When you take a limo ride, it’s usually for a special event like a wedding, bachelorette party, prom, or birthday celebration. You’re in great spirits! What could possibly go wrong?
Suddenly a limo accident brings the festivities to a screeching halt. It’s not fun to think about, but limousine accidents are surprisingly common in California.
Think about all the reasons a limo is more dangerous than other vehicles on the road. Limos tend to travel fast to get their passengers to their destinations on time. Passengers don’t usually wear seatbelts and are moving around inside the vehicle, sometimes drinking alcohol.
Plus, limos are large, awkward vehicles that may have trouble merging in and out of traffic. And they’re heavy, meaning it’s hard for them to stop suddenly and avoid colliding with other vehicles.
So you might be wondering: What happens after a limo accident? What are my rights and who will pay for my expenses? Here are some important things you should know.
Laws and Liability for Limo Drivers in California
Under California law, anyone who transports 10 or more passengers in a commercial vehicle must hold a special driver’s license called a commercial driver’s license (CDL). For limo drivers, the CDL is commonly called a chauffeur’s license.
This means a limo driver must pass the written CDL exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles, plus certain limo drivers – like airport limo drivers – must also pass a drug test and criminal background check. Most limo companies require their employees to undergo drug screenings and background checks too.
Some cities also have additional requirements for limo drivers and chauffeurs who operate within city limits. For example, Los Angeles requires a Driver/Attendant Permit, an additional licensure exam, and a signature from a limo company representative.
While they’re driving, limo drivers have a duty of care to provide safe transportation for their passengers. When an accident happens, you have the right to hold the driver and limo company responsible for hurting you.
The key to making a successful case against the limo company is to show that they breached their duty of care. You’ll need to provide as much evidence as possible and show that the limo driver failed to act the way a prudent person should act in similar circumstances.
Examples of Severe Limousine Accident Cases
When you work with an experienced California limo accident lawyer, they can help you get to the bottom of what happened in your accident. These cases are often more complex than they appear at first, and it’s important to identify all contributors to the crash so you can place the blame where it belongs.
For example, look at the limo accident on the San Mateo-Hayward bridge that took the lives of five women traveling to a bachelorette party. An investigation revealed the limo’s driveshaft had been rubbing against the vehicle floorboards, creating friction that led to a fatal fire in the passenger compartment.
In another fatal limo accident that made national news, 18 passengers and two pedestrians died. The crash investigators found that the limo driver failed to stop at a T-junction and the vehicle had previously failed a safety inspection that should have taken it off the road.
You Can Take Action After a Limo Crash
What would you do if you were injured in a limo crash? Just like the victims in the horrific accidents described above, you probably had no idea a dangerous vehicle or a bad limo driver was putting your safety at risk.
Limo crashes can cause severe, life-changing injuries. You’re facing a mountain of medical bills from injuries like lacerations, broken bones, a neck injury, a back injury, a concussion, or even a traumatic brain injury. Plus, you likely have emotional trauma and lost wages as a result of the crash.
The limo company should pay those costs, not you! But limo companies are often reluctant to take responsibility. Don’t be surprised if the insurance company throws out a lowball offer. That’s why you need help from the team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers.
After a limousine accident, call 877-380-8852 or get a FREE online case evaluation now. You’ll be talking to a law firm with decades of experience investigating limo crashes and helping injured victims like you gain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
After a personal injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including limousine accidents. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details.
We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation.
