RV & Trailer Attorney In Hattiesburg
RVs and trailers are popular in Mississippi. RVs are large motorhomes that can haul a small trailer or vehicle. Trailers are similar, but they hitch to a pickup truck instead of having their own motor. However, an average-sized RV poses unique hazards on the road. Most are heavier than cars and often tip over when another vehicle strikes the side. If you drive in Mississippi, hire a Hattiesburg RV & trailer accident lawyer if you’re involved in an accident with one of these vehicles.
Why Hire an RV and Trailer Accident Lawyer?
When you are involved in an accident with an RV or trailer, hire an RV and trailer accident lawyer from WaideLaw. The benefits include using a local Hattiesburg attorney who knows how to address your RV & trailer accident case. They can investigate what happened, compile a case for you, and advocate for all you deserve.
Accidents with large, heavy vehicles, like RVs and trailers, mean you are likely to have suffered a life-altering injury. The legal issues are not as simple. Injuries change a person’s ability to work and live independently. Even with a spouse to help, the impact on the family finances is significant.
Mississippi Regulatory Laws for RVs & Trailers
Mississippi allows people to live in an RV or trailer permanently if the landowner where the unit is parked grants permission, such as the Evergreen RV Park. RVs and trailer campers also create opportunities for families and individuals to camp, or they can travel across the U.S. and bordering countries. RVs and trailers can hold from 2 to 10 passengers.
Mississippi requires RV owners to carry liability insurance, while trailers are generally covered by the towing vehicle. RVs cannot be longer than 45 feet or taller than 13.5 feet. Safety chains are mandatory on all trailers when driven over 20 mph. One can hitch together more than one trailer in Mississippi as long as the total length does not exceed 75 feet.
RVs and camper trailers frequently drive on major highways or the state’s network of rural roadways. 66% of Mississippi vehicle accident fatalities occur on rural roads. Rural roads are often two lanes, and drivers tend to pass another vehicle on the right or by driving into the oncoming lane. Many rural roads also feature sharp curves and narrow shoulders.
When drivers are on vacation, they may be sleepy or distracted at the wheel. Many may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Mississippi law defines intoxication as a blood alcohol level of .08 for adults and .02 for minor drivers under 21 years. Keep in mind that RV or trailer drivers may be from another state, celebrating when on vacation.
When driving an RV, even one jerk of the wheel can easily tip it over. With a trailer, one sudden jerk or stop can easily cause it to flip, detach, and collide with other vehicles. RVs often have passengers who are not properly belted into a seat, making an accident extremely deadly. Residents of Mississippi should consider hiring a local Hattiesburg RV & trailer accident attorney from WaideLaw. We can provide legal representation for an RV or trailer accident case.
RV & Trailer Accident Compensation in Mississippi
RV and trailer accident laws in Mississippi include a compensation provision called contributory negligence. In Mississippi, if you share fault with another driver or drivers, contributory negligence means you can only collect damages and compensation for the percentage you were not at fault. The police accident report is based on the officer’s investigation, so it is frequently used to assign a fault percentage to each driver involved.
When involved in an accident with an RV or trailer, get medical attention as soon as possible, and be sure to keep records of all appointments, procedures, and prescriptions. Take pictures of the crash scene if possible. Make sure the police accident report is filed promptly, and obtain a copy. Many states allow you to download a report online. Find a reliable and capable attorney, and schedule an initial consultation with them to discuss your RV accident case.
FAQs
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer After an RV or Trailer Accident in Mississippi?
Yes, it is worth getting a lawyer after an RV or trailer accident in Mississippi, especially when substantial property damage or any injuries occur. RV and trailer accidents often involve multiple vehicle owners, along with differing insurance and safety requirements. Your attorney can:
- Provide legal input and guidance.
- Gather evidence to support your case and reduce your fault percentage.
- Determine whether Mississippi traffic laws were followed.
- Find out whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How Much Are Most RV or Trailer Accident Settlements?
How much most RV or trailer accident settlements are worth cannot help you estimate your case’s value. A settlement depends on:
- The severity of the accident
- Whether there were any fatalities
- The extent of a victim’s injuries
If a person is permanently injured, the settlement increases based on the medical costs and lost earning capacity. In Mississippi, the amount of a settlement is reduced by the percentage you were at fault, regardless of whether you were injured.
What Is the Negligence Rule in Mississippi?
The negligence rule in Mississippi is contributory negligence. The law applies to all personal injury cases, including all vehicle accidents and premises liability claims. A percentage of fault is assigned to each vehicle in an accident. It is based on the police investigation or report, witness testimony, and data analysis. Consider hiring a local RV and trailer accident attorney experienced with Mississippi law for optimum results.
How Many Years After an Accident Can Someone Claim for Injury in Mississippi?
You have 3 years to make a personal injury claim after an accident in Mississippi. Failure to file within 3 years typically results in dismissal of the case. The same applies to property damage claims. There may be exceptions to the law if:
- The injured party was a minor.
- A person suffered a brain injury that left them mentally incapacitated.
- The injury was not discovered on the day of the accident.
Consult Hattiesburg’s RV & Trailer Accident Lawyer at WaideLaw
When you need a local Hattiesburg RV & trailer accident attorney, consider the experienced and ethical lawyer at WaideLaw. Our firm can be your dedicated allies, fighting for your rights and interests, including fair compensation. WaideLaw is part of the Hattiesburg community as a business, but our attorney is also an avid supporter of local sports teams, health improvement initiatives, and public safety projects. Contact us today to learn more about your case.
