Recreational vehicle use, including RVs, travel trailers, ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and boats, is a common pastime in Southaven and Hernando, Mississippi. Unfortunately, injuries involving these recreational vehicles are also common, necessitating victims to file insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits to recover the compensation they need for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
A key step in seeking the compensation you need after a recreational vehicle accident is working with a skilled lawyer who understands the ins and outs of Mississippi recreational vehicle law. Contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for a free consultation with one of our experienced recreational vehicle lawyers about your case.
Mississippi Recreational Vehicle Regulations
The regulations covering recreational vehicle ownership and use differ depending on the type of vehicle. For example, RVs, travel trailers, and boats must be titled and registered, but off-road vehicles like ATVs, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides do not have the same requirements. Owners can voluntarily title off-road vehicles.
To operate a personal watercraft or motorboat, anyone born after June 30, 1980, must have passed a boating education course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Operators must also be at least 12 years old to operate a watercraft without an adult 21 or older.
MS Code Section 63-31-3 covers the regulations for operating ATVs and other off-road vehicles on public land, including state parks. These vehicles cannot be driven on public roads or highways. Operators must have a valid driver’s license or a certificate showing that they passed an off-road vehicle safety course, and all operators under 16 must wear a crash helmet.
Insurance Requirements
In Mississippi, there are no insurance requirements for specific types of recreational vehicles. However, RVs must have the same minimum liability insurance coverage as other passenger vehicles:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Other types of recreational vehicles, like off-road vehicles and boats, do not have state-mandated insurance requirements. However, insurance may be required to use or store these vehicles in certain areas. For example, a marina may require proof of insurance to store a boat.
Common Causes of Recreational Vehicle Accidents
Recreational vehicle accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of these accidents in Mississippi include:
- Operator Inexperience: Many recreational vehicle operators do not have adequate training, which can contribute to accidents. For example, driving an RV or towing a camper trailer doesn’t require an additional driver’s license classification, which can result in drivers without experience handling large vehicles or towing trailers. Driver’s licenses and completion of off-road safety courses are also not required for operating off-road vehicles on private property.
- Speeding: Excessive speed on trails, highways, or lakes is a major contributing factor to many recreational vehicle accidents.
- Operating While Impaired: MS Code Section 63-11-30 makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance. MS Code Section 59-23-7 also specifies that it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance. Operating a vehicle while impaired reduces reaction times and makes accidents more likely.
- Mechanical Failure: Defective or poorly maintained vehicle parts can contribute to accidents, such as dirt bike brake failures or motorboat engine fires.
Liability in Recreational Vehicle Accidents
Determining liability in a recreational vehicle accident is crucial for recovering the compensation you deserve. Both vehicle operators and passengers can seek compensation through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Parties that could be liable for your injuries include:
- Operator Negligence: If you are the passenger in or on a recreational vehicle, the operator could be liable for your injuries if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Property Owner Negligence: Private property owners may be liable for injuries to off-road vehicle operators and passengers if hazardous property conditions contributed to the accident.
- Rental Company Negligence: If you rented a recreational vehicle from a rental company, it could be liable for your injuries if it failed to maintain the vehicle properly or provide you with adequate training to safely operate the vehicle.
- Vehicle Manufacturer Negligence: Product defects can leave recreational vehicle manufacturers open to liability for resulting injuries.
Safety Tips for Operators and Passengers
Recreational vehicle operators and passengers should follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of serious injury:
- Stick to designated trails and waterways
- Avoid operating a vehicle while impaired
- Follow posted road, trail, and waterway speed limits
- Wear protective gear, such as helmets, when riding off-road vehicles, even if you are 16 or older
- Complete the required safety courses for your vehicle type
How to Seek Compensation After a Northern Mississippi Recreational Vehicle Accident
The first option when seeking compensation after a Northern Mississippi recreational vehicle accident is typically to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s liability insurance. This could be the auto insurance of an RV driver, the homeowner’s insurance of a property owner, or the boat or off-road vehicle insurance of a vehicle owner or rental company.
If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance covering the accident or their insurance policy caps prevent you from recovering the full compensation you need, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
For a successful claim or lawsuit, you must provide evidence proving that the at-fault party’s actions contributed to your injuries. You can do this by presenting photo and video evidence, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and medical records. An experienced lawyer can assist you with seeking damages through both insurance claims and injury lawsuits.
Contact Our Southaven & Hernando, MS Recreational Vehicle Lawyers
Were you injured in a recreational vehicle accident in Southaven or Hernando, MS? Contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for a free consultation with an experienced member of our team. Our firm has been providing injured Mississippi residents with comprehensive legal support since 1932. We provide the personalized attention your case needs and will help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman helps those who have suffered a personal injury throughout Northern Mississippi, including the cities of Southaven and Hernando, as well as the counties of DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica.
