recall of over 170,000 tires. Documents uncovered reveal the tire tread can separate from the body and cause drivers to lose control. Even the safest Winnebago operators can suffer devastating accidents when an essential component of their vehicle malfunctions.

Additionally, unlike commercial truckers, whose driving hours and breaks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent fatigue, RV operators are not required to stop and rest. Consequently, fatigue is a prevalent factor in camper collisions, especially for those partaking in long road trips. Novice recreational vehicle drivers who have never driven across the country before may encounter challenging traffic patterns, driving conditions, and unfamiliar terrain.

Whether you are towing a camper or driving a motorhome, it is crucial to understand the basics of safe recreational vehicle operation. Similar to other accidents, negligent driving behaviors play a substantial role in most RV collisions. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s elite attorneys would like to help you feel comfortable behind the wheel and avoid unnecessary accidents. Our battle-tested Winnebago accident lawyers recommend implementing the following practices to reduce your risk of crashing:

1. Know Your Vehicle: Being well-acquainted with your camper’s weight, height, and length can help you better handle and maneuver your vehicle.
2. Plan Your Route: Before hitting the road, plan your trip accordingly. Try to choose routes, rest stops, and gas stations that can accommodate your recreational vehicle. RV trip planning apps, such as RV Trip Wizard, can help ensure you reach your destination safely by locating campgrounds, informing you about construction, and alerting you about potential hazards.
3. Drive at a Reasonable Speed: Taking it slowly, especially when getting used to driving the motorhome, can help you avoid losing control. Also, reduce your speed when driving during adverse road and weather conditions. This will provide you with additional time to scan the road risks and stay clear of any dangers in your path.
4. Avoid Tailgating: Due to the increased stopping distances required for campers, following other vehicles too closely will not give you enough time to react. If a driver in front stops abruptly, it could result in a rear-end collision.
5. Pay Attention: Driving a massive Winnebago is difficult enough without distractions. Being sidetracked by your GPS, smartphone, or even eating could make all the difference between having enough time to respond to a hazardous situation. Please just do whatever it takes to keep your eyes on the road.
6. Drive Defensively: Being adequately prepared for problems that might occur and anticipating possible risks will significantly lower your chances of crashing. You always need to be ready to handle things that are out of your control, like irresponsible motorists or road hazards.

In almost 2.5 decades of fighting for the justice of accident victims, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has tried over 100 lawsuits to verdict. Please call Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of seasoned litigators to schedule your complimentary consultation and case evaluation. Our veteran Erie, Pennsylvania, camper accident lawyers are available 24/7 by calling 814-839-3939 or by filling out our online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 814-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Erie, Pennsylvania. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!