Reportedly, 38% of Pennsylvania accidents in 2017 involved large vans, suvs, and pickup trucks. Driver error was an element in a majority of those accidents, especially when accidents involved large 15 passenger vans. Drivers of 15 passenger vans may not be required to have necessary safety training and licensing that is required for larger vans and trucks. Lack of training and special licensing can contribute to large van accidents because 15 passenger vans do not operate and handle the road like typical passenger cars and there are specific loading issues that should be understood in order to keep the vehicle and its passengers safe. This is scary because these vans are often used to transport children for daycares and summer camps. They are also used by church groups and colleges to transport student athletes and other groups of students.

Safety risks

  • Weight distribution causes problems when a large van is filled with 15 passengers and other cargo sometimes resulting in loss of vehicle control and/or a rollover accident.
  • Seatbelts are an issue because people often get into a van and feel like they do not need to buckle up.
  • Proper driver licensing/certification and training may not be required to prepare the driver for safe operation.
  • A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study provides that the chance of a rollover is three times as high with more than ten people aboard a 15 passenger van.
  • Tire failures can cause loss of control resulting in a rollover accident.
  • 15 passenger vans require longer breaking period and need more space to maneuver.
  • Loading cargo in back or on top of the van makes them even more dangerous.
  • The length of the van increases the area of blind spots for the driver.

Due to the propensity to lose control, rollover, safety restraints not used, number of passengers being carried, large vans can cause severe and fatal injuries to large numbers of people. Injuries may include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, internal bleeding, paralysis, and loss of limbs. If you or a loved one has been injured in a large van accident, contact Philadelphia large van accident attorney, Daniel S. Doyle, to review the facts of your case and the extent of injuries you sustained. Injuries you may recover include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Property damage
  • Medical bills
  • Lost earnings and loss of future earning capacity
  • Loss of consortium

Additional recovery may include wrongful death and survivor actions when large van accidents cause fatalities. Close family members may bring wrongful death claims to recover for injuries they have sustained by losing a loved one such as loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses. Survivor actions are intended to compensate the decedent’s estate for injuries and damages he or she sustained as a result of the accident before he or she died and may include damages such as pain and suffering, lost earnings, and medical bills.

Our large van accident lawyers in Philadelphia, PA at the Doyle Law Group understands that you are going through an extremely difficult time and although we may not be able to replace what you have lost or taken away your pain, we will fight to see that you are fully compensated financially for injuries and damages you have sustained. We will aggressively pursue your claim and remove as much of the legal headaches and negotiation as possible to let you focus on your physical recovery.

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