Philadelphia 15-Passenger Van Attorney Salutes Efforts of American Center For Van and Tire Safety
I was recently contacted by Patrick James who lost his 10-year old daughter, Alexis James, on July 17, 2007 in a 15-passenger van rollover in South Carolina. Unfortunately, according to the investigation, the accident resulted from the failure of the left rear tire. When the tire failed, the van rolled over and beautiful Alexis James was ejected from the vehicle though she was wearing her seat belt. It was only a lap seat belt. Three point lap/shoulder belts were not required in this van when it was manufactured in 1994. Patrick James founded the American Center for Van and Tire Safety. I urge all of you to review Patrick’s website at www.acfvats.org. Patrick’s story is an all to familiar story to members of the 15 passenger van rollover law firm of Reiff and Bily.
Unfortunately, our lawyers have handled too many cases similar to the loss of Alexis James and have shared the pain of losses of all too many parents and children. We applaud Patrick James’ efforts to inform unknowing consumers of the danger of these death machines and salute the his effort to keep the public continuously informed. Every time I learn of another one of these tragic cases, I think of the senseless loss of lives and wrongful death of the innocent and unknowing occupants of these vans.
The automobile manufacturers have known from the very beginning that these vans, originally designed to carry cargo, were not safe when loaded with many passengers. The engineers and internal testing of the automotive manufacturers reveal numerous design defects and resulting instability and crash-worthiness issues. I have regular conversations with a client of mine, a young single mother who lost her 14-year old son and only child in a 15-passenger van rollover similar to one where Patrick lost Alexis. The pain and the story is all too familiar and never seems to abate. I refuse to allow my children or anybody that I can influence to get into one of these 15-passenger vans. I have made it an important part of my life and career to take all steps necessary to insure that automobile manufacturers design and manufacture 15-passenger vans and other vehicles that are safe and protect our precious loved ones.
It is my sincerest hope and wish that Patrick is comforted in his moments of grief and sorrow by joyful memories of times spent with his beautiful daughter Alexis. It is also my hope that he never gives up the fight and continues to share his story with others to increase public awareness of the dangers of these vehicles and hopefully prevent other tragic incidents such as this from occurring.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a 15-passenger van rollover accident, please contact the Philadelphia catastrophic injury law firm of Reiff and Bily for a free consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
