Faulty Design Claims 15-Passenger Vans
While 15-passenger vans are widely popular, these vehicles have been under scrutiny in product liability claims in recent years, alleging faulty design. Despite being well-known, safety concerns are still disregarded as these vehicles are still on the road today. These vans are susceptible to various failures, which may increase the risk of loss of vehicle control and rollover collisions accompanying the incident. Plaintiff’s firms throughout the country have handled many lawsuits in recent years involving injury and deaths associated with accidents involving 15-passenger vans and alleged faulty design.
Recent Products Liability Case in Georgia Involving 15-Passenger Van
In 2021, several occupants suffered traumatic injuries or succumbed to injuries due to a 15-passenger van accident on an interstate highway in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The 2002 Dodge Ram B-3500 van was alleged to have veered out of control and was involved in a collision, causing a vehicle fire. The incident occurred when the van reportedly overturned onto its side and slid across two traffic lanes before being engulfed in flames. The plaintiff’s counsel indicated that nine parties were injured, and seven others were killed in the accident. The case is expected to go to trial in late 2023.
15-Passenger Van Design and Risks for Accidents
The design of 15-passenger vans, including their high center of gravity, may make these vehicles susceptible to tipping or overturning. This may occur with a driving maneuver as slight as a lane change or a swerving movement. The risk of a rollover collision is increased with additional cargo and occupants. These vans are also susceptible to tire failure, and tread separations and tire blowouts are not uncommon. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of rollovers increases significantly when vehicle occupancy is increased from less than five to over 10.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 was established by NHTSA in 2005. This standard was established to require light vehicles, including 15-passenger vans and buses, to be equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. Auto manufacturers must install a four-tire pressure monitoring system to detect when a tire is over 25 percent underinflated and warn the motorist of the issue. This standard recognizes that 11 percent of fatal 15-passenger van rollovers are caused by tire failure.
Roof crush resistance is also a concern in motor vehicles. A final rule was published by NHTSA in 2009 for FMVSS No. 216. Under the new rule, now designated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 216a, motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of 6,000 pounds were subject to a new roof structure requirement. Vehicles in this criteria must have a roof structure that can withstand three times the vehicle’s unloaded weight or a strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) of 3.0. Conversely, 15-passenger vans are subject to FMVSS No. 220, which requires a SWR of 1.5.
Essential Safety Precautions to Remember When Driving a 15-Passenger Van
The convenience of 15-passenger vans does not necessarily make them as safe as their minivan counterparts. As such, motorists and passengers must exercise due care to decrease the risks these vehicles present with their use. When behind the wheel of a 15-passenger van or riding as a passenger in this type of vehicle, these safety precautions should be taken to keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way while out on the road:
- Driving Behavior: A driver should always maintain their attention on the road. Motorists should avoid distractions while behind the wheel of the 15-passenger van, stay focused on the road, and be well rested. Van drivers should also follow the posted speed limit and adjust their speed as needed for road conditions. Moreover, 15-passenger vans are best operated by licensed and experienced drivers.
- Occupancy Limit: Do not exceed the maximum occupancy limit of 15-passenger vehicles. As such, never allow more than 15 individuals to occupy the vehicle. When the vehicle is not fully loaded, occupants should sit in seats near the rear axle, preferably on its front side. The van should be filled from the front seats toward the back if it is fully loaded.
- Seat Belts: Every individual inside the 15-passenger must always wear their seatbelt. Seat belts should be regularly inspected and replaced if there are damaged, broken, or missing buckles or belts. According to NHTSA, an unrestrained vehicle occupant is almost four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than restrained ones.
- Secured Cargo: One of the most important recommendations for 15-passenger vehicles is to never place any loads on the vehicle’s roof. If the vehicle is loaded with cargo, it should be secured toward the front side of the van’s rear axle. It is helpful for motorists to refer to their owner’s manual to determine the van’s towing capability and maximum van’s and passenger weight capacity.
- Proper Tire Pressure: The tires and tire pressure should be checked and inspected before each trip. This should include the spare tire. Improperly inflated or excessively worn tires may cause a rollover collision from loss of vehicle control. Tire pressure recommendations may vary, so refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or door pillar on the owner’s side.
Despite the safe operadriver’s15-passenger vans, there are inherent risks associated with driving these vehicles. Even a minor rollover collision may significantly harm van occupants due to the unsafe or faulty design of the vehicle. It will be up to an experienced products liability lawyer to conduct an independent investigation to establish that an automaker knew its van design had a history of failure and problems because of defects in manufacturing and design.
Products Liability Claims for the Faulty Design of 15-Passenger Vans
The popularity of 15-passenger vans and their benefits, including cost-efficiency, versatility, and occupant capacity, make them desirable vehicles for travel. However, these vehicles may present dangerous problems even when safe operation is performed. The design of these vehicles makes them unsafe and unstable, further increasing susceptibility to rollovers and harm to occupants. When a crash involving a 15-passenger van occurs, and faulty vehicle design is suspected, it is best to contact a products liability lawyer in California to learn about your rights and options for recovery.
Products Liability Lawyer in Sacramento
Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has been fighting to protect the rights of Californians injured or families who have lost loved ones in crashes due to the negligence of others. If you have been injured or lost a close relative in a collision where faulty vehicle design or equipment is suspected, there is never a better time to discuss your potential case in detail in a free consultation with an experienced Sacramento products liability lawyer from our law firm. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice on your case today.
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