Lake Charles RV & Trailer Accident Lawyer

Lake Charles RV & Trailer Accident Attorney

RVs and trailers are common sights on the roadways throughout Lake Charles. This is especially common near the highway system, along lakeside routes, and on roads leading out of Southwest Louisiana. These vehicles offer freedom and mobility, but can quickly become dangerous if something goes wrong. If you or someone you love was injured in an RV accident or trailer accident, you need a Lake Charles RV & trailer accident lawyer to help you seek compensation.

About Cox Law Firm

Cox Law Firm has proudly served the people of Lake Charles and communities throughout Louisiana for decades. The Cox Law Firm opened its doors in 1969 when brothers James and William Cox decided to challenge powerful entities against people harmed through negligence.

Today, Cox Law Firm stands out as a leader in complex litigation throughout the nation. Our attorneys provide more than 135 years of collective experience and work together to achieve meaningful recovery for our clients.

Although our offices are located in the historic Wachsen-Williams House at 723 Broad Street, we’ve never lost touch with the Lake Charles community. We regularly visit the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse for our work, located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.

Why RV and Trailer Accidents Can Be Dangerous

The weight of RVs and trailers affects how they drive. RVs and trailers require more stopping distance while making wider turns. Their limited visibility leads to more swaying on the road. Each of these factors can contribute to catastrophic injury when an accident occurs. If a trailer jackknifes, pulls away from the truck, or fishtails, other drivers have little time to react.

RVs and trailers often collide with other vehicles in Lake Charles and nearby communities on: 

• Highways
• Rural roads
• Routes to campgrounds
• Marinas
• Vacation spots

Wind, inclement weather, uneven pavement, and congestion can increase risk. In any accident involving an RV or trailer, the risk of serious injury is higher because these vehicles’ size means that crashes are less likely to be minor.

Large truck-related traffic accidents claimed 5,472 lives in 2023. This represented an 8% drop from 5,969 in 2022. In Louisiana, there were 755 total fatal road crashes in 2023, and in 2022, there were 107 fatal large truck crashes in the state.

Common Causes of RV and Trailer Accidents

Most RV and trailer accidents are caused by the vehicle’s handling, not drivers purposefully driving recklessly or carelessly. Many people fail to remember the way fully loaded trailers drive in comparison to regular passenger vehicles. Some common causes of these accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Improper loading
• Uneven weight distribution
• Tire blowouts
• Trailer sway
• Wide turns
• Driver error due to lack of experience

These accidents can cause rollovers, multi-car pileups, or road-blocking collisions. Part of building your RV accident claim includes determining how the accident happened. Often, there isn’t a single mistake that causes these accidents, but a series of events that lead to catastrophic failure.

The Impact of RV and Trailer Accidents

Traumatic injuries caused by RV and trailer accidents can change your life forever. They can result in serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
• Concussions
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Loss of mobility

Recovery from an accident involving an RV or trailer can take months or years. It isn’t just the physical injuries you’ll have to deal with after an accident. These accidents produce mental distress for victims along with financial loss and significant disruptions to their everyday lives. A Lake Charles RV & trailer accident attorney can help you recover these losses.

Hire an RV & Trailer Accident Lawyer

When you’ve been injured in an accident involving an RV or trailer, you need an attorney who understands how these vehicles work and the kinds of dangers they present. Investigations in these cases typically involve detailed examinations of the operation, maintenance, and cargo at the time of the accident. Due to these nuances, it’s important to hire an RV & trailer accident lawyer.

At Cox Law Firm, our years of litigation experience mean we go to trial prepared. Our firm has built a reputation for thorough case preparation and pursuing those responsible when preventable errors lead to your injuries. Our team consists of multiple attorneys who collaborate to exchange ideas and develop powerful strategies for individual cases.

FAQs

Who Can Be Held Responsible in an RV or Trailer Accident?

Liability for an accident involving an RV or trailer can fall on a variety of parties depending on the circumstances of the crash, including:

• The driver operating the RV
• The trailer owner
• A company responsible for vehicle maintenance
• A careless driver who led to the accident
• Cargo loaders who improperly load trailers
• Manufacturers of defective equipment

Are RV Accident Claims Handled Differently Than Standard Car Accident Claims?

RV accident claims are handled differently from standard car accident claims. RV claims can be more complicated. Damages may be higher, insurance policies can be more complex, and there may even be specific safety concerns related to RVs or trailers. The size of the vehicle involved, how it was being used, and how the crash occurred can impact your claim.

What Should I Do After Being Injured in an RV or Trailer Crash?

After being injured in an RV or trailer accident, get medical attention, even if you believe that you haven’t been injured. Take photographs of the accident scene, get the names and contact information of witnesses, and preserve any physical evidence. The origin of many RV and trailer collisions lies in multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause.

What Factors Influence the Timeline for an RV or Trailer Claim?

How long an RV accident claim can take depends on several things. This includes the severity of the injuries, how long recovery takes, and how willing everyone is to work together. Some accident claims can settle quickly if both parties are willing to negotiate. However, they can take much longer if there are disagreements. It is always beneficial to give yourself enough time to understand all of your medical needs, future restrictions, and financial losses before settling.

Contact Cox Law Firm Today

If you have been injured in an accident involving an RV or a trailer, an attorney at Cox Law Firm can help you seek full compensation. We understand trailer accident laws and can help you build a strong case. Contact us today for a consultation.