The New York City Council recently passed a bill to close the loophole that had allowed large commuter vans to get around the city’s commuter law. The newly passed bill, Intro 925-A, gives a new definition of what counts as a “for-hire vehicle” which previously excluded vehicles that seated more than 20 passengers. The updated definition now allows the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to regulate these vehicles and make sure that drivers and companies follow the safety restrictions in place.
“Commuter vans provide a vital service to communities in my district and around the city, where transit deserts are created by the lack of public transportation options,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams. “When bad actors circumvent those laws with unsafe, larger vehicles, they hurt the industry and the public they serve. This will close a loophole and help further the success of commuter vans in our communities.”
Crash Statistics for Large Commuter Vans
Large commuter vans may be a convenient mode of transportation because of the large number of passengers carried, but they can also be dangerous. Many who travel in commuter vans do not realize the danger until it is too late.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, research has shown that large commuter vans have a rollover risk that is significantly higher than smaller vans with less than 10 seats. Moreover, the NHSTA also states that approximately 83 percent of fatal rollover accidents involving large commuter vans involve occupants not wearing seat belts. Vans with more than 10 occupants showed a greatly increased rate of an accident.
Get Legal Help Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a large commuter van, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. An experienced New York City commuter van accident attorney can help you get compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Out of pocket expenses related to the accident
Call a NYC Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in any type of car accident that was caused by the reckless actions of another party, you may have a valid personal injury claim and be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to consult with one of our experienced NYC car accident attorney, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.
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