How Likely Am I to be Hurt in a 12 or 15-Passenger Van Accident?

Most don’t realize it, but your chances of being seriously hurt in a rollover accident are higher in a commercial van than in an SUV or pickup trucks. Vans that are fully loaded with passengers can be unstable, particularly when traveling at 50 miles per hour or faster. The more passengers inside a van, the more dangerous it is. A 15-passanger van is five times more likely to flip over when all 15 seats are filled than when the driver is alone in the van.

What Can I do About Van Safety?

Vans are often used for big family, school, or organizational trips.  While it may seem safer, commercial vans are actually less safe than school buses typically are. Make sure that if you’re traveling in a van with a group that every single person has their seat belt on. With as many as 15 people inside, the environment can quickly become noisy with different discussions going on all at once. Be aware of who your driver is, and make certain that he or she is not being distracted.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has some guidelines for anyone planning on a big van trip.

• Make sure the owner has the van up to snuff – has been properly maintained? When was the last tune-up?
•  If it’s a large van, the driver will have to have a special license. Don’t trust your or a your loved one’s life to an unlicensed driver.
• Weight distribution is essential in a van. Do not overload the van with too many passengers or too much luggage.
• Check and double-check your tires – are the tires the right size? How inflated should they be?
• One last time – remember to buckle up.

I Was Injured When a Van Rolled Over – Now What?

Our first objective is to make sure you are getting the medical treatment that you need to recover from the accident. Our Texas auto accident law firm has compassionate and experienced attorneys who can help you get through this difficult time. As your bills start to pile up, don’t panic – trust a van accident lawyer to help you get the compensation that you need for your accident. Remember, we don’t get paid until you do, so there’s no risk up front. Start by calling picking up the phone and getting your free consultation today.