Compensation for Injuries Caused by a Van Rollover in New York City
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we’re here to represent you when you need it most. Over the past few decades we’ve witnessed an increase in the number of 15 passenger van roll-overs throughout the city and state of New York. Despite endless warnings and even a federal mandate, these unwieldy vehicles are still used in transporting many people. If you’ve been involved in such a wreck, or have a loved one suffering due to injuries sustained in a cargo van roll-over, contact us today.
Since 1990 our team of NYC auto product liability attorneys has successfully litigated millions of dollars worth of compensation for our clients. To explore your legal options and potential compensation, give us a call at (212) 986-7353 for a free, no obligation, case evaluation.
What Causes a Rollover?
Typically, rollover accidents are far less likely than any other collision one would encounter on our roads and highways. Most vehicles are built with stability and safety in mind - low center of gravity, wider wheel base and considerably less seating. Yet 15 passenger cargo vans, because of their popularity amongst church groups, universities and various moving companies nationwide, remain an unfortunate fixture on the auto market. But what is it about these machines that make them such a hazard? Why would the federal government make it illegal to transport children under the age of 18 in such vehicles?
By Design: It is important to note a word that often accompanies 15 passenger vans: cargo. Often referred to as “cargo vans,” these machines were not originally designed to move anything more than furniture, fruit and other assorted goods across town. They were built like most commercial trucks, with hauling and capacity in mind above anything else. Unfortunately, they are now a staple of the taxi and people moving industry thanks to a few modifications from short sighted automakers.
However, unlike taxis, buses and other assorted commercial transports – these types of vans become increasingly dangerous as more passengers are brought on board. Their awkward height, narrow wheel base and over-extended rear capacity translates into an imbalanced center-of-gravity and an increased chance of rollover. Despite these glaring defects, manufacturers continue to provide the bare minimum of safety features in such vans.
Easy to Get – Hard to Drive: This may come as a surprise to some, but if you have a regular Class – A driver’s license in the state of New York, you can legally operate a 15 passenger van. Because manufacturers build just under regulated commercial dimensions, they make an easy solution for groups that may not have the money or resources for a certified driver on staff. Unfortunately, this does nothing to lower the level of difficulty of piloting one; inexperienced drivers attempting to regulate the considerable power, short turning radius and generally poor handling of a fully loaded 15-passenger van, can quickly find themselves in trouble – especially in inclement weather.
Right Team, Right Now - Contact Our NYC 15 Passenger Van Rollover Lawyers
If you are considering legal action against those responsible for a van accident that either you or a loved one was tragically involved, take the time to give us a call. The knowledgeable New York City 15 passenger van rollover attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP have decades of trial experience, going up against the companies who know all too well the dangers these types of vehicles pose. We will work relentlessly on your family’s behalf and firmly establish your right to just compensation. For more information about our firm and how we can best represent you, contact us at (212) 986-7353.
Additional Information
Our Product Liability Case Results
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$1.175 Million - Product Liability Caused Catastrophic Injury
Cliff Shapiro obtained a settlement of 1.175 million dollars for a twenty-one year old man who was blinded in one eye as a result of an accident involving a defective platform hoist.
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$565,000 - Product Liability with Electrical Shock
Kenneth J. Halperin recently obtained a $565,000 settlement for a former N.Y.C.T.A worker who sustained an electrical shock while inspecting a propulsion system supplied by a foreign manufacturer.
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$524,000 - Severe Foot Crush Injuries
The case settled at mediation prior to trial for $524,000, including $424,000 from the dumpster manufacturer and $100,000 from the municipality.
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$210,000 - Construction Worker Who Fell From a Defective Ladder
Following a fiercely contested jury trial, WRSMH was able to obtain a verdict in excess of $200,000 on behalf of a 20-year-old wiring technician from Brooklyn.
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