Car Accidents With Limousines Explained

Limousines are among the most popular vehicles available for hire, since they’re frequently rented to celebrate graduations, weddings, and birthdays.

Unfortunately, those celebrations can quickly turn to tragedy in the event of a collision. The immense size and weight of a limousine can cause severe injuries, and even death.

Limousine Accident Causes

Common causes of limousine accidents include:

• Limo company error. Mistakes made by a limousine company can lead to collisions, for which the company may be held liable. These errors may include:
  • Lack of maintenance and repairs. Every limo company has a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and repaired. Failure of the steering system, brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to a serious collision.
  • Improper hiring or training. A limousine company may be held legally responsible for hiring an unqualified driver, or failing to provide proper training, when that driver causes an accident.
• Driver error. Collisions involving limousines are frequently caused by the limo driver’s negligence. Limousine drivers may be held liable for injuries suffered by other motorists when they cause an accident due to:
  • Fatigue. Limo operators often have demanding schedules and work long hours, leading to severe fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel.
  • Aggressive driving. A limousine driver who speeds, fails to check blind spots before changing lanes, or ignores traffic signals can cause serious accidents.
  • Driving under the influence. As with any other motorist, limo drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol endanger everyone else on the road.
  • Distracted driving. Limo operators may be distracted by their smartphones, other electronic devices, or noisy passengers.

Rental Limousine Safety

Using limousine services are popular ways to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, or graduations in style. While riding in a limo might be a lot of fun, some important safety concerns should be addressed before booking one of these vehicles.

Limousine Safety Concerns

Numerous factors can have a profound impact on limousine safety. Some of the issues to consider prior to hiring a limousine include:

• Inspections. When you call the limo company, be sure to ask them when the vehicle last passed a city inspection. When the limousine arrives, check the inspection sticker to ensure it’s current.
• Licenses. Ask the limo company if the vehicle has a current limousine license, and find out how long the company has been licensed in your city.
• History. Ask about the age of the limousine. Search the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System, operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, for the name of your limo company. You can find valuable information that includes inspection summaries and accident reports for the company’s vehicles.
• Insurance. When you call a limo company, ask for proof of insurance. Then, contact the insurance company to ensure the policy is still in force.
• Safety features. Ask the limousine company about the vehicle’s safety features, such as seat belts, airbags, and emergency exits.

Receiving Compensation

Once you settled on a limousine company, you can further protect yourself by remaining alert during your ride, and making sure the driver stays alert and focused.

While taking the precautions listed above can certainly reduce accident risks, a collision may still occur. If you’re injured in a limousine accident, you need an attorney who is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Limousine companies owe a duty of care to their passengers, and both the company and your driver may be held liable for any injuries you sustained.

To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

You Need an Attorney

If you were injured in a collision with a limousine, you may be entitled to compensation from the limousine company and its driver. This may include damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.