15-passenger vans are frequently used as transportation for seniors, for schools, and for other organizations. In Minnesota, there are plenty of them on the roads. Because they are larger than the average van and they carry more passengers, the results of an accident can be devastating.
In a recent study that was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was found that 15-passenger vans were at a high risk of rollover when there were 10 or more people inside. The center of gravity within the vehicle rises and that is what increases the risk. As a result, the van doesn’t have as much resistance in a rollover accident and will handle differently from other types of passenger vehicles. It simply becomes more difficult to control in a case where it needs to be maneuvered quickly. If a load is placed on the roof, that also raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and increases the chance that a rollover will happen.
If you have been injured in a 15-passenger van accident or a loved one has been killed, you may have a personal injury or wrongful death case. An experienced Mankato personal injury attorney can help you in your case, obtaining the best possible outcome when recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Holding The Responsible Party Accountable
There are a number of different accidents that 15-passenger vans can be involved in. They include:
- The van goes off of the side of the road – if this happen, the van may overturn if it hits an embankment or a ditch. If there is no shoulder and there is a steep drop-off from the asphalt, this could also cause the van to overturn.
- The driver panics and overcorrects – Overcorrection can lead to accidents in regular vehicles as well. However, the results can be deadly in a 15-passenger van, especially if traveling at freeway speeds.
- The driver is too tired or is speeding – A driver who has not had enough sleep can doze at the wheel and lose control of the van. Drivers can also lose control if they are speeding and hit an object or if they encounter a curve at a high speed.
Whatever the reason, your Southern Minnesota personal injury attorney will ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
Fighting For The Compensation You Deserve
The compensation that you can receive from the responsible party includes present and future lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses related to the accident. You may also be able to acquire money for pain and suffering because of what you have had to go through after the accident.
Contact A Mankato Personal Injury Lawyer
15-passenger vans are frequently used as school and senior transportation. When these vans are involved in an accident, then the results can be devastating due to the size and the number of passengers. If you have been injured or a loved one was killed in a 15-passenger van accident that was due to the negligence of another party, you may have a personal injury claim. To learn more about your rights and options, call Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD at 507-625-2525 for a free consultation.
