People are generally aware of the risks of car accidents and bus accidents, however another type of vehicle that poses possibly greater risks of accident and injury are passenger vans. Most passenger van accidents happen as a result of a driver or passengers who do not appreciate the unique risks of operating or riding in a passenger van. Many school, church, or other civic groups take trips with more people than will fit in a car, however not enough people to require a bus rental. Passenger vans are a often a convenient solution as rental rates are cheaper than buses, and have much greater passenger capacity than a traditional car. However, most groups who rent such vans do not realize the high risk of passenger van accidents if safety precautions are not followed. If you or someone you know is involved and injured in a passenger van accident, call an experienced East Newnan car accident attorney today to discuss your case.
Passenger vans are taller, wider, and longer than traditional cars, and therefore driving a van can be much different than driving a car. First, smaller cars on the road can easily disappear in blind spots, and so van drivers must rely much more on side mirrors for turns and lane changes. Furthermore, passenger vans are much heavier than regular cars because of additional passengers and cargo, and so require a greater braking distance than smaller cars. Combine these risks with often inexperienced van drivers, and it makes sense that van accidents are common. Additionally, when a driver loses control of a van or is in a collision, there is a greater chance for rollover because of the increased height and weight of the van. Because crowded passengers on road trips often neglect or remove their seat belts, van accidents or rollovers can cause serious injuries.
The government sponsored group, Safer Car, offers tips for safe passenger van practices in order to avoid injuries:
- Make sure any van driver is either experienced or well trained
- Make certain every passenger in the van is wearing a seat belt at all times
- Know the maximum weight for the van and do not overload the van with either passengers or cargo
- Drivers should decrease speeds, allow for greater braking time, and pay close attention to side mirrors and possible blind spots.
Van accidents can cause serious injury, and can therefore be very expensive. If you are injured in an accident, call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for a free consultation immediately. As an experienced car accident attorney in East Newnan, Shane Smith can help make sure you receive the settlement you deserve.