Recreational vehicles (RV) are an increasingly popular way for people to travel around the country. There has been a huge increase in RV ownership since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people looking for new ways to travel without the high prices of hotels or the inconveniences of traditional travel. However, RV Injuries can occur in the link of an eye when operating, using, or working on your RV. Read more about common RV injuries here.
- Over 25 million Americans take RV trips every year
- There are about 75,000 hospitalizations each year related to RV injuries.
- On average, there are approximately 26 deaths each year from RV-related injuries. The most common cause of death is from RV-passenger vehicle accidents.
- Trailer sway causes around 500,000 RV accidents each year.
Most Recreational Vehicles (RV) are safe when used properly. RVs are made up of many individual components and accessories. However, a few of these RV products are not properly designed or have inadequate warnings. Poorly designed accessories such as swinging railings and collapsable steps have resulted in needless injuries. RV and trailer parts under significant pressure, such as a sway hitch or weight distribution hitch, have also caused significant injuries.
There have been lawsuits against RV companies regarding defective brakes, engines, chassis, electrical and even water systems. There have also been several recent lawsuits filed regarding serious injuries from sway bar towing systems.
Goldenberg Lauricella is currently investigating and litigating serious injury claims against RV or trailer hitch manufacturers. This includes the Blue Ox SwayPro trailer hitch system. The issue with this system is with the hooking and unhooking of the trailer with a supplied wrench. Tension can build up in the rotating latches and cause the wrench to over rotate suddenly when the locking pin is released. This causes the wrench to violently rotate into the face or head of the operator, producing serious injury.
- The most common RV Injuries include:
- Fractures
- Facial injuries; and
- Fire related burns