Recreational vehicles are a common sight on the roads of North Mississippi, as they provide a popular means of traveling to campgrounds, lakes, state and national parks, and other attractions throughout the southern United States. Unfortunately, Mississippi’s lack of an open container law and the unique circumstances surrounding most RV outings – namely, that RV occupants are usually traveling or on vacation – mean these vehicles present a heightened level of risk for impaired driving and a greater likelihood of accidents.
If you suffered injuries in an accident because an RV operator was impaired by alcohol, you may be entitled to compensation for the resulting injuries and losses. The attorneys at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman are ready to help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
What Vehicles Are Considered Recreational Vehicles?
The category of recreational vehicles covers a wide range of motorized and towable vehicles used for travel and leisure. While motor homes are the most recognizable, several other types of vehicles fall into this category, including:
- Motor homes
- Camper vans
- Towable travel trailers
- Fifth wheels
- Side-by-sides
- Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Pop-up campers
- Toy haulers
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving RV Accident?
While an impaired driver is usually the primary liable party in a drunk driving RV accident, liability can extend to other parties. Because RVs can be owned, rented, or operated by multiple parties, several individuals or entities may share legal responsibility for a crash, depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The RV’s owner, if they allowed an intoxicated person to drive
- A rental company that failed to check the driver’s qualifications or history
- An employer, if the RV was being used for work-related purposes
Your drunk driving accident injury lawyer can review the details of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue claims against each one to maximize the compensation available to you.
Common Injuries in RV Accidents
An RV accident presents unique dangers because of the vehicle’s size, high center of gravity, and the fact that many passengers may not be restrained or seated while traveling. Additionally, the interior of an RV often contains furniture, appliances, and loose objects that can become dangerous projectiles in a collision.
As a result, these crashes often cause serious and sometimes unusual injuries compared to typical car accidents. Common injuries in RV accidents include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns from fires or fuel leaks
- Deep lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Facial fractures and dental trauma
- Amputations or crush-related limb injuries
- Emotional and psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Are Your Rights as an RV Passenger in a Drunk Driving Crash?
Injured RV passengers have the same right to pursue compensation as any other accident victim. Whether the impaired driver was operating the RV itself or another vehicle involved in the crash, you may be able to bring a claim against the responsible parties for the resulting financial and personal harm.
If the RV driver was intoxicated, you can file a claim against their insurance policy. If another driver caused the crash, their insurer may be liable. In some cases, both may share responsibility. Additionally, if the RV was rented or borrowed, you might have a claim against the vehicle’s owner or rental company. An attorney can help you understand and protect these rights.
Compensation Available in an RV Drunk Driving Injury Claim
Victims of drunk driving RV accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and their impact on their lives. You can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Recoverable compensation may address:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization costs
- Surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages, including diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of personal items
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of quality and enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for a spouse or family member
The amount of compensation available depends on many factors, including the extent of your injuries, your long-term prospects for making a full physical recovery, the available insurance coverage, and whether multiple parties share liability for the accident. Your lawyer will make sure your claim accounts for the full scope of your losses.
How a North Mississippi RV Accident Attorney Can Help You
Trying to handle a drunk driving RV accident claim on your own can be complicated, especially when multiple parties or insurance companies are involved. A North Mississippi RV accident attorney from Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman can manage every aspect of your case and give you the ability to focus on healing. We will:
- Investigate the cause of the crash and gather evidence of impairment
- Identify all responsible parties and potential sources of compensation
- Work with accident reconstruction and medical experts to prepare a robust claim
- Calculate the full extent of your financial and personal losses
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary
Keep in mind that strict time limits apply to personal injury claims in Mississippi. In most cases, you have just three years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your RV drunk driving accident injuries. Acting quickly allows us to gather and preserve evidence, locate witnesses, consult with experts, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Contact an RV Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
The period after a drunk driving-related RV crash can be chaotic and confusing. Rather than stressing about how you’ll prepare a claim on your own, reach out to the team at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for support. Our firm has assisted injured people in North Mississippi since 1932 and recovered millions for our deserving clients. Contact us right away to meet with a recreational vehicle drunk driving accident attorney, and pay nothing unless and until we recover compensation for you.
