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Accident Prevention

Planning Recreational Vehicle Trips This Summer? Stay Safe With These Tips!

June 3, 2018 by opolaw

What’s hotter than a California freeway at five o’clock?

Taking day trips, extended weekends, and vacation excursions in a recreational vehicle, that’s what!

The recreational vehicle industry has enjoyed steady growth since 2012, reaching more than a half-million RV shipments delivered annually. Why? People appreciate having the freedom to traverse the nation while saving money. At the same time, driving an RV is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Although National Highway Safety Administration figures from 2017 predict a slight decrease in traffic fatalities in the California region, a crash doesn’t have to be deadly to have serious repercussions. Numbers from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that fatal California accidents totaled more than $4B in 2015. That doesn’t even touch upon the dollar figure attached to non-fatal occurrences. Any road incident can quickly lead to injuries and lost wages.

Interested in joining the ranks of RV enthusiasts? Fortunately, with a little prevention, you can protect your vehicle investment and your loved ones. Before you rent a motorhome or purchase a new or used model, remember that safety should always come first when it comes to operating recreational vehicles.

Driver Credentials on Hand?

One of the biggest RV challenges is making sure all drivers have proper skills and experience. RVs are notoriously tricky to maneuver, even for seasoned drivers. For that reason, California is clear on its policies on the types of licenses necessary to legally get behind the wheel of an RV.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a Non-Commercial Class B license is needed for a housecar between 40-45 feet, whereas a Non-Commercial Basic Class C license is fine if the housecar is less than 40 feet. Plus, if you’re going to be towing your car behind your RV, you must have a Non-Commercial Class A license that has been properly endorsed.

Confused? It’s okay: The language can be tough to navigate. Like most regulations, your best bet is to talk to someone you trust such as a mechanic or California-based RV dealer. In the meantime, take a walk through this DMV online manual that gives you an extensive look at a wide array of RV types, requirements, and other considerations.

Insurance Up to Par?

Relatively new to the RVing world? First time owning a motorized vehicle or just towing a camper? Call up your favorite auto insurance provider to be sure you’re getting the best policy for your needs. An RV is a sizable financial investment, so don’t skimp on insuring it.

California law requires that all vehicles have liability coverage but consider adding comprehensive, collision, and other insurance types if you have a standalone motorhome. This might be the time to talk to a local insurer rather than just taking whatever you can get online. That way, you can speak one-on-one with someone in your neighborhood while supporting your community’s economy.

Equipment in Tip-Top Shape?

Another way to play it safe when RVing is to get a complete inspection performed before heading out on major trips. If your RV has idled all winter in your garage or outside, it’s ready for a tune-up anyway. Be sure the inspection includes everything from the health of the tires to the security of the hitch. Nothing’s worse than finding out your air conditioning is on the fritz when you’re 500 miles from home!

Of course, you can and should conduct your own inspection of the interior of the RV as well. Spend time cleaning up the space where everyone will live for a few days, a few weeks, or maybe longer. Be sure heavy items aren’t in spots where they could fall or hurt someone.

Test Run Under Your Belt?

As a final suggestion, be sure that your first time going somewhere in your RV isn’t the morning of your excursion up the coast. Take a few test drives just to get a feel for the road. You’ll get the hang of driving an RV soon enough and so will all your passengers.

Ready to engage in a bit of RVing this year? Enjoy the freedom of the open road like a pro. Nothing’s better than making memories that will last long after summer ends.

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury Tagged: Accident Prevention, Driver Safety Tips, Personal Injury, RV Safety, Safety Tips

Driving in “Hollyweed”: On the Road After California’s Marijuana Legalization

April 20, 2018 by opolaw

The back-and-forth about marijuana legalization, in states where it becomes a cause, tends to focus on its positive and negative physical effects for people who use. But whether or not it’s healthy to be high, it’s undeniably a cause for concern when marijuana smokers hit the roads. Just like alcohol, pot can cause impairment in perception and reduced response time, but smoking and driving (as of yet) doesn’t have the same stigma as driving drunk. What can we expect in California, as of pot’s legalization in 2018, when we’re sharing the roads with our friends who may have been sharing a joint?

  1. It’s likely that there will be a slight increase in traffic accidents overall. In states that have recently legalized pot (Colorado, Washington, Oregon), it’s been reported that accident claims went up an average of about 3 percent. Not huge, but measurable.
  2. However, crash fatalities in states that legalized marijuana did not show a statistically significant increase. The increase in collisions that may be attributed to the legal use of pot seem to be primarily smaller altercations that don’t result in deaths.
  3. Crash fatalities in California have risen in recent years and may continue to rise, but authorities actually attribute this to an improving economy. Ken Kolosh, manager of the National Safety Council’s Statistics Department, says that job creation does have one unfortunate side effect: more crashes from more people being out on the roads.
  4. Weed will be hard to regulate on the roads because its effects are still a bit tough to pin down. In Colorado, authorities are having difficulty with marijuana regulation in reference to driving because weed is not nearly as well understood as alcohol, and it’s often altered and “enhanced” with other chemicals.

In California’s legalization experiment, it’s still early days, and too soon to tell what the real immediate or lasting effects of this legislation will be. But one thing is for certain: driving under the influence of any substance is never a good idea. Exercise caution if you’re using and don’t get behind the wheel when you still feel like you’re floating and time is really slow.

And if you’ve unfortunately experienced an accident as a result of someone else’s bad choice in that regard, know that you have options. Make sure you get in touch with your insurance provider and seek out a qualified law firm to explore your legal options. Whether you’re certain you have cause or not, please contact us or give us a call at 800.676.5295 and we’ll be glad to talk you through. We offer a free consultation to new clients to answer any questions and help them determine their options going forward.

 

Posted in: Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, News, News & Resources Tagged: Accident, Accident Prevention, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips, Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents

California Boating Accidents

September 22, 2017 by opolaw

Motor vehicles not only present a convenient way to get from point A to point B; they’re also a means of recreation and a gateway to personal freedom for many. Boats, in particular, often serve as a leisure craft, allowing owners and guests to enjoy days spent cruising nearby waterways. With fantastic weather year-round and abundant water to enjoy in California, boating is a natural pastime.

Like any form of transportation, however, boats can prove hazardous. Accidents can happen, despite safe and responsible behavior, and injury and even death could result. Anything from changing weather conditions to the negligence of other boaters could spell trouble on the water.

[Read more…]

Posted in: Boat and Personal Water Craft Accidents, Personal Injury Tagged: Accident, Accident Prevention, Boat and Personal Water Craft Accidents, Boat Safety, Boating, Boating Accidents, Personal Injury Lawyer, Safety Tips

The Tragic Consequences of Speeding

August 3, 2017 by opolaw

We don’t usually consider that 15 mph could make the difference between walking through the front door or not, but in the early hours of July 4, it made all the difference for two local residents.

As personal injury attorneys, we know this story all too well. For us, every accident is a story, a family, a moment of suffering, and an opportunity for healing. [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, News, News & Resources, Truck Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Accident Attorney Los Angeles, Auto Accident Prevention Tips, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips

Are Social Media Apps Responsible for the Actions of Drivers Using Them?

May 2, 2017 by Greg Owen

Checking your smartphone while driving is tough to resist for many people. Whether it’s to read the latest Twitter feed, see who “liked” a Facebook post or take a photo to share on Snapchat or Instagram, people check their phones constantly. Numerous studies conducted about cell phone usage while driving has shown that it causes distractions and often leads to accidents. And in some states, including California, all hands-on use of cell phones is against the law. California’s new restrictions on cell phone usage took effect in January of this year. [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Case Studies, Motorcycle Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Accident Prevention Tips, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips, Distracted Driving, Driver Safety Tips, Personal Injury Lawyer

3 Major Signs to Stop Driving as a Senior

March 13, 2017 by Greg Owen

Our reflexes and attention span ages as we get older, which can affect our driving. Many seniors are able to drive well into their 80’s and even early 90’s, but certain health conditions can affect a driver’s abilities behind the wheel. If you or a loved one is over the age of 65, it’s important to understand how age and health can alter someone’s judgment on the road. This will allow you to recognize when the time comes to give up the keys for your safety and the safety of others. [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Off-Road Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Safety Tips, Automobile safety technology, Personal Injury Lawyer

Driving Etiquette Rules to Keep Everyone Safe on the Road

March 6, 2017 by Greg Owen

Just as cell phone use at dinner is a major faux pas in terms of table etiquette; there are several driving etiquettes that people often ignore. You should always consider pedestrians, other drivers, cyclists, passengers, and yourself when you start the engine. Your driving habits can either lessen the risk of an auto accident or cause a detrimental outcome to occur.

Practice good manners on the road by adhering to these driving rules. [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Safety Tips, Automobile safety technology, Personal Injury Lawyer

3 Latest Automobile Safety Technologies

February 27, 2017 by Greg Owen

The automobile industry constantly works on innovating new safety features for the latest cars, trucks and motorcycles. With California having 3,176 fatal accidents in 2015, the demand for advanced safety features to lower the risk of auto accidents is on the rise. While airbags and seat belts are necessary for safety, our cars need to be equipped with more features that prevent the collisions that cause injuries and fatalities. [Read more…]

Posted in: Auto Accidents, News & Resources, Personal Injury Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Safety Tips, Automobile safety technology, Personal Injury Lawyer

Avoid Accidents Caused by Sleep Deprivation

February 20, 2017 by Greg Owen

Getting four hours of sleep, versus six hours, could be the difference between life and death on the road. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety completed a study correlating sleep deprivation to traffic accidents and found some eye-opening results.

“Drivers who reported that they usually sleep for 4-5 hours per day had 5.4 times the crash rate of drivers who usually sleep for 7 hours or more daily.” [Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Off-Road Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips, Personal Injury Lawyer

How to Respond to Aggressive Drivers

February 13, 2017 by Greg Owen

Drivers with road rage can make even the most patient and calm people loose their cool. There are aggressive drivers who occasionally put the lives of others and their properties in danger. Your reaction to an aggressive driver is essential for your safety, as well as the safety of other drivers and passengers surrounding you. Here are a few tips for defusing a road rage situation.

[Read more…]

Posted in: Article, Auto Accidents, Off-Road Vehicle Accidents, Truck Accidents Tagged: Accident Prevention, Auto Accidents, Auto Safety Tips, Personal Injury Lawyer
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23822 W. VALENCIA BLVD #303 | VALENCIA, CA 91355 | (661) 799-3899

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The law firm of Owen Patterson & Owen serves people throughout the United States. Locally, the firm serves people in Valencia and throughout Southern California, including Santa Clarita, Newhall, Gorman, Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Calabasas, Northridge, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Encino, San Fernando, Bakersfield, Palmdale, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, Victorville, Barstow, Baker, California City, Canyon Country, Apple Valley, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, El Monte, Pomona, Santa Barbara and all cities within Los Angeles County, Kern County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, as well as the areas known as Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, High Desert, Southern California, Grapevine and the Inland Empire.

Owen, Patterson & Owen, LLP is a limited liability partnership comprised of Susan A. Owen, APLC, Richard A. Patterson, APLC and Gregory James Owen, PLC. As used in this Website Owen, Patterson & Owen, LLP is referred to as Owen, Patterson & Owen.

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