12 And 15 Passenger Van Accidents

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Duncan Firm

Passenger van crashes usually involve multiple victims, both deaths and injuries. This usually means the legal fight will be highly complicated and involve high stakes. Defendants in these cases are major auto manufacturers. Duncan Firm has successfully represented victims in death and injury lawsuits growing out of these tragic crashes.

In the process of winning these cases, we have compiled documents and completed research on these vehicles. We know what a fair settlement looks like. We also know how to prepare for trial, what type of experts to hire, and how to present the evidence so juries can understand how dangerous these vehicles are. In short, a Duncan Firm van attorney has the depth of experience to get you the best settlement or jury verdict in the shortest possible time. If you, your loved one, or your organization has experienced death or severe trauma in one of these vans, call Duncan Firm at 877-638-6226. We are the Arkansas firm of choice for these cases.

The Danger Issues

Passenger vans — mainly 12 and 15 passenger, but sometimes 10 passenger — are unstable and notoriously difficult to handle. From 1997-2006, 1,090 people lost their lives in them. Though the number of deaths in 12 and 15-passenger van rollover crashes has been declining steadily since 2001 due to government alerts, these vehicles still pose a safety risk to occupants, having claimed the lives of 58 people in accidents in 2006. While 29 states now prohibit the use of 12- and 15-passenger vans to carry students to school and to and from school-related activities, Arkansas still allows them.

Cases We’ve Won

Confidential Settlement – Grayson, Carter, et, al. v. DaimlerChrysler Corp.

In this case, a 15-passenger van transporting a church choir rolled over. As a result, two passengers died and four others were seriously injured. Duncan Firm investigated the accident and determined serious design flaws in the van made it unsafe and prone to rollovers. A settlement was obtained and Chrysler, the van manufacturer, stopped production of this type of vehicle.

Specific Concerns With 12 And 15-Passenger Vans:

  • The length of the van increases distances needed for making turns, changing lanes, and backing.
  • The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of occupants is increased from fewer than five to more than 10.
  • Vans should be loaded by filling the front seats first.
  • The weight of the van, particularly when fully occupied, causes the center of gravity to shift rearward and upward increasing the likelihood of rollover.
  • The shift in the center of gravity will also increase the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers.
  • The weight of the van when fully occupied requires additional stopping distance.
  • The width of the van allows for less lane room.

If you have been injured in a passenger van accident because of another person’s negligence, please call 877-638-6226 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We serve Little Rock, Los Angeles, and New York City, and surrounding areas. We look forward to working with you.

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