Passenger Van Accidents
Passenger vans have traditionally been the first choice of Missouri organizations transporting large numbers of people. While they are a relatively inexpensive means of transportation for large groups, there are serious concerns regarding their overall safety. Since 1990 there have been over 1,200 fatal passenger van accidents. Passenger vans are the most likely of any vehicle to be involved in a rollover accident. These vans have been deemed unsafe by the United States government and it is currently unlawful to use them to transport children. Lawyers for those injured in passenger van accidents must have an understanding of Missouri laws regarding the operation of passenger vans to effectively represent those injured by these vehicles.
The safety issues with passenger vans stem from flaw in their overall design. Passenger vans are longer, higher and wider than most vehicles on the road, causing these vehicles to have a high center of gravity. The inherently awkward design of passenger vans is further compromised when they are carrying a full load of passengers or cargo. Passenger vans carrying over 10 people can have a center of gravity as high as the vehicle’s steering wheel. Such a high center of gravity causes the van to rollover in the even the most minor of traffic incidence. In addition, the rear of passenger vans extends a full four feet beyond its back tires, making overfilling especially dangerous when the bulk of cargo is located at the rear of the vehicle.
Poor design and high center of gravity (which is even higher when passenger vans are put to their intended use) of passenger vans greatly compromises passenger safety. When carrying more than 15 people, passenger vans have a 70% probability of rolling over. This likelihood combined with even the most minor of human error has proven to be dangerous and even deadly. Driving over ditches, onto rural roads, with excessive speed or overcorrecting (making sudden turns) are all common roadway occurrences that have caused deadly rollovers in passenger vans. Adding to this danger is the tendency for passengers to be forcefully thrown around or even ejected from the van, causing serious personal injury or even death.
Despite the proven dangers of passenger vans, little change has been made to their overall design in the past three decades. The Missouri and U.S. government, as well as auto manufacturers, have issued warnings of these dangers, even placing restrictions on who can lawfully drive and ride in passenger vans. However, serious and deadly passenger van accidents continue to occur every year. When you are involved in a Missouri passenger van accident, it is important you contact an experienced Missouri personal injury lawyer immediately. The Bradley Law Firm has over thirty years experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from Missouri traffic and passenger van accidents. Contact the Bradley Law Firm today and speak to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer about your case for free.
The following websites have additional information you may find helpful regarding passenger van accidents: