NYC Van Accident Lawyer

Unlike accidents between passenger vehicles, an accident with a van is more likely to result in severe injuries. This is typically because vans carry more weight and are capable of causing more damage to a vehicle during a crash. When an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel of the vehicle, this can be especially troublesome. If you or a family member was injured in a van accident, consult with an experienced NYC van accident lawyer.

At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we will work tirelessly to provide you with the legal representation needed to pursue compensation for your accident. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (877) 311-4878, or contact us online.

5 Common Causes of Van Accidents in NYC

Van accidents may occur for a variety of reasons. If a victim is involved in a van accident in NYC, knowing what caused the accident can help the victim if they decide to file a personal injury claim in NYC. The following is a list of common causes of van accidents.

Inexperienced Driver

While driving a van does not require a motorist to have a specific certification, there is some danger when an inexperienced driver chooses to operate a van. For example, some vans may have panels that will block visibility for a driver, if a driver is inexperienced, this lack of visibility could lead to them causing an accident when reversing or switching lanes.

Overloaded Vehicle

Vans typically weigh more than other passenger vehicles even when they are unloaded. However, once a van is overloaded with items, it can be especially difficult to maneuver, Additionally, as vans have a high center of gravity, a poor maneuver could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly even roll over.

Poor Tire Maintenance

If the owner of a van frequently uses the vehicle, it is important to ensure that worn out or damaged tires are regularly replaced or repaired. If the owner of a vehicle fails to perform maintenance on their tires, they increase the likelihood of causing an accident due to a defective tire. For example, if a tire is especially damaged, it can blowout if a driver hits a pothole or other debris on the road. A tire blowout on a van could easily cause a motorist to flip their vehicle.

Additionally, vans often have unusual tire pressure requirements that may be difficult to manage. As a result, some owners of vans may have tires that overinflated or underinflated that can affect a driver’s ability to maneuver their vehicle and increase the likelihood of a tire blowout.


Whether a motorist is operating a van, passenger vehicle, or truck, exceeding the speed limit can be dangerous for anyone they are sharing the road with. As mentioned, vans have a higher center of gravity. If a speeding van collides with another vehicle at a high rate of speed, the likelihood of rolling over is dramatically increased due to their high center of gravity. Additionally, as vans are usually heavier than passenger vehicles, high-speed can accidents can often result in more severe or life-threatening injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly impact the senses and reaction times of a person. For example, a drunk driver may fail to make a note of traffic signals, may become drowsy while driving, or could have difficulty staying in their lane. This makes it extremely dangerous for other motorists or pedestrians that may be in the vicinity of an intoxicated driver.

There are several other causes of van accidents that are not listed above. If you were injured in another type of van accident in NYC that is not listed above, our firm could help you determine the next steps to take after your accident.

Note, however, that personal injury lawsuits for car accident claims are subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations regulates the amount of time that a person has to file a particular type of lawsuit. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. If a claimant waits longer than three years to file their case, they will be barred from pursuing their lawsuit in a court of law.

Our Skilled NYC Van Accident Attorneys are Here for You

If you or a family member was injured in an accident with a van, contact an experienced NYC van accident attorney today. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP decades of combined legal experience, and we will utilize this knowledge to help you hold a negligent driver accountable for their actions. Our firm has worked with residents of NYC, Queens, and Brooklyn, and we would be pleased to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (877) 311-4878.



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Recent Result:

$3,400,000Work Injury Settlement

The client, a sanitation worker, fell over a pothole inside the depot yard; They required knee, wrist and elbow surgery. They were approved for ¾ pay and Social Security Disability Insurance.

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