Baltimore Church + 15 Passenger Van Accident Lawyer

Commonly used by churches and schools, 15 passenger vans were designed to transport large groups of people. Unfortunately, the same spacious design that makes them so convenient can also make 15 passenger vans extremely dangerous – especially in the hands of a negligent or aggressive driver.

If you, your spouse, or one of your children was injured in a 15 passenger van accident in Baltimore, talk to our experienced injury lawyer about filing a claim and getting compensated. Others may be liable for your medical bills and additional expenses resulting from the accident. For a free legal consultation with our Baltimore church van accident lawyer, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291, or contact us online. We provide 24/7 legal help with van accident claims throughout the Baltimore region.

15 Passenger Van Crash Statistics

15 passenger vans are commonly used to transport large groups of people to and from events, such as weddings, field trips, soccer practice, football games, religious services, tours, and parties. Because 15 passenger vans are so widely used, few people realize just how dangerous they can actually be. These dangers are revealed by statistics on 15 passenger van accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which describes 15 passenger vans as “cumbersome vehicles [that] can pose a safety risk to inexperienced van drivers and other road users,” 509 people were killed in fatal 15 passenger van accidents during the period from 2007 to 2016. More than 40% of these victims were ejected from the vehicle. In earlier data, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that more than 1,500 fatal 15 passenger van accidents occurred during the period from 1994 to 2004.

Causes of 15 Passenger Van Rollover Accidents in Baltimore

Many of the crashes involving 15 passenger vans are rollover accidents, which are more likely to occur when the vehicle’s tires are not inflated properly. According to the NHTSA, more than 10% of the fatal accidents from 2007 to 2016 were “rollover crashes… attributed to tire failure.” To reduce the risk, it is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire pressure, while performing regular inspections and maintenance. Along with improperly inflated tires, other common causes of 15 passenger van accidents include:

  • Defective tires or vehicle parts
  • Improper loading of cargo and/or excessive cargo
  • Overloading the vehicle with too many passengers

Some newer 15 passenger vans feature updated stability control systems, which help to improve balance and prevent rollover accidents. However, older vehicles may lack these features.

Even when 15 passenger vans are outfitted with the latest and most innovative accident prevention technology, human error can still lead to deadly crashes and collisions. Factors like distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, or fatigue can all cause a serious crash, especially when intersections, sharp corners, or left-hand turns are involved.

Common Injuries in 15 Passenger Van Rollovers

15 passenger van accidents can cause extremely serious injuries. As NHTSA statistics show, it is common for passengers to be ejected from the vehicle, causing further injury after the initial impact. When a passenger is ejected through a window, he or she is almost certain to suffer injuries like cuts from passing through broken glass, bruises or bone fractures from hitting the ground, and severe scrapes or abrasions (“road rash”) from friction against the pavement.

Even if the passenger is held in place by a seatbelt, he or she can still be badly injured, possibly resulting in permanent impairment or disability. In addition to cuts, broken bones, and road rash, other common injuries in 15 passenger van accidents include:

  • Back injuries
  • Dislocated joints
  • Hip, knee, and shoulder injuries
  • Severe bruising
  • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
  • Torn ligaments
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Whiplash and other neck injuries

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a 15 Passenger Van Accident in Baltimore

You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries after a 15 passenger van crash in Baltimore. For example, you may be able to get compensated for surgery, medications, or rehabilitation that you need because of your injuries, or that you are expected to need in the future. You may also be able to obtain compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our aggressive van accident lawyer can help you file a stronger, more thorough injury claim, and will fight tirelessly against insurance companies who try to make low offers or deny liability for your medical bills.

Baltimore Church + 15 Passenger Van Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a 15 passenger van accident in Baltimore, talk to attorney Randolph Rice about what steps to take next. If someone else was at fault for the crash, such as a negligent driver, you may be able to get injury compensation by filing a 15 passenger van accident claim. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online to set up a free legal consultation, or call 24/7 at (410) 694-7291.