Passenger vans’ high center of gravity can make them prone to serious rollover accidents with injuries and fatalities. In addition to these risks, vans are often used to transport sports clubs, church groups, and other teams, and drivers may be volunteers or novices with no passenger van driving experience.

You could be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one is affected by a passenger van accident. A Missouri passenger van accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you recover compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review to learn about your rights.

Why Are Passenger Vans Dangerous?

Accidents involving passenger vans differ from typical car accidents due to several factors, including their size and build. They can carry up to 15 occupants, leading to the potential for increased injuries in a collision. Here are additional reasons making passenger vans dangerous for their occupants and other road users:

  • Driver Inexperience. Drivers of passenger vans may be inexperienced in controlling such large and heavy vehicles. They may have problems negotiating turns and controlling the van in bad weather.
  • Rollover Accidents. Passenger vans, like some SUVs and other top-heavy vehicles, can be more prone to rollover accidents. Although rollover accidents only make up a small number of crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says they cause approximately one-third of all accident deaths.
  • Lack of Security Features. Older or less-equipped passenger van models don’t have advanced crash avoidance and other security features found in passenger cars. They may also lack proper seat belts, side-impact airbags, advanced braking systems, and electronic stability control. Passenger vans also typically lack the emergency exits, which larger buses feature. This inhibits passengers from escaping the vehicle in an accident.
  • Handling Characteristics. The handling dynamics of passenger vans, especially when fully occupied, differ vastly from standard cars. Drivers may fail to adjust their speed for crucial factors like increased stopping distance and more cumbersome maneuvers.
  • Other Driver’s Behaviors. Other drivers, not realizing that vans take longer to stop and make certain maneuvers, may overtake or cut them off in risky situations, potentially causing van drivers to lose control.
  • Distractions. Passenger vans often transport groups. Loud chatter, music, and individuals talking to the driver can lead to dangerous distractions.

If you or a family member was hurt in a crash, our Missouri passenger van accident lawyers can clarify your options and determine if you can file a personal injury lawsuit.

Who Is Responsible for a Passenger Van Accident?

Determining who is responsible for a passenger van accident and what caused the crash can be problematic. You may need the help of a Missouri passenger van accident lawyer who can hire technical experts to understand the crash. Here are just a few potential causes of passenger van accidents and potential liable parties:

Negligent Maintenance

Negligent maintenance occurs when a repair shop or passenger van owner fails to properly maintain or service the vehicle. Lack of maintenance can lead to mechanical problems and malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, which can potentially result in accidents. Injured individuals may have a case against the vehicle’s owner or a repair shop if a van was negligently maintained.

Distracted or Dangerous Driving

Distracted or dangerous driving behaviors can include:

  • Texting or phoning while driving
  • Ignoring traffic signs and signals
  • Speeding
  • Driving aggressively

According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claims thousands of lives every year and is a leading cause of crashes. If the passenger van driver or another driver ignored traffic laws or drove without due attention and caused an accident, you could have legal recourse against them.

Faulty Vehicle Parts or Design

Passenger van accidents may occur due to faulty vehicle design, with defects in the van’s construction contributing to a crash. For example, vehicles with a high center of gravity, including passenger vans, can be prone to tip over or roll over in a crash. In such circumstances, injured individuals could hold a van maker or parts manufacturer accountable.

Poor Road Design and Maintenance

Sometimes, accidents happen due to a poorly designed or maintained road or inadequate signage. In such cases, injured individuals could have a legal case against the local government body responsible for road upkeep.

In some cases, victims could take action against several liable parties and pursue compensation. Since passenger van accidents can be complex, consider speaking to a Missouri passenger van accident lawyer at Bradley Law to determine the merit of your case.

Compensation Passenger Van Accident Victims Could Recover

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a passenger van accident, you may qualify for compensation to cover your losses. Here’s what you could recover:

  • Healthcare Expenses: You could receive all accident-related medical costs now and in the future, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Income: If you cannot work during recovery, you could recover lost wages. You may also qualify for potential future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
  • Pain and Anguish: Victims could receive compensation for physical pain and emotional distress endured due to the passenger van accident.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If your loved one died in a passenger van accident, and another is responsible, you can pursue wrongful death compensation. Damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and other losses caused by the death of your loved one.

This list is not exhaustive. Depending on your accident and specific circumstances, you could be entitled to other damages. An experienced lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

What Does a Missouri Passenger Van Accident Lawyer Do?

A passenger van accident is not like a car crash and can involve various complexities and defendants who may have teams of lawyers on their side. Failing to hire effective legal representation could be an expensive mistake. Here’s how a Missouri passenger van accident lawyer at Bradley Law can help:

  • Assessing Liability: A skilled attorney can analyze the accident to determine liability and identify all responsible parties.
  • Gathering Evidence: A Missouri passenger van accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident’s cause, if needed, with the help of industry experts. They can also collect witness statements, accident reports, and medical records to support and strengthen your case.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: When an attorney handles all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, you can rest assured that your rights are protected.
  • Litigation: If the insurer or at-fault party denies you a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to trial and advocate strongly for your rights in court.

Remember that insurance companies are not on your side and will try to pay as little as possible for your damages. Your attorney has your back and can fight hard for what you deserve while freeing you up to concentrate on what matters most: your health and recovery.

FAQs

How long does a passenger van accident lawsuit take?

It’s impossible to say at the outset how long your case may take. However, some factors can help determine whether it could be resolved quickly in a couple of months or take a year or more. Here are some signs that your case could be lengthy to resolve:

  • You have severe or disabling injuries and high damages
  • Several at-fault parties are involved
  • Fault is highly contested
  • An insurance company disputes your claim
  • The other side is unwilling to settle
  • Your case might go to trial

While most personal injury claims are resolved out of court, which can be quicker, complex cases can go all the way to trial.

What is the average settlement for a passenger van accident?

There is no average settlement amount for a passenger van accident. What you can expect from a settlement will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, such as:

  • The severity and scope of your injury
  • Your damages (income loss, medical bills, and others)
  • The impact of the injury on your home life and career
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Whether you have some fault in the accident

Consult with a Missouri passenger van accident lawyer at Bradley who can thoroughly assess your case and understand its worth.

How long do I have to file a passenger van accident lawsuit?

The time to file your passenger van accident lawsuit is determined by the statute of limitations in Missouri. According to Missouri Revised Statutes section 516.120, you generally have five years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the day of your passenger van accident and injury. If your loved one died in a crash, you only have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

However, don’t wait to get legal help. Depending on your case’s details, you may have more or less time than the statute of limitations to file a case. For example, if you intend to sue a government agency, the time to file suit can be much shorter. Failing to file within the deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Your best step after an accident is to speak to a Missouri passenger van accident lawyer to clarify the best timing for your lawsuit and ensure you’re not missing any critical deadlines.

Get Help with Your Passenger Van Accident Claim Today

We know how confusing and stressful the aftermath of a passenger van accident can be. You have a lot on your plate, and taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind. However, you don’t have to go it alone.

Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for maximum compensation. We have helped countless accident victims recover what they needed to turn their lives around after suffering injuries. We care about you and can offer you the personalized attention you deserve.

Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless you win and recover compensation. Contact us today to discover your options for recovering damages.