Chicago Van Accident Attorneys
Passenger vans are an extremely popular mode of transportation for people who are traveling in large groups because these types of vehicles can accommodate a number of people and have a lot more room for cargo. Vans are commonly used by church groups, universities, local sports teams, schools, daycare centers and senior centers to transport members. But, there are many van models that are poorly and defectively designed and are inherently dangerous and unstable. Of all vehicles, passenger vans are most likely to be involved in rollover accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents account for 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States each year.
NHSTA, in a 2004 study, also found that vans, especially 15-passenger vans, have a propensity to roll over, especially when there is a high number of occupants. In fact, the odds of a rollover for a 15-passenger van increased more than 400 percent when fully loaded compared with a driver traveling alone. Lab tests conducted for NHTSA found that the increased risk of rollover for 15-passenger vans was associated with high center of gravity. When test vehicles were fully loaded, the center of gravity increased 0.9 inches for minivans; 1.4 inches for seven-passenger vans and 4 inches for 15-passenger vans.
NHTSA has consistently warned consumers against using these 15-passenger vans, which are now known to be dangerous. However, they are still widely used for transportation. A number of organizations, especially schools and universities, roll the dice and take a chance with these vehicles in spite of knowing the risks involved. Some van companies in addition do not maintain their vehicles properly. The most lethal move when it comes to vans is not maintaining proper tire pressure. Tire blowout at highway speeds with 15-passenger vans will almost always cause a rollover accident resulting in catastrophic injuries or deaths.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois van accident, you could seek compensation from the responsible party for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. If you have lost a loved one in a van accident, you may be able to file an Illinois wrongful death claim against the negligent driver, company or the auto maker if the accident was caused by a vehicle manufacturing or design defect.
