Recognizing the Risk of 15-Passenger Van Rollovers | Personal ...

Rollover accidents are one of the most serious types of vehicle collisions and usually result in the severe injury or death of the car?s occupants. Although rollovers are possible with any vehicle, the vehicles that are the most prone to rollover crashes are SUVs, pick-up trucks, and 15-passenger vans.

15-Passenger Vans Defined

15-passenger vans are large vans with five rows of seats to carry up to 15 occupants, including the driver. These vans are widely used for small group trips and transport. Among the many organizations and institutions that make use of these vans are airports, resorts, churches, universities, and tour companies. They are very convenient when the number of people participating is too few for a bus, but too many to easily carpool. There are various problems that outweigh these benefits, however.

Problems with Passenger Vans

Because passenger vans carry less than 16 occupants, the drivers of these vans are not required to hold a Commercial Driver?s License (CDL). Although this means anyone with a regular driver?s license can drive a 15-passenger van, it does not mean that they should. Passenger vans have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, which means when it is fully loaded, it is top heavy, making handling more difficult for inexperienced drivers. Additionally, these vans are longer, wider, and taller than most vehicles.

Causes of Passenger Van Rollovers

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research, passenger vans have a greater risk of rollover due to the following three factors:

1. Inexperienced drivers;
2. Improperly inflated and/or sized tires; and
3. Incorrectly loaded passengers or cargo which affects the van?s center of gravity.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

The driver of a 15-passenger van and the driver?s employer are responsible for the safety of its occupants. If the driver is inexperienced or the van is improperly maintained, it endangers the health and well-being of every passenger. If you have been injured in a Massachusetts passenger van rollover crash as the result of a negligent driver or auto manufacturer, you may be entitled to pursue legal action. Contact the knowledgeable Boston 15-passenger van rollover lawyers with the Kiley Law Group today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

This guest post is brought to you by the Massachusetts personal injury attorneys at the Kiley Law Group.

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