Injured in a RV Accident?

RV Accidents Attorney in Eau Claire, River Falls & La Crosse, WI

Spring and summer are peak camping seasons, and recreational vehicles are a popular way for travelers to enjoy camping at the extensive parks and campgrounds in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Whether it’s a motorhome, travel trailer, or camper, RVs bring comfort and mobility to the open road. Unfortunately, they also present unique risks that can result in devastating accidents. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, you need Bye, Goff & Rohde on your side.

Founded in 1974, our law firm has represented RV accident victims throughout Wisconsin for decades. Our RV accident attorneys are based in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, and we are prepared to protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and guide you through the legal process. Serious injuries need serious lawyers, which is why our law firm is here.

Why RV Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents

Recreational vehicle accidents are not the same as ordinary car crashes. Our attorneys consider the design of these vehicles and the practical challenges of operating them as we delve into your accident case.

The Size, Weight, and Blind Spots on RVs

The sheer size and weight of recreational vehicles make them more dangerous when collisions occur. RVs are harder to maneuver, take longer to stop, and have large blind spots that increase the likelihood of crashes with smaller vehicles. In addition, many drivers who rent or own RVs have little to no training on how to safely operate them, which means a split-second mistake can lead to life-changing injuries. 

RVs Contain Other Potential Hazards

The size of an RV isn’t the only difference from passenger cars. Since these vehicles are designed for long journeys, RVs often contain propane tanks, electrical systems, and household equipment. The presence of these items can increase the severity of an accident, especially if a fire or explosion occurs. These complexities make RV accidents more challenging to investigate, requiring a law firm with knowledge of both motor vehicle law and the specific issues surrounding recreational vehicles.

Common Causes of RV Accidents in Wisconsin

Accidents involving RVs can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of RV crashes our Wisconsin law firm has seen include the following:

• Driver Error – While operating an RV, new or inexperienced drivers may underestimate how much space they need to turn, how quickly the RV can stop, or how the added weight of passengers and cargo affects handling such a large vehicle.
• Distracted Driving – Anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road or takes their hands off the wheel is a major danger. This includes texting while driving, looking up directions, or sightseeing and rubbernecking while the vehicle is in motion.
• Drunk or Intoxicated Driving – Sadly, some RV accidents happen when people on road trips decide to drink and drive or use narcotics while driving. They put their lives, their passengers’ lives, and the lives of others on the road in danger.
• Driver Fatigue – Long RV trips and hours spent behind the wheel increase the risk of driver fatigue or falling asleep while on the road.
• Mechanical Failure – All kinds of defects and mechanical failures play a significant role in crashes. Tire blowouts, faulty brakes, and improper hitch connections between trailers and towing vehicles can cause catastrophic crashes. 
• Poor Weather – Bad weather in Wisconsin is another contributing factor in crashes since it can affect traction and handling. Rain and wind can be bad in summertime, and there’s a danger of snow, ice, and heavy rains for people traveling in their RVs in the fall or wintertime.
• Poor Road Conditions – Road conditions in and around rural or natural areas where people tend to camp Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse can become hazardous, making it even more difficult for an RV to stay under control. Local road authorities in those areas could be held liable for a crash.

Types of RV Accidents We Handle

Our law firm represents clients in a wide range of RV accident scenarios. These include: 

• Collisions between RVs and passenger vehicles
• Rollovers caused by sharp turns or loss of control
• Crashes resulting from detached trailers
• Accidents involving rental RVs where the driver lacked experience or training
• Cases involving defective RV parts that caused equipment failure

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we also handle incidents where RVs hit pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists, as well as situations where improperly loaded cargo contributed to instability and tipping. Each of these cases presents its own challenges, and our attorneys know how to build a strong claim no matter how the accident occurred.

Injuries Resulting from RV Accidents

Because RVs are larger and heavier than most vehicles on the road, accidents involving them often result in serious and sometimes permanent injuries. Victims may suffer from the following kinds of physical trauma:

• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Second- and third-degree burns
• Loss of limbs
• Internal organ damage

In many RV accident cases, recovery is long and costly. Survivors in these crashes may require surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. 

RV Accidents Can Also Affect Mental Health and Finances

Beyond physical injuries, many victims in RV accidents also experience emotional trauma and financial hardship from lost wages and mounting medical bills. When a loved one is killed in an RV accident, surviving family members may face not only grief but also the challenge of pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Our experienced Wisconsin RV accident attorneys fight to recover compensation that covers your economic and non-economic losses. This ensures that victims and their families receive justice and restitution.

What You Should Do After Getting Into an RV Accident

After an RV accident in Wisconsin, it is critical to act quickly to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde recommend these steps after an RV crash.

1. Check for any injuries if you are able to do so. Be sure to call 911 so local authorities can respond to the scene of the accident, file an official incident report, and administer emergency care as needed.
2. Document the accident site so you have pictures and video of the damage. Take shots from multiple angles. You should also get the contact and insurance information from others involved in the collision and any witnesses who are at the scene of the crash.
3. Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some health conditions, such as internal bleeding or injuries to your internal organs, may not appear immediately but can become life-threatening.
4. Once medical care has been secured, it is important to consult an experienced RV accident attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies will often reach out quickly, attempting to minimize payouts or push you into a settlement that is far less than what you deserve. Having legal representation ensures that you do not sign away your rights and that your claim is supported by thorough evidence.

The Legal Process After an RV Accident

The Wisconsin RV accident attorneys of Bye, Goff & Rohde will begin by conducting a detailed investigation into the accident. We will gather and review police reports, medical records, and witness statements. When necessary, our lawyers will also consult with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze why the crash occurred and any contributing factors. We also examine the RV itself to determine whether defective parts or mechanical failures played a role in the accident.

Once our lawyers have built a strong foundation of evidence, we negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide reasonable compensation, Bye, Goff & Rohde is fully prepared to take the case to court and present your claim before a jury.

Wisconsin Laws That Affect RV Accident Cases

Numerous Wisconsin state laws could affect how your RV accident claim is handled. We can discuss them in more detail during a free case review, but our lawyers wanted to highlight some key filing deadlines, matters related to partial fault, and complexities in your insurance coverage.

The Deadline to File an RV Accident Lawsuit in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of the RV accident to file a personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one in a fatal RV crash, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim.

Missing these statutes of limitations can bar you from recovering anything. This is why prompt legal action is essential, and it’s best to speak with our Wisconsin RV accident attorneys as soon as possible.

You Can Still Receive Damages If You Are Partly at Fault in a Crash

The state of Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you receive $1,000,000 in an RV accident lawsuit and are found to be 10% at fault, you will still be able to receive $900,000 in damages.

Insurance Coverage for RV Accidents Can Complicate Matters

Insurance coverage for RV accidents can also be complicated. Some RVs are covered under auto insurance policies, while others may have separate RV-specific coverage. Rental RVs often have additional layers of insurance and liability, which can affect who is ultimately responsible for damages.

The attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde understand how to navigate these issues and ensure that every available source of compensation is pursued.

How Bye, Goff & Rohde Helps Victims of RV Accidents

After an RV accident, your focus should be on healing and rebuilding your life, not battling with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys.

Bye, Goff & Rohde takes on the burden of handling every legal detail for you. From the moment you contact us, we provide compassionate support and straightforward guidance. We communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf, prepare all necessary legal documents, and keep you updated at every stage of the case. 

Local Experience Matters in RV Accidents Near Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse

Hiring a law firm that understands Wisconsin communities like Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse gives you an advantage in your RV accident claim.

Serving Wisconsin for over five decades, Bye, Goff & Rohde is familiar with local highways, interstates, and rural roads where many RV accidents occur. We understand the impact that Wisconsin’s changing weather has on driving conditions, and we know how local courts operate when handling these sorts of claims. This local knowledge allows us to represent clients more effectively and to anticipate challenges that national law firms and outside attorneys might overlook. 

Damages After an RV Accident

Following an RV accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and any future medical care as a result of the collision. Families who lost a loved one in an RV accident may also pursue damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other losses associated with wrongful death.

When you work with Bye, Goff & Rohde, our lawyers will make sure you understand the true value of your claim, and we’ll fight for fair compensation every step of the way. This is one of the reasons we’ve been Wisconsin’s personal injury powerhouse for over 50 years.

How Long Will My RV Accident Case Take?

While some RV accident cases settle in a matter of months, others may take much longer, especially if the insurance company refuses to cooperate. Our attorneys work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while never sacrificing the quality of the outcome.

Contact Our RV Accidents Law Firm in Wisconsin Today! 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an RV accident in Eau Claire, River Falls, or La Crosse, Bye, Goff & Rohde is here to help. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with experienced RV accident attorneys near you, contact our Wisconsin law offices today.