With camping season in full swing, many people throughout Mississippi are preparing their travel-trailer or RV for family getaways. When a family hooks up a travel-trailer or fifth wheel trailer or packs the RV for a camping trip, it is usually the only time that the driver has been in control of a vehicle that may come close to the length of a tractor-trailer. Although towing a fifth wheel trailer or RV requires very different driving practices and skills than driving a passenger vehicle, no specialized driver’s license or training is required.
When towing an RV or trailer in Mississippi, there are many potential factors that can contribute to a serious RV accident that are not present when driving a passenger vehicle including:
Blind Spots: The length of the vehicle creates larger blind spots and requires increased reliance on mirrors and more care in observing vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Turning Radius: The turning radius on an RV (motorhome) or fifth wheel trailer is much wider so that care is required to avoid hitting other vehicles, bicycles or motorcycles when the rear of the vehicle swings into the next lane during turns.
Decreased Visibility: The reduced visibility when driving an RV can greatly increase the risk of motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents because they can be difficult to see when driving a large RV. If the vehicle does not have backup cameras there may be absolutely no visibility behind the RV or 5th wheel trailer.
Trailer Sway: When pulling a travel-trailer, the sway of the trailer can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which may result in running of the road and being involved in a rollover accident.
Increased Stopping Distance: The increased weight involved with towing a trailer means that the following distance must be increased because there is less time to stop to avoid an RV collision in the event of a road hazard.
Negligence of inexperienced RV drivers or negligence of other drivers may cause Motorhome or fifth wheel trailers accidents. These accidents may also be caused by defective parts or components that may create liability for the manufacturer or retailer of the RV or travel-trailer.
A motorhome or fifth wheel trailer accident may result in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones and fractures as well as other serious injuries or wrongful death. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi RV accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your injuries or loss. The experienced motorhome lawyers at Barrett Law represent those injured in Mississippi trailer accidents with compassion and dedication. We offer a free initial case evaluation so contact us today at (662) 834-2376.