Recreational vehicles and camping trailers are rolling time bombs on the open road; yet, millions of unsuspecting consumers buy them without knowing the severe risk they pose. These vehicles comprise what is known as incomplete, aftermarket or modified vehicles because typically they are designed, assembled and manufactured in at least two separate stages by at least two separate manufacturers.

Many RVs and camping trailers contain design and manufacturing defects that can cause catastrophic injury and death to occupants in a crash because they are modified in ways that make them extremely dangerous, and they are not tested adequately. Because RVs and camping trailers are “homes on wheels,” they also are subject to many non-crash-related dangers not found in other vehicles because they house generators, propane tanks and appliances.

We've Won Millions for Clients in RV Cases

Langdon & Emison has a proven track record of success in RV cases involving defects in the fuel and propane systems, structural problems and other safety defects. Below are some examples of the RV cases we've successfully resolved.

$5 million settlement, Confidential RV Case

A common fuel system defect in RVs pertains to the location of the fuel filler pipe. In many RVs, the fuel filler pipe is routed without protection through the driver compartment. In fact, if you remove an RV’s cup holders, often you will see the fuel filler pipe. RVs are designed and manufactured with the fuel filler pipe directly underneath the driver and within the frontal crush zone of the vehicle, leaving the fuel filler pipe completely exposed and creating a serious risk of post-collision fire.

Confidential RV Explosion Case

In one case involving a woman who was killed in an RV propane explosion, our fire cause and origin expert identified a kinked or crimped propane line and small hole that permitted propane gas to escape into the RV. After finding the source of the explosion, we had to identify why the crimp and hole were created and not remedied during the manufacturing process.

After inspecting the manufacturing plant and deposing several employees, we learned that there were no blueprints for workers to follow when assembling the final-stage RV. Workers building the RVs were paid bonuses for the quantity of vehicles produced, while the quality of work went uninspected. No one at the final-stage manufacturer even attempted an evaluation to prevent injuries or evaluate the RV’s safety.

Carbon Monoxide Defect Case

We represented the survivors of an entire family killed by carbon monoxide in a camping trailer. The family was involved in local auto racing and purchased a combination trailer that both carried the racecar and provided living quarters while at the track. In addition to proving the carbon monoxide defect, we also had to prove that the trailer was not merely a vehicle hauler but also intended to be a camper.

The trailer manufacturer argued that carbon monoxide protections were not required even though the trailer included sleeping and eating quarters. We were able to prove that the trailer was intended for use as a camper and the manufacturer failed to seal out sources of carbon monoxide and provide adequate carbon monoxide warning systems.

If you’ve been involved in an accident involving an RV or camping trailer, contact Langdon & Emison to find out if a defect was responsible. To reach our attorneys, call 800-397-4910 or click on the button below.

RV & Camping Trailer Videos When RVs Explode: A Tragic Accident
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