Large vans are popular for transporting college students, seniors, sports teams and other sizeable groups because they offer a seemingly convenient way to carry many people and all of their accompanying equipment. But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 15-passenger more than any other type of vehicle on the road are likely to be involved in single-vehicle rollover accidents. Despite this frightening statistic, the NHTSA reports that as of July 2006 (the most recent year for which information is available), approximately 560,000 15-passenger vans were registered in the United States.

The problem with these vans, and their 12- and 10-passenger relatives, is that a high center of gravity and too-short wheelbase make them prone to tipping over. NHTSA data has shown that 15-passenger vans are particularly likely to roll over when they are fully loaded. Heavy loads also increase the chances of a rear tire failure, which in turn can lead to a rollover or other serious crash. In light of this high rate of rollover and the vans’ popularity, the NHTSA has issued four warnings about them since 2001. In 2006 alone, 58 people died in 110 large van accidents. Many more were injured. Other factors that contribute to van crashes include improperly inflated tires, poor roof crush resistance, lack of head restraints, seatbelt failures or poorly designed seatbelt systems, and under-steering and over-steering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a 15-passenger accident, it is crucial that you contact an experienced auto accident lawyer immediately. Our experienced injury lawyers help crash victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain all of the compensation to which they may be entitled. Depending on the case this might include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills and lost wages or other financial damages. In some cases, we also seek punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Only a trial lawyer who has handled many van accident matters can decide the best strategy for handling your unique case.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.