Maryland Passenger Van Accident Lawyer

There are many different modes of transportation in the U.S., including passenger vehicles, trains, subways, buses, airplanes, and passenger vans. Oftentimes, buses are the chosen mode of transportation for churches and organizations conducting tours, day trips, or weekend trips, but the number of a group for any given event may not always require a bus. In these instances, churches and other organizations may choose to utilize a 12- or 15-passenger van.

Passenger vans are large vans containing five rows of seats and can accommodate up to 12 or 15 people, including the driver. They are regularly used by churches, colleges, airports, resorts and hotels, tour and travel agencies, daycare and eldercare centers, and other organizations. Though they are frequently used, they are very hazardous vehicles and increase the risk of a Maryland auto accident.

Hazards of Passenger Vans

Passenger vans are very different from other small passenger vehicles, such as 4-door sedans, as well as larger passenger vehicles, such as buses. They are not considered to be a passenger car nor a bus and are not built the same way and therefore cannot be driven the same way.

Originally manufactured to transport cargo, passenger vans were never completely redesigned to safely transport people. They are wider, taller, and longer than smaller passenger vehicles and require more space, heavier reliance on side mirrors in order to change lanes, longer braking distances, and are at a higher risk of crashes, especially rollovers. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued multiple warnings on the rollover risks of passenger vans.

Even with the documented risks of these vans, auto manufacturers continue to produce them and many organizations insist on using them. Furthermore, the rollover accident risk increases when the van is not properly maintained or is operated by an inexperienced driver.

Causes of Passenger Van Rollovers

According to the NHTSA, passenger vans have a great risk or being involved in rollover crashes due to three factors: inexperienced drivers, improperly sized tires or improperly inflated tires, and incorrectly loaded passengers and/or cargo.

1. Driving a passenger van is not the same as driving a minivan or pickup truck, and so it is imperative that the driver is experienced. An inexperienced driver may have trouble changing lanes, backing up, turning corners, and performing other common maneuvers. Also, the center of gravity of a passenger van is raised once passengers are added, making it less stable and more difficult to handle.
2. Making sure that a passenger van has the right sized and inflated tires is essential. Under or overinflated tires can cause problems with handling and tire blow-outs and thus increase the risk of a crash. The tires, as well as the rest of the van, should be inspected before every trip, even though the most recent models include automatic tire pressure monitoring systems.
3. Improperly loading passengers and/or cargo greatly increases the risk of a passenger van rollover accident in Maryland, especially if the driver is inexperienced. The van's weight must adhere to limits set by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Luggage or other cargo should never be piled too high and the van should never carry more passengers than it can legally hold.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Passenger vans are not subject to the same regulations as other commercial vehicles. There are no licensing or training requirements, which is a cause of great concern. This does not mean that a negligent passenger van driver or manufacturer cannot be held accountable for an accident, however. If you or a loved has been injured in a , "The Injury Lawyer," Steven H. Heisler, can help you understand your legal rights and options. He is an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney and has the skills and resources needed to ensure you receive just compensation for the losses and damages you have suffered. To find out more about your potential claim and to ask any questions you may have, call Mr. Heisler today at (877) 228-4878.