Driving your RV gives you a freedom that nothing else compares to. The road ahead is yours, and you can go anywhere your RV will take you.
But when you end up in an accident in your motorhome, it can be extra stressful.
After Traffic Accident With Your RV: 9 Things to Do
As long as you follow these 9 tips, though, you can make the process easier and get back to your trip fast.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Before you do anything else, “safety first.” Make sure you and your passengers are safe and unharmed. You must get the RV out of the way of other vehicles or you could end up causing even more damage. However, try not to move anyone seriously injured unless it’s absolutely necessary.
2. Move the RV and Check On Everyone Else
Get your RV off of the road and onto the shoulder where it can’t be hit by oncoming cars. Then, you can climb out and check on people in the other cars involved in the crash. If you can offer assistance, do so, but never move anyone seriously injured unless you have to.
3. Call for Help
By now, someone may have already called for emergency help, but it doesn’t hurt for you to do so, just in case. In many areas, this means dialing 911. However, any law enforcement agency can alert first responders.
4. Safely Wait for Help
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, turn your hazard lights on and stay out of the way of other vehicles. You may want to stand in the road and direct traffic, but that’s a job best left to the professionals.
5. Get and Share Your Contact Info
When law enforcement officers arrive, they’re going to have lots of questions. Give your statement, then write down all the contact info and insurance info of the other parties involved in the crash. Don’t expect this all to be on the police report. It could take a while to get your copy. In the meantime, you may need the info to take to your car accident lawyer.
6. Collect Documentation
In addition to the contact and insurance info, you can collect other documentation, too. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, damage to your car or personal injuries, and damage to the other vehicle. Get the names and contact info to any witnesses.
7. Call Your Insurance Company
In many cases, you only have 24 to 48 hours to notify your insurance company before they can deny coverage for your damage. Some insurance companies allow up to 30 days, but this varies. To be on the safe side, call your insurance agent as soon as you safely can.
8. Start the Claims Process
The sooner you file your claim, the faster your damage can be fixed. Talk to your insurance agent and an auto attorney if there are injuries.
9. Get Your RV and Injuries Fixed
The final part is to get the damage done from the accident corrected by a professional. This includes both your RV’s damage and your bodily injuries. Head to the hospital for a thorough inspection because many injuries don’t show up right away. They’ll point you in the right direction to get any problems taken care of.
Then, make sure you use a reputable motorhome car repair shop to get your vehicle’s damages corrected so you can get back to your travels safely.