15 Passenger Vans Litigation

Fifteen passenger vans are subject to an increased risk of rollover crashes, especially while carrying 10 or more occupants, according to reports.  These vehicles typically have seating for a driver and 14 passengers. Churches, businesses, community organizations, colleges, and others often use them.

Fifteen passenger vans include the Ford Econoline E350, Ford Club Wagon E350, Chevrolet Express 3500, GMC Savana G3500, GMC Rally/Vandura G3500, Dodge Ram Van/Wagon B3500, and Dodge Ram Wagon B350.

Automakers are reportedly aware of the problem. In a November 1, 2002 letter to automakers Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation, the National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") cautioned that fully loading or nearly loading a 15 passenger van causes the center of gravity to move rearward and upward, which increases the vehicle's rollover propensity and could increase the potential for driver loss of control in emergency maneuvers.

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") has shown that 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five to more than ten. Fifteen passenger vans carrying 10 or more occupants had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that were lightly loaded. The increased risk of a rollover crash occurs because the passenger weight raises the vehicle's center of gravity and causes it to shift rearward. As a result, NHTSA found that the van has less resistance to rollover and handles differently from other commonly driven passenger vehicles, making it more difficult to control in an emergency situation.

If you have been injured in a crash of a 15-passenger van and you would like to learn about your legal rights, please call our attorneys or e-mail our law firm by submitting a Potential Case Form.