California Auto and Car Accident Lawyers | Sacramento Injury Attorneys | Demas & Rosenthal

 

Sacramento RV Accident Lawyers 

Recreational vehicles (commonly referred to as RVs or motor homes) are great for cross country getaways, camping trips or visiting relatives who don't have a guest room. However, with all of the advantages and freedom having an RV allows, there is a tremendous amount of accountability, attention to detail and personal responsibility which comes with owning, maintaining and operating an RV. Sacramento RV accident lawyers understand that accidents involving RVs are often quite serious due to the sheer size of the vehicle. Additionally, Sacramento RV accident lawyers understand that the cause of an RV accident could be a result of negligence on the part of the driver with regards to vehicle loading, maximum weight capacity and tire upkeep. If you find yourself the victim of an accident involving an RV and you suspect that failure to heed safety measures was the cause, it is important to consult with a qualified team of Sacramento RV accident lawyers as quickly as possible. 

While investigating the cause of a motor vehicle accident involving an RV, Sacramento RV accident lawyers will examine the police reports, any evidence at the scene and eye witness testimony to determine if failure to account for load weight came into play as a cause of the accident.  The Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation has compiled data which suggests that approx. 51% of RVs currently on the road fail to comply with more than one safety rating with exceeding maximum load rates as one of the more common violations.  Failure to consider the tire load rating for an RV can have catastrophic results and could be the cause of a serious accident.

Tire load rating will be one of the many variables that Sacramento RV accident lawyers will investigate while trying to determine the cause of an accident.  Tire load rating refers to the correct inflation pressure the vehicle’s tires should be maintained at according to weight being hauled. RV owner manuals come with a table of the different tire load ratings for various load weights. Additionally, the load should be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the RV to prevent added weight, and subsequent pressure on just two of the vehicle’s tires.  Failure to do so, or overloading an RV beyond its maximum capacity could lead to a tire blow out, brake failure or difficulty steering and maneuvering the vehicle; all common cause of serious motor vehicle accidents.

Overloading, although a common cause, is not the only major factor which contributes to the number of RV accidents on the road.  Failure to adapt driving style to the size and weight of the vehicle, or failure to pay attention while driving is also a common cause.  Additionally, failure to pay attention to height clearance or to take into account the car being towed behind the RV is also a common cause of RV accidents. Because RVs handle much differently, have larger blind spots and are more difficult to maneuver, special care and consideration must be taken while driving to avoid an accident.

Sacramento RV accident lawyers can aid in helping a victim to recover any expenses lost as a result of an RV accident in which the cause was owner negligence or carelessness, as well as possibly recovering damages for mental anguish, trauma and pain or suffering.