Colorado Springs Van Accident Attorneys
Compassionate Representation After a Van Accident
Everyday, hundreds of vans crisscross the many busy roads and highways around Colorado Springs. Companies utilize these large vehicles to easily transport equipment, deliver products, and ferry passengers from neighborhood to neighborhood. However, commercial vans present several dangers in the wrong hands. Drivers should always be properly trained and experienced at operating these heavy vehicles as there is a high risk of injuring passengers and other drivers if the vehicle rolls over.
Commercial vans that are often involved in serious auto accidents include:
- Passenger vans
- Delivery vans
- Maintenance vans
- Church vans
- Tour vans
- Airport and hotel shuttles
If you were injured in a commercial van crash, we encourage you to reach out to our team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. Our Colorado Springs van accident attorneys have decades of experience fighting for injured passengers, pedestrians, and drivers who were victims of negligent drivers. We can guide you through the legal process, protect your right to compensation, and advocate for your best interests. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 to discuss your auto accident claim in a free consultation.
Rollovers and Top-Heavy Vehicles
Vans are different from other passenger vehicles due to their top-heavy design. These vehicles are often twice as tall as the average sedan and the vehicle’s weight is raised higher off the ground. This shifts the center of gravity for the van. During a collision or careless turn, a van is more likely to lean onto the sides of its wheels and roll over.
Rollovers present several risks to both passengers and other drivers. A vehicle’s roof is lighter than the rest of the frame, making it more prone to collapsing under heavy weight. A rollover can easily cause a van’s roof to collapse onto passengers, causing severe brain damage and even fatal injuries. In fact, rollovers account for 28% of all passenger deaths in the United States.
In addition to their design, vans are also prone to rollovers due to their weight capacities. Whether it is used to transport passengers, maintenance equipment, or packages, a commercial van can easily become overloaded by an overzealous operator or business. The added weight of passengers and cargo increase the likelihood that the vehicle will tip over in a crash, and any loose cargo can severely injure passengers.
The Dangers of Negligent Van Drivers
According to the IIHS, the majority of rollovers, roughly 75%, are attributed to collisions between two vehicles, such as a semi-truck t-boning a van, while 25% occur without a collision. Generally, this means that the driver caused the vehicle to overturn due to swerving, taking turns at high speeds, or driving off the road. In either case, passengers can suffer extensive trauma and may be able to file claims for compensation from the at-fault party, whether it was another driver or the van’s driver.
But rollovers are not the only danger in van accidents. The sheer weight and size of these vehicles means they need significantly more time to stop when compared to smaller cars. If a driver is speeding to complete a delivery or is distracted by a passenger, he or she may cause a catastrophic rear-end or T-bone collision with another vehicle. For pedestrians and bicyclists, these collisions can end in catastrophic injuries and death.
While most companies see vans as convenient vehicles, they should only be operated by trained drivers. An experienced and certified driver is less likely to be involved in a collision when compared to a first-time driver. In California, anyone operating a 15-passenger van must also have a special permit, as they have a higher duty of care than other drivers.
Unfortunately, if a driver is inexperienced, distracted, or intoxicated, there is a very high chance that they will cause a serious accident. After such a collision, it is important that all victims discuss their case with a skilled attorney to learn about their rights to compensation.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?
Who is liable for your injuries and providing compensation will depend on the nature of your wreck. If you were a passenger in a van, then you may be able to recover compensation from the driver operating your vehicle or another driver, depending on who is at-fault for the collision. For other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, you may be able to recover compensation from a van driver if he or she caused your injuries due to negligent driving behaviors or maneuvers, such as distracted driving or reckless turns.
Other major parties to consider are the company who owned the van and the van’s manufacturer. Vans, like any other vehicle, can suffer a lot of wear and tear over time. Without consistent repairs, their brakes, steering system, or safety features may become defective. The van’s owner has a duty to ensure that his or her vehicles are safe to operate through regular inspections and maintenance. Failure to do so can cause a collision and make them liable for all damages. But if these defects or faulty components were the fault of the van’s manufacturer, then victims may be able to recover compensation in an auto product liability claim.
In general, the main liable parties in van accidents include:
- Van drivers
- Other drivers
- Van owners and rental companies
- Van manufacturers
A Law Firm You Can Count On
Our team of Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. are dedicated to representing victims of negligent drivers or companies. We have spent decades fighting to get our clients the highest possible award after a collision and offer each of our clients personalized and compassionate representation. We are well versed at investigating complex accidents and can use our expertise to determine who is at fault for your injuries. If you were injured in a van accident that was not your fault, contact us at (719) 475-2555 to talk about what happened to you in a free consultation.
