Recreational vehicles (RVs) offer the freedom to explore the open road while enjoying the comforts of home. However, accidents and collisions involving RVs can be both stressful and legally complex.
Understanding how insurance companies handle RV accidents helps you know what to expect if you’re involved in a collision. It also helps you determine the right insurance coverage to protect yourself and others.
Here are a few things to know about how insurers deal with RV accidents and what to discuss with your Michigan RV accident lawyer at Fieger Law.
Coverage Options for RV Owners
Before exploring the specifics of handling RV accidents, it’s essential to understand the typical coverage options available for RV owners. Common policies include:
Insurance Type | What It Covers |
Liability Coverage | Protects you if you’re at fault for an accident that causes injury or property damage to others. This coverage includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Mandatory in Michigan. |
Collision Coverage | Pays for repairs or replacement of your RV if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This is particularly important for RV owners, as repairs can be costly. |
Comprehensive Coverage | This policy protects your RV from non-collision-related incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. It ensures that you’re covered for a wide range of potential damages. |
To help understand what coverages may apply to you after a crash, contact Fieger Law. Our attorneys can review your plan and that of the at-fault driver to determine what’s covered and help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Filing an RV Insurance Claim
The insurance process after an RV accident can be challenging. However, you can take the following steps for a smoother claim experience:
- Report the Accident Promptly: In Michigan, it’s mandatory to report an accident if it results in at least $1,000 in damages, injury, or death. Contact your insurer to start the claims process, but provide only the necessary details. Timely reporting can prevent delays and ensure you receive the support you need.
- Document Damages and Losses Thoroughly: This is essential for a successful claim. Take clear, detailed photos of all damages to the RV and any other property damaged in the crash (including personal items inside the RV). Keep receipts for repairs and replacements, and maintain records of any medical expenses related to the accident. This evidence will support your claim and help you receive appropriate compensation.
- Understand Coverage Limitations and Exclusions. Familiarize yourself with your policy to know what is and isn’t covered. Many policies have exclusions for wear and tear or specific types of damage, like water damage or mechanical failures. Understanding these limitations will help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises during the claims process.
At Fieger Law, we can help with every aspect of your RV accident case. Our team can help you file a claim with your insurer or another at-fault party. If your crash was caused by malfunctioning equipment inside the RV, like a carbon monoxide detector, we can seek compensation from the manufacturer in a product liability claim.
Common Challenges With RV Insurance Claims
RV owners may encounter several challenges when filing insurance claims for accidents. Our attorneys can represent your interests when dealing with insurers to help you get full compensation:
- Disputes Over Coverage: Insurers may question whether specific damages are covered under your policy. Our attorneys can thoroughly document the incident and review your policy details to resolve these disputes. We keep detailed records and provide the necessary evidence to help support your claim.
- Valuation of Damages: Determining your RV’s value and assessing the extent of the damage can be contentious. Our attorneys work with independent appraisers and repair experts to provide objective assessments that support your claim. We obtain multiple estimates to ensure accuracy and fairness in the valuation process.
- Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, making settlement negotiations challenging. Our attorneys are well-prepared with documentation and litigation experience. We use strong negotiation tactics to reach a settlement based on your damages. If the insurer won’t settle, we can take your case to court to seek a favorable verdict.
Get Qualified Legal Representation for Your RV Accident Case
Dealing with an RV accident can be stressful, but understanding how insurers handle these situations and knowing what steps to take can make the process smoother. To strengthen your compensation claim, consult our attorneys at Fieger Law.
We’ve won millions on behalf of vehicle accident victims nationwide and can use this experience to fight for you. Arrange your free case review today to get the support and guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve.