Fort Lauderdale Passenger Van Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale 15 Passenger Van Rollover Attorneys
The handling of a passenger van is very different from any smaller passenger vehicles. This is because they are longer, higher and wider. Drivers of these vans need to be more reliant on side mirrors, need more space and longer braking distances. The maintenance of these vans is also incredibly important. If a 15 passenger van is not properly maintained or driven, there is a very high risk of a crash and/or vehicle rollover.
Who is at risk?
With the high accident risk that it has, it is surprising how many various groups and organizations use 15 passenger vans. These dangerous passenger vans are the popular choice for aftercare programs that pick up children from their schools. Theses vans are also used for airport transportation services, church groups, sports teams, school trips, tour groups and more.
How dangerous are they?
Even with all of the warnings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the death toll from 15 passenger van rollover accidents continues to rise. From 1983 – 2007, there have been 698 fatal accidents involving a 15 passenger van vehicle rollover. These accidents are so dangerous, an average of 6 out of 10 passengers die in these accidents.
Why are they so dangerous?
One of the main issues with 15 passenger vans is defective vehicle design. The primary cause of a vehicle rollover is a high center of gravity; and 15 passenger vans have a very high center of gravity. To make matters worse, the center of gravity shifts even higher and towards the front as people and cargo enter the van. This shift in center of gravity can give the vehicle the ability to fishtail and also increases the chances of overturning. Combine this with a driver who may be inexperienced, negligent or makes a sudden turn to avoid an accident, and you have a dangerous chance of a vehicle rollover.
How can a 15 Passenger van accident be prevented?
- Make sure the driver is well trained and experienced: remember that driving one of these vans is different than a car.
- Check the Tires: Improper tire pressure is a factor in many vehicle rollovers, but plays a very big role in passenger vans due to the constant change in weight.
- Vehicle weight should never exceed its gross vehicle weight rating: there are times when companies will forget that safety comes first and will focus more on making sure all the cargo can fit.
When faced with a lawsuit, many car companies will choose to just pay the victim and not bother doing a recall for a found defect in their van. This irresponsible act to save money will put others at risk.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a 15 passenger vehicle accident, you need to contact an attorney to make sure you receive the financial compensation that is deserved. Contact our Ft. Lauderdale passenger van accident lawyers for your free consultation.
