Rear end collisions are the most frequently occurring car accident in the United States. There are about 1.7 million incidents a year, which equates to about one every eight seconds. Dallas/Fort Worth is no exception to this statistic as we too are also subject to high number of rear end collisions.
As stressful as any car accident is, RV owners are well aware that any damage to a trailer can become significantly more complicated, nerve-racking, and expensive. While we like to think positively that we will be able to avoid any sort of road accident big or miniscule, a rear end collision is statistically more likely to occur to your RV than any other accident, and therefore deserves discussion. Many things are out of motorists’ hands regarding repairing an accident, but here are some tips on three actions to take before bringing your RV in for repairs to limit damage:
Cover the Damaged Area
It’s no secret that repairs for RVs tend to take some time, and unfortunately rear end collision are no different. That’s why it is crucial that you cover the damaged area as soon as possible following the accident. Covering the area will help prevent further damage to the frame, as well as help prevent the dreaded delamination of your RV. Delamination is one of the biggest fears for RV owners – one that can lead to extremely expensive repairs. We highly recommend using gorilla tape and plastic, which you can find in a number of accessible stores in the Dallas/Forth Worth area including Target, Wal-Mart, Michaels, and West Marine. This is a relatively simple action, and one that can help prevent expensive damage while waiting for your RV to be repaired.
Check the Interior
After you have covered the damaged area, the next step is to check the interior of your RV. First, you should take notice if there are any cracks to the interior wall. A crack in the wall is usually a red flag for a possible bigger issue with your trailer, including the risk of delamination. So, identifying any cracks is imperative regarding repairs or claims for insurance. As we said in our earlier blog, RV Delamination – Stop your RV Cracks in their Tracks, you may not want or be able to repair a crack at home. While these repairs can become very pricey, spotting and repairing them will help prevent further damage to your RV. You should also check to see if any cabinets are out of alignment. Realigning cabinets are a relatively easier fix, usually repaired by new latches or catches. Remember: checking and photographing any damage will help the insurance procedure go more smoothly, so we highly recommend you thoroughly inspect the interior for any damage after a rear ending collision.
And lastly…
Check your Hitch
The hitch may be an overlooked area when it comes to a rear end collision with your trailer; however, it is an area that can be greatly affected by the accident. A hitch actually lessens the damage of a rear end collision to the towing vehicle; however, that means the hitch is absorbing the force of the rear end collision. Therefore, if your hitch is absorbing an accident of great force, it is in risk of being damaged. It’s important to see if there are any signs of bent metal or mounting bolts, as that would mean that you would need a replacement. Your insurance should be able to cover it, and needless to say, a functional hitch is beyond important for traveling safely and effectively.
We know how difficult any accident can be. Call us or click on the link below to schedule an appointment and let our experienced workers effectively repair any rear ending collision damage you may have incurred. Remember, repairing any cracks immediately is HIGHLY important, especially to prevent delamination. So DO NOT DELAY.