Seattle 15-Passenger Van Accident Attorneys
Fifteen passenger vans are commonly used to transport children and school groups throughout Washington. These vehicles are popular because they are cheaper and smaller than buses. Unfortunately, these vehicles are among some of the most dangerous vehicles on the roadway. 15 passenger vans were originally designed for transporting goods and their basic design has not changed since they became available for transporting people. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington 15 passenger van accident, it may be in your best interest to speak with an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney to better understand your rights.
15-Passenger Van Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 45 fatalities in passenger van rollover accidents in the year 2007. Between the years 2003 and 2007, 108 people were killed in passenger van accidents. Also, 22 percent of those who were killed in 15 passenger van accidents were under the age of 21.
Causes of 15 Passenger Van Accidents
There are a number of reasons why 15 passenger vans that are so commonly used are dangerous. Here are a few examples:
- Inexperienced drivers: While schools and church groups certainly wouldn't put an inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a bus, it is common for these organizations to allow anyone with a driver's license to drive a passenger van. In the State of Washington, you do not need a commercial driver's license to operate these vehicles that are commonly used to transport children.
- Poor design: These passenger vans have a high center of gravity, which makes them prone to rollover accidents. Anytime a passenger van is involved in a single-vehicle crash, there is a good chance that a vehicle rollover was involved.
- Improper loading: Because of the defective design, it is crucial that the weight in the van is distributed properly. Numerous studies have shown that the more weight that is in the vehicle, the greater the chance of a rollover.
- Lack of maintenance: Although 15 passenger vans are not as large as buses, they are still of great size and require a certain amount of maintenance in relation to tires, fluids, the engine, and other vital components. Lack of maintenance and upkeep put all passengers at greater risk.
- Poorly inflated/maintained tires: Having underinflated tires can cause the vehicle to veer out of control. Tire blowouts have caused numerous fatal 15 passenger van accidents nationwide.
Tips to Avoid Injuries
It is currently against federal law for schools to buy new 15 passenger vans for transporting children. It is best to avoid these vans altogether. If your group or organization is planning on using these types of vehicles for a trip, there are some steps you can take to avoid a serious injury:
- Make sure the owner of the vehicle has kept it properly maintained.
- Only allow drivers operate the van who have ample experience handling 15-passenger vehicles. Don’t allow just anyone with a driver’s license to transport groups of people.
- The tires should be checked for proper inflation before every trip.
- The vehicle should not be overloaded and the passengers should not all sit on only one side of the van.
- All passengers must buckle up.
Rights of Injured Victims of Washington Passenger Van Accidents
Anyone injured in a Washington passenger van accident would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney. The experienced Seattle passenger van accident lawyers at Hardwick & Pendergast know how to determine liability for a crash and how to pursue financial compensation on behalf of injured victims and their families. If the accident or serious injuries were caused by an auto product defect or defective design, we will strive to hold the auto maker liable for the damages as well. Call us today to schedule your no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
