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David E. Danda, P.C.

PASSENGER VAN ACCIDENTS



Fifteen-passenger vans have a capacity for the driver and fourteen passengers. They are frequently used by organizations to transport large groups of people and cargo to and from activities. Churches, colleges, and businesses use these vehicles on a regular basis. Fifteen-passenger vans have the ability to fishtail and rollover because they are top heavy. The vans have a high center of gravity and when they are overloaded can become unstable. This can cause a great deal of harm to anyone involved in this type of accident.

Facts and statistics concerning 15-passenger vans.
  • There are an estimated 500,000 15-passenger vans on American roads.
  • 15-passenger vans have a rollover ratio of 70% when filled with over fifteen passengers.
  • The federal government has banned the purchase of 15-passenger vans for use in schools, excluding colleges.
  • Since 1990 over 400 people have died due to single-vehicle rollover accidents in fifteen-passenger vans.


Many 15-passenger vans have expanded vehicle compartments that may extend to more than four feet past the rear wheels. Overloading past the rear axel of the van increases the instability of the vehicle especially when trying to steer in emergency situations. In many cases the addition of dual wheels in the back of the van can lessen the risk of instability while driving in emergency situations. Some manufacturers offer the dual wheels as an option that may only add a few hundred dollars t the overall cost of the vehicle.

Some other safety measures to remember while operating a 15-passenger van are:
  • Drivers should see that all passengers are properly wearing seat belts before operating the vehicle.
  • Load the vehicle's seats starting in the front.
  • Position luggage in rear of the vehicle behind the back seat.
  • Remove roof rack from the vehicle because they increase the center of gravity, which causes a higher chance of rollover.
  • Do not talk on cell phones when driving the vehicle./
  • Check tires for signs of wear, which can increase the possibility of rollover.
NEWS
Many law suits are filed each year against manufacturers of 15-passenger vans on account of accidents that resulted in injuries or deaths. Ford and General Motors are currently the only companies manufacturing 15-passenger vans. In 2002 DiamlerChrysler stopped generating 15-passenger vans. Some 15-passenger vans that are currently being used are the Ford Econoline E350, GMC Rally/Vandura G3500, Chevrolet Express 3500, Dodge Ram Van/Wagon B3500, and the GMC Savana G3500.

  • In January 2003 one child was killed and five others were seriously injured when a fifteen-passenger van was in an accident.
  • In September 2002 in the state of Maine 14 passengers were killed in an accident in a fifteen-passenger van.
  • In April 2001 the U. S. Department of Transportation issued a warning regarding the use of 15-passenger vans. The warning stated that 15-passenger have an increased risk of rollover under certain conditions. This warning reinforces that fact that drivers need to be cautious while operating these vehicles.
David E. Danda, PC has years of experience in motor vehicle accident matters. We will investigate the facts, assess your claim, establish which parties and insurance companies are to be held responsible, and organize all of the details of composing and presenting your case. If you or a loved one suffered substantial injuries as a result of a 15-Passenger Van accident, contact the Law Office of David E. Danda, PC.

David Danda
770.938.0977
www.daviddanda.com

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