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gitpicker42 · 10-01-2015, 12:42 PM

I have been pushed to a point of filing a lawsuit against a large RV/camping company. I need to find a lawyer that has dealt with RV matters before. I am registered in South Dakota, but being fulltime, I spend time in Arizona as well. The Company I bought the motorhome from was in Indiana and the mechanical problem happened in Colorado at one of their branches. So I am unsure in what state to seek assistance. I would appreciate all views.

MaverickBBD · 10-01-2015, 04:19 PM

Sorry to hear of your problems.

When was the last time you had legal work done? Wills, Directives, estate matters, etc., Start with a phone call there and ask for their recommendations. Usually first call is free before you are on the cash register meter.

Maybe ask your coach insurance company. If anyone is familiar with lawyers it's insurance companies.

Gordon Dewald · 10-01-2015, 04:22 PM

Just type in rv lawyers in your search engine. Lots of options come up.

doc · 10-02-2015, 12:30 PM

I will tell you a story I got from a guy I went to high school with.

He was caught hiring a man to run odometers back on used cars. He spent a bunch of years in prison for it. He said the Feds tried to get him to give up the name of the guy. He refused and decided to fight the case.
His name was Harry.
Harry said the government (in your case the RV Company) has all the lawyers and all the money and time in the world. He had some money, but too little to pay a competent attorney to fight a decent case for any length of time. They out moneyed him and out lasted him. Of course Harry was guilty, but that has nothing to do with your problem.

I know nothing about your circumstances but I bet the company has a whole lot more money than you and a lot more staff lawyers than you. Just filing a case does not mean you will win, it merely means you have made a formal charge against them. If they decide to fight, they have ways of putting a trial off for years. Do you have funds to pay an attorney that long?
Is it possible this problem is one that has occurred in a number of RVs? (possible class action suit and the lawyer might take it on commission)
That the problem is the result of a violation of Federal Safety Guidelines? (Govt. might prosecute for you)

All I am saying as the bottom line is look long and hard before you lay down your hard earned cash in an action you will be hard pressed to win even if you are right in every regard. I wish you good luck

Fred and Bonnie · 10-02-2015, 09:26 PM

This may be sarcastic, however this is an attorneys opinion on dealing with RV companies.

Don't Buy An RV! - The Podcast And Video

Fred

Cbones · 10-02-2015, 10:06 PM

Being that you are a resident of South Dakota, South Dakota Law will apply unless your motorhome manufacturer has a choice of law clause which specifies that another state's laws govern your transaction. If South Dakota law applies, you will not be happy as SD specifically exempts motorhomes from lemon laws:

South Dakota Lemon Laws cover "All vehicles intended primarily for use and operation on the public highways which is self-propelled. Does not include motor homes or vehicles with a GVW of 10,000 pounds or more. In any event it would still behoove you to contact an attorney that handles these issues. I will tell you that it is better to attempt resolution directly with the manufacturer before threatening a lawsuit or hiring an attorney. Once you start a lawsuit, all efforts by the manufacturer will come to a screeching halt. The wheels of justice tend to be "square" and therefore roll very slowly! A fast resolution is way better than a long drawn out lawsuit.

ArmandV · 10-02-2015, 10:09 PM

Since the issue at hand seems to have occurred in Colorado, I would think Colorado would be the jurisdiction.

Regardless, whichever state you plan to file in, check with that state's Bar Association for an attorney who has a specialty in RV litigation.

miwok · 10-02-2015, 10:16 PM

Also, if the problem results from work they did, it may fall under the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and they could be of help,or the Attorney General of these states. Let the Government attorneys work for you for achange?