Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Recreational vehicles allow people the freedom to explore the countryside in a comfortable setting, but when they are not handled properly, they can result in disastrous injuries and damages. In most instances, a recreational vehicle accident will not happen unless one or more parties acted negligently. If you were involved in a recreational vehicle accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the owner or driver of the recreational vehicle for any harm that you sustained. Pursuing damages following an accident involving a recreational vehicle can be complicated, and you should retain an experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyer to handle your case. Collectively, the attorneys of Peter Thompson and Associates have over 60 years’ experience representing New Hampshire residents in cases arising out of recreational vehicle accidents. We have the knowledge and skill needed to help you develop strong arguments that will provide you with a good chance of a favorable result under the facts of your case.

Recreational vehicles include mobile homes, trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers. While recreational vehicles vary in size, most are far larger than a standard car. Under New Hampshire law, a commercial driver’s license is required for vehicles or trailers and towing units with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds. In most instances, even the largest recreational vehicles are less than 26,000 pounds. As a result, a special license is typically not needed to operate a recreational vehicle. Since no special training or license is needed to operate recreational vehicles, and the vehicles are very large and unwieldy, it is not uncommon for recreational vehicles to be involved in accidents. An accident can occur when the driver of a recreational vehicle fails to ensure proper clearance before changing lanes and sideswipes a car, or does not anticipate the amount of time needed to stop and collides with the vehicle that the recreational vehicle is following.

In the New Hampshire courts, most car accident cases set forth a negligence theory of liability. To successfully prove negligence, you must show that another party owed you a duty, which was breached. You must also show that the breach caused the accident to occur and that you suffered actual harm due to the accident. While in many cases involving recreational vehicle accidents, it is alleged that driver negligence caused the accident to occur, additional parties may be negligent as well. For example, if an issue such as defective brakes or bald tires caused the accident, an entity tasked with maintaining and inspecting the vehicle may be at fault. Additionally, if the recreational vehicle was rented from a third party, the third party may be liable for negligent entrustment. An experienced car accident attorney can analyze the facts surrounding your accident and assist you in identifying any party that may be liable for your harm.

Accidents involving recreational vehicles often involve significant property damage and devastating injuries. If you were involved in an accident with a recreational vehicle, you may be able to recover a variety of damages, including the cost to repair any damage to your vehicle. You may also be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment for injuries that you suffered due to the accident and the cost of any treatment that you may need for your injuries in the future. If your injuries kept you from working, you may be owed lost wages. In addition to compensation for the economic harm that you sustained due to the accident, you may be able to recover damages for any pain and suffering that you experienced due to the accident. It is important to consult an experienced car accident attorney in a timely manner, since a lawsuit to recover damages must be filed within three years of the accident.

Accidents involving recreational vehicles can lead to life-altering injuries. If you were involved in an accident with a recreational vehicle, you should consult a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options for establishing liability and securing compensation. The attorneys of Peter Thompson and Associates pride themselves on providing skillful and aggressive representation to people harmed by another person’s negligence. Our skill in handling New Hampshire car accident cases has allowed us to maintain a record of successful outcomes and favorable verdicts. Our offices are in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, and we assist injured victims throughout the state. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or through the online form to schedule a meeting.