Last updated on June 23, 2022
While every type of vehicle comes with its own dangers, vans have a unique set of hazards that can lead to devastating accidents. Countless passenger van crashes occur throughout Washington every year, and for many victims, life will never be the same.
If you have been harmed in a crash, recovery is possible. But you will need to understand your rights, as well as what led to your devastating accident. Call Pendergast Law at 888-539-9211 – our Washington personal injury lawyers have found success for countless victims. Through a free consultation, you have access to our knowledge and insight gained over the years, and you can make an informed decision about your case.
What Makes Vans So Dangerous?
Vans are inherently dangerous because of their design, which lends them to:
- Rollover hazards: Vans have a higher center of gravity than most vehicles on the road. As such, they are more likely to tip over. If the van is involved in a collision, suffers a tire blowout, or otherwise swerves, the momentum of the vehicle can easily lead to a rollover. Passengers are likely to suffer severe injuries or be ejected from the vehicle if not buckled in.
- Improper loading: Vans are used to carry both cargo and passengers, often at the same time. If either is unevenly loaded or not restrained properly, they can shift in the van, harming passengers. Additionally, accidents may send these hazards flying and hit someone in the vehicle.
- Unusual handling: Vans brake slower, turn wider, and handle differently than other types of passenger vehicles. If a driver is inexperienced, untrained, or negligent, they can easily cause a crash that should never have happened.
After a crash, you may be dealing with broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, muscle injuries, internal organ damage, and more. In order to recover, you will need extensive medical procedures, but these may cost thousands of dollars. However, by proving that your injuries were caused by someone else, you can receive compensation to pay for your losses.
Who Is Responsible For Your Losses In Washington?
Typically, van drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and companies that own fleets of vans are the ones responsible for a crash. Through evidence, you must be able to prove who caused the accident, why the crash happened, and what amount of compensation you will need in order to recover to the best of your abilities.
Typically, drivers who operate a vehicle negligently may be the sole cause behind the accident, but there are other aspects that may be considered. When defects in the design or manufacturing of the vehicle are the reason why the van crashed, the company that made the vehicle can be held responsible. When the van is owned by a company, such as airport transportation vehicles, they are responsible when their negligence leads to a crash.
15-Passenger Vans
When groups of people need to travel to the same destination together, they can hire a van that can hold up to 15 passengers. Passenger vans are versatile due to their size and capacity of the vehicles; however, that same design also makes the vehicles more likely to be involved in rollover crashes, especially if a driver acts in a negligent manner.
Handicap Vans
Reliable transportation services are invaluable to handicapped individuals who have difficulty reaching doctor’s offices, clinics, or social functions. As such, it is the duty of the transportation company and driver to always keep their safety in mind. This includes ensuring that the chair lifts are in proper working order, patients are safely loaded and unloaded into the vehicle, all equipment is properly secured, and the drivers are not negligent. Both passengers and other drivers should contact a personal injury attorney if they are involved in an accident with a handicap van to make certain they receive proper compensation.
Church Vehicles
Many churches use small buses and passenger vans to help elderly or disabled parishioners get to services, or the church might use buses and vans to take members of the congregation to a retreat or special event. Unfortunately, church buses are not immune to accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a church van, you have the right to hold the negligent parties responsible.
Of course, no parishioner wants to sue a church. However, if the organization was negligent when it came to training drivers or performing maintenance on its vans, you and your family deserve justice. In certain instances, the church may not even be responsible, with the crash being linked to a party outside the church like the vehicle manufacturer or a repair facility.
Cargo Vans
Cargo vans are oversized, imbalanced, and too powerful for their bulky frame. In short, they are an accident just waiting to happen. While straddling the line between commercial hauling and personal transport, automakers created a dangerous blend – and have done so for decades. These amalgamations are industrial trucks, designed for hauling, but outfitted as passenger vans. Cargo vans have limited visibility and a higher center of gravity, which makes them vulnerable to flipping. Their popularity continues despite genuine design issues and a dangerous track record.
Washington Van Accident Recoveries
- $1,925,000 recovery for wrongful death van accident in Duvall.
A Skilled Seattle Van Accident Attorney Dedicated To Your Needs
At Pendergast Law, our Seattle car accident attorneys have spent decades protecting the victims of devastating crashes. If you have been harmed by a van, our years of success can be put at your service. We have former insurance adjusters on staff. Whatever injuries you may be dealing with, start your case off with a free consultation by calling us at 888-539-9211. Gain the insight you need to begin making the right choices right now.