A multi-vehicle accident near Bishop involving an SUV, a small passenger car and what appears to be a 12 or 15 passenger van carrying California Baptist University cross-country team members has left three people dead and 15 injured. The Los Angeles Times reports that the University’s 2009 ford Econoline van was transporting 13 students on their way to high-altitude training near Mammoth.
The cheerleading coach from California Baptist University who was driving the van was among those killed in the fiery collision. Two college-age women were also killed after their SUV rolled through the center divider and into oncoming traffic, colliding with the van. A passenger in the SUV is reported to have been ejected from the vehicle. One passenger in the van endured severe head trauma and others involved in the accident have suffered serious burns and other major injuries.
12 and 15 passenger vans are widely used by schools, universities, church groups, and other organizations to transport groups of people at once for the sake of convenience and affordability. However, the design of these vehicles can put passengers at risk of ejection and serious injury from rollover accidents. While these vehicles are generally safe, their large size, design, and weight can make it more challenging for a driver to control the vehicle when avoiding other cars or objects in the road. Similarly, due to their design, SUVs are susceptible to rollover because of their high center of gravity and passengers may be at risk of ejection.
Auto accident cases involving 15 passenger vans and SUVs can be complex, especially when a vehicle’s design or a manufacturing flaw may have contributed to the cause of the collision. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our California rollover accident lawyers have years of experience in auto product liability litigation relating to 15 passenger vans, SUVs, and other vehicles. Our aggressive attorneys have assisted auto accident injury victims and family members of wrongful death victims in holding auto manufacturers, rental companies, and other negligent parties accountable for their actions. To find out how we can help, call 877-800-1700 today for a free consultation regarding your case.
