What to Do After an RV Accident

Nobody wants to be involved in an RV accident. Several elements make a camper accident more frightening than a standard car or truck. First, any motorhome collision likely pits your larger recreational vehicle against a smaller car, putting the other party in a position for more severe injury. In addition, you could potentially have people hanging out in the back during a camper accident, putting them at risk for additional injury. 

Hopefully, this is a scenario you never experienced, but do you know what to do after an RV accident? In this article, we cover the most common causes of camper accidents and the first things you should do after a motorhome collision. 

Most Common Causes of Camper Accidents

Anything can cause a motorhome collision. Accidents happen, and sometimes they’re beyond our control. However, we can do our best to prevent them by engaging in certain driving behaviors and avoiding others. The following section highlights the most common causes of camper accidents: 

• No Driving Experience. Unfortunately, most states don’t vet RV drivers for special licenses like they do for commercial trucks. However, this doesn’t excuse inexperience behind the wheel. Make sure you, or whoever else is driving, have plenty of practice before driving any considerable distance. 

• Poor Packing. If your RV is loaded down too heavily on one side or it’s over its load limit, your chances of an accident are much higher. Poor weight distribution puts strain on one side, causing a loss of control or traction. 

• High Winds. Remember, your RV has a broadside. This means there’s a lot of area for wind resistance, causing your RV to sway much easier than a regular car. Take this into account while driving and avoid overcorrecting. 

What to Do After an RV Accident: Step-by-Step

The following list gives you the standard procedure for what to do after an RV accident: 

• Check Yourself and Passengers. Make sure that all of your passengers are secure and nobody is hurt. This includes any buckled-up passengers or anyone housed in the back. 
• Secure Cargo. Before moving the RV, ensure that any interior or exterior cargo is secure so it doesn’t fall on someone or another car when you attempt to pull over. 
• Pull Over. If possible, move your RV to the side of the road. If you’re unable to, light road flares or use traffic cones to alert oncoming traffic of the accident. 
• Call 911. Contact emergency services and notify them of the motorhome collision. 
• Check On Other Driver and Exchange Info. Exit your RV and check on the driver of the other vehicle. Exchange information with them. Get their phone number, address, name, and a copy of their insurance card. Take a picture of it with your cell phone. 
• Photos. Take photos of the scene and damage. This includes damage to your RV and the other driver’s car. 
• Contact RV Towing and Repair. Contact an RV towing and repair company. Your insurance company can help you make arrangements to repair the damage, get a replacement vehicle, and more. 

Contact the Leader for RV Repair in Columbus

If you’ve been in an RV accident in Columbus or the surrounding areas, contact Byers Collision Center for service. We’ll provide you with a free estimate and work directly with your insurance company if you prefer. Our team can handle all cosmetic and mechanical repairs inside and out, and get your RV back in like-new shape so you can get back to the things that matter most.