Travel Trailer Causes Chain-Reaction Crash in Sacramento
A crash during the morning hours in Sacramento on October 1 close to the P Street off-ramp on the Capital City Freeway southbound was caused by a driver in a 30-foot travel trailer. A representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the driver of the travel trailer crashed into a sedan from the rear. This resulted in a chain-reaction accident that involved five vehicles. The travel trailer driver said they were unfamiliar with the area’s traffic patterns.
Minor Injury in Accident
One individual involved in the crash was reported as suffering minor injuries, and emergency responders had to remove that person from their vehicle. The CHP is in charge of an investigation into the travel trailer accident to determine why and how it occurred. It was determined by the police that neither drugs nor alcohol contributed to the crash.
Further Details of the Accident
Lanes heading southbound on the freeway were slowed due to the accident as far as Exposition Boulevard. Several of the involved vehicles had to be removed by tow trucks.
Travel Trailer Accidents
RV accidents are more common than most people realize. Drivers are required to have a special license in California if the travel trailer weighs more than 26,000 pounds and is over 40-feet long. This is called a Class B driver’s license. This is different than the Class A commercial driver’s license, which allows the driver to operate a semitrailer or large truck of the same class. Training can involve classroom and behind-the-wheel education. Part of the problem is the many hazards a tractor-trailer driver faces:
- RVs are longer than passenger vehicles: If your RV is longer than 40 feet, only certain roads can be used. If you must leave the specified highways for food, gas, or a place to stay, you are allowed to be only one mile away. You are permitted to drive on most interstate highways and state routes. Caltrans provides a list of any roads that are not permitted.
- Height: Since RVs are higher than most passenger vehicles, it is important to know about height clearances. This is especially true for bridges, gas stations, and when tree branches overhang the road. Most RV manufacturers will post the maximum height for a vehicle.
- Braking: Braking is different when driving an RV. Since they are heavier, they require a longer braking distance to stop. Brake fade is another problem. This happens when the brakes are overused or over-heated. If the brakes are defective, it is possible to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
- Lower Maneuverability: The maneuverability of an RV makes it harder to drive. Some moves that a driver can make in a passenger vehicle are not safe in an RV.
- Inclement weather: In some cases, an RV has a better track record in bad weather than smaller cars and trucks due to its weight. However, if an RV is stuck in the snow, it may be harder to move. That is why trips should be planned ahead of time with an emphasis on upcoming weather conditions.
- Speed: It is recommended to drive an RV slower than you would a passenger vehicle. It is important to remember this when several drivers are coming up behind your vehicle.
- Towing a passenger vehicle: Many people tow a passenger vehicle behind their RV. Your RV must be able to handle the extra weight.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
If you are in an accident with a travel trailer, it is important to retain an experienced attorney. At our law firm, we have handled many such accidents successfully. We initially send our investigative team to the site of the accident, where they look for evidence of negligence on the part of the at-fault driver by interviewing witnesses and obtaining video recordings of the accident from traffic lights. We also review police reports for inaccuracy. Once this data is accumulated, we send it to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case in your favor. If the accident was due to a lack of proper signage, we can file a claim against the governmental agency in charge of road maintenance.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When negligence caused your accident injuries, you can claim fair compensation to pay your medical bills and other expenses. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 or through (800) 404-5400 if you are phoning long-distance for free and friendly advice. An online contact form is also available at AutoAccident.com.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/rv-camper-night-camping-adventure-2788677/
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