15-Passenger Vans Typically Involved in More Rollover Accidents

Hundreds of thousands of 15-passenger vans that are defectively designed and potentially deadly are still in operation and on our roadways. These vans have been labeled dangerous by federal safety officials more than a decade ago especially because of their propensity to rollover when they are fully loaded. As of July 1, 2007, there were over 500,000 vans with 15-passenger capacity registered in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Baker City Herald reports that two models made up a vast majority of the total: Ford Econo Club E-350 (model years 1978-2007) and the Dodge B350-3500 (model years 1981-2002). Of the remaining 15-passenger vans, most were made by General Motors and sold under the Chevy or GM brand names.

According to federal officials, 15-passenger vans are involved in a higher number of single-vehicle accidents including rollovers, than other passenger vehicles. Based on reports of van accidents that happened between 1991 and 2000, about 52 percent of 15-passenger vans involved in single-vehicle, fatal accidents were rollover crashes compared to 33 percent of passenger vehicles involved in rollovers. Also, 81 percent of the 15-passenger van occupant fatalities occur in single-vehicle rollover accidents. Auto safety researchers have also determined that 15-passenger vans carrying 10 or more people are three times likelier to roll in a crash, than vans carrying fewer than 10 passengers.

Clearly, these are defective autos that should have been taken off our roadways, but continue to operate. Accidents involving 15-passenger vans often cause serious injuries including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, paralysis and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a 15-passenger van accident, please contact the skilled Seattle personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Firm. Call 1-800-418-8282 or send an email to info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation that we will provide at no cost to you. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure that has useful and educational information that will help you in understanding your legal rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his experienced legal team today.

Source:http://www.bakercityherald.com/Local-News/Vans-on-the-road