Michigan’s highways, scenic routes, and campgrounds make it a top destination for RV and camper travel. But when a crash happens, the consequences can be devastating. These vehicles are large, difficult to maneuver, and often lack the same safety features found in standard passenger cars. Whether the collision involves a motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel, the injuries are often serious and the legal process is rarely simple.
At The Clark Law Office, we help RV accident victims and their families navigate the confusion that follows a crash. If you were injured in an accident involving a camper, motor coach, or RV, you do not have to figure everything out alone. We provide experienced guidance in serious recreational vehicle injury cases and fight to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
What Counts as an RV or Camper in Michigan?
Recreational vehicles (RVs) and campers come in many shapes and sizes, and Michigan law does not treat them all the same. Understanding what qualifies as an RV or camper is the first step toward determining insurance coverage, legal responsibilities, and potential liability after a crash.
In Michigan, common RV classifications include:
These vehicles are often insured differently than cars or motorcycles. Some policies cover the motorhome as a vehicle, while others treat it more like a residence. This distinction can affect your ability to file a claim or receive compensation after an accident.
Common Causes of RV and Camper Accidents
RVs and campers are larger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver than standard vehicles. Their size, combined with limited visibility and long braking distances, makes them especially prone to crashes on highways, backroads, and campground access roads. These accidents can involve the RV itself or other vehicles affected by its movement, blind spots, or mechanical issues.
Some of the most frequent causes include driver inexperience, overloaded trailers, equipment failures, and poorly secured cargo. In Michigan, weather conditions and rural terrain can further increase the risk of rollovers and jackknife crashes, especially when RVs share roads with smaller vehicles or commercial trucks.
📊 Table 1: Leading Causes of RV and Camper Crashes
Who Is Liable After an RV Crash in Michigan?
Liability in an RV or camper accident depends on the specific facts of the crash. Unlike standard car wrecks, these cases often involve a mix of private drivers, commercial operators, manufacturers, and even campground or park property owners. The unique nature of RVs adds complexity to determining who is legally responsible and what insurance policies may apply.
In some situations, the driver of the RV may be at fault due to distracted driving, speeding, or poor judgment. But in other cases, a service shop may have failed to maintain the brakes properly, or a dealership may have sold a vehicle with a known defect. Accidents can also be caused by other motorists who fail to respect an RV’s turning radius or stopping distance.
📊 Table 2: Who Can Be Held Responsible After an RV Crash
Unique Legal Challenges in RV Accident Cases
RV and camper crashes often involve complications that do not arise in typical auto accidents. One of the biggest legal challenges is figuring out which insurance policies apply. RVs can be covered under personal auto policies, commercial fleet policies, or even homeowner’s policies in some cases. Coverage limits, exclusions, and policy language can all affect your ability to recover compensation.
Jurisdiction is another common hurdle. RVs are used for interstate travel, and accidents may occur far from the owner’s home state. This raises questions about where a lawsuit should be filed and which state’s laws apply. Additionally, RVs may be leased, rented, or part of a shared ownership program, further complicating liability and claims.
Because of their size and weight, RVs can cause catastrophic damage when involved in a crash. That often leads to multiple injured parties and competing claims, especially in multi-vehicle collisions or campground accidents. Navigating these issues requires an attorney familiar with the legal, mechanical, and insurance aspects of recreational vehicle crashes.
Common Injuries in RV and Camper Accidents
RV and camper crashes often result in serious injuries, not just to those inside the vehicle but also to others involved. Because RVs are larger and heavier than standard vehicles, the force of impact can be much greater. Passengers may be thrown, pinned, or struck by unsecured objects inside the RV. Occupants of smaller cars involved in the crash often bear the brunt of the damage, especially in underride scenarios or when an RV tips over.
Some injuries require emergency care, hospitalization, or long-term rehabilitation. Understanding the most common types of trauma in these cases is important for calculating damages and proving the full extent of harm.
📊 Table 3: Common Injuries from RV and Camper Accidents
Professional Tip: Injuries in RV accidents are often underestimated at the scene. Seek immediate medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor some internal injuries or concussions may not appear until hours later.
Can You Sue the RV Manufacturer or Dealer?
Not all RV accidents are caused by driver error or poor road conditions. In some cases, the manufacturer or dealer of the RV may be legally responsible. Product liability claims can arise when a defect in design, assembly, or materials causes or contributes to a crash or injury. This includes everything from faulty brakes and steering systems to electrical issues and fire hazards inside the cabin.
Dealers can also be held liable if they knowingly sold a defective RV, failed to perform proper inspections, or made unsafe modifications before the sale. These cases require technical investigation and often rely on expert testimony to prove the defect and link it to the injury.
Some common examples of manufacturer or dealer negligence include:
Professional Tip: If your RV accident involved a mechanical issue, preserve the vehicle and any maintenance records. Don’t make repairs until a qualified attorney and expert can inspect the RV for evidence of a defect.
What to Do After an RV or Camper Accident
The moments after an RV accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. Whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, or struck by a large camper on the road, taking the right steps early can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here is what to do if you’re involved in an RV or camper crash in Michigan:
Professional Tip: Many RV accident victims lose valuable evidence by waiting too long to act. Contacting a lawyer right away can ensure key details are preserved, especially in cases involving rental RVs, mechanical defects, or multiple jurisdictions.
Why Legal Help Matters in Complex RV Cases
RV and camper accidents often involve higher stakes than typical vehicle collisions. These vehicles are larger, more complex, and sometimes subject to a different set of rules under Michigan law. Victims are frequently dealing with serious injuries, out-of-state drivers, commercial rentals, or defective equipment. Untangling liability, insurance coverage, and legal responsibility requires a lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present.
At The Clark Law Office, we bring decades of experience handling complicated vehicle accidents across Michigan. We don’t hand your case off to an assistant or case manager. You will work directly with an attorney who knows how to investigate RV crashes, uncover hidden insurance policies, and build strong legal claims. Whether you were hit by a reckless RV driver, injured by a defective camper part, or hurt while vacationing in Michigan, we’re here to help you make sense of your legal options.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your RV or camper accident case. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV and Camper Accidents in Michigan
