The Dangers of Passenger Van Accidents
When you have a large group, getting from Point A to Point B can be a logistical nightmare. Multiple cabs or Ubers may be necessary, and traffic can throw everything into chaos. Large passenger vans are helpful of you need to keep groups together, but they pose a number of dangers that you may not realize. In fact, passenger van accidents can be deadly.
Our Daytona Beach attorneys have handled numerous lawsuits involving serious car accidents, and they know just how dangerous passenger van can be. Let's cover some risks involved when it comes to these vehicles and how attorneys can help with the litigation process.
Passenger Vans Pose a Number of Risks
Passenger vans can have a capacity of up to 15 people. While this sounds convenient for traveling with large groups, the added weight can be a major hazard. Vehicles that carry up to 15 passengers are especially problematic. Vehicles of that size were originally made to carry cargo rather than actual passengers, which means that certain safety features in smaller vehicles may be absent in these large vans.
According to studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of a rollover accident in large passenger vans is high. Coupled with tire pressure problems and driver inexperience, this can be a deadly mix.
Higher Risk of Rollover Accidents
When there are more than 5 people in a large passenger van, there is a greater likelihood of the van rolling over. This is due to the added weight and issues with weight distribution in the vehicle. Rollovers can be deadly given the nature of these accidents. The NHTSA estimates that 80% of passengers not wearing seat belts while in a passenger van die from injuries sustained in a rollover accident.
Problems with Tire Pressure
When vehicle tires are underinflated, there's a greater chance of the vehicle swerving and losing control. This can increase the risk of a rollover accident and other dangers. The NHTSA estimates that 57% of 15-passenger vans have at least one tire that is significantly underinflated. One bad tire is all it takes to cause a major accident.
Inexperienced Drivers
Driving a large van is much different than driving a passenger car. It's not even comparable to driving an SUV. The driver of a large van needs to have experience handling these sorts of vehicles. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make costly and even fatal mistakes behind the wheel.
Makes and Models of Passenger Vans
Some popular passenger van models include the following:
- Chevrolet Express
- Dodge Ram Van/Wagon
- GMC Savana
- GMC Rally/Vandura
- GMC Yukon
- Ford Transit
- Ford Club Wagon
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Note that not all of the vehicles listed above are 15-passenger vans.
How Our Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you and your loved ones are harmed in a passenger can accident, our attorneys can provide expert legal counsel. We will assess the nature of the crash and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. This means taking the driver to task if he or she was employed by a venue to drive the van. It could mean engaging with a negligent tire manufacturer, or even an automaker who did not consider the safety risks of their vehicle.
Whatever the case may be, our concern is with our clients. We will fight diligently and offer expert legal guidance throughout the lawsuit, helping our client receive damages to cover medical bills, lost wages, and further compensation for losses related to the accident.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an auto accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help you and your family in your time of legal need.
