Limousines can be a fun and extravagant way to travel. Unfortunately, they are often less safe than other vehicles in an accident. They do not always have seatbelts, and the driver must be an expert at avoiding distractions while driving an oversized vehicle. When accidents happen, passengers can face serious injuries.
If you are injured in a limousine accident, consult a Chicago limousine accident lawyer. You may be able to recover compensation for your accident-related expenses. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation with our legal team.
Prevalence of Limousine Accidents
Limousine accidents do not appear to be that common, but when they happen, they can be deadly. CBS News reported in 2018 that at least 68 people have died in limousine accidents since 2000. Limo accidents tend to make headlines when they happen because the damage tends to be much greater than regular car accidents. A 2018 accident in Long Island, N.Y., which led to the deaths of 20 people, spurred further research into how unsafe limousines are.
Limousines are less safe than other modes of transportation because of how they are constructed. Normal limousines (ones that have not been modified into stretch limos) have the same specifications as any other large sedan, keeping them relatively safe.
However, many stretch limousines have reduced safety systems, including seatbelts and airbags, in the passenger area. They are also prone to suffering catastrophic damage in collisions because of their modifications. For instance, in the 2018 accident, the limousine equipped the three benches in the perimeter-style bench seating area only with passenger lap belts. The bench seats then failed in the direction of the crash forces. All these factors make the results of limousine accidents more deadly.
Seeking Legal Action
If you or a loved one was injured in a limousine accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver and the company. Limos have been the subject of safety concerns for a long time, but few organizations have effectively addressed those problems. That is partially because they are not commercially produced vehicles for the most part, so there are few standards for their design and development.
States across the country have made changes to improve limousine safety. New York State, for instance, passed legislation in early 2020 that mandated safety features and gave government agencies the right to impound a vehicle that violates the new law. Stricter guidelines on how limos are designed and used can offer victims a higher chance to hold the drivers and companies responsible when they cause accidents.
For a free legal consultation with a Limousine Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Common Limousine Accident Injuries
Limousine accidents can result in a combination of minor and severe injuries. These injuries can include:
- Bruises: Bruises are common after limo accidents since passengers are more likely to bounce around the passenger space without seatbelts.
- Broken bones: Broken bones can also happen in a severe accident due to the force of the crash and a lack of safety features.
- Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury. It can lead to a coma or other serious conditions if untreated. Concussions also put victims at greater risk for other injuries until the victim recovers.
- Death: Because limo accidents tend to be more severe, the risk of death is higher. Stretch limousines are not designed to absorb impacts along their extended section and usually experience more severe damage because of this flaw.
Any injury that happens as the result of a limousine accident should be considered serious. If you have not done so already, seek medical attention to avoid the long-term impacts of those injuries. A Chicago limousine lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills incurred as a result of a limo accident, as well as other damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and even expenses related to the wrongful death of a loved one. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more from a team member.
Chicago Limousine Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations
While recovering from your injuries is the primary concern after a serious accident, you might also want to consider taking legal action. If you decide that legal action is the right step to take, you might want to consult with a Chicago limousine accident lawyer. It takes time to build and file a case, and there is a time limit in place for how long you have to file the lawsuit, called the statute of limitations.
735 ILCS 5/13-202 states that you have two years from the date that you learned about your injuries to file a lawsuit. In most cases, this is the day that the accident happened since most injuries present immediately after the accident. However, a subtle injury that takes several weeks to appear, like chronic pain, means that you have two years from the date that your doctor tells you that accident injuries caused the pain.
Click to contact our Limousine Accidents Lawyers today
Determining Liability
Determining liability is an important aspect when filing a limousine accident lawsuit. Limo accidents can prove a bit more difficult to determine liability from the passenger’s perspective. In some cases, you can sue the other driver if that driver is at fault. In other cases where the driver of the limo is at fault, the passengers can sue the driver or the limo company. This will require proving that the driver or the company was negligent in some way that caused the accident or exacerbated your injuries.
Establishing liability can be difficult, but it is possible with the right research and focus. An attorney can help you establish liability and counsel you on how to proceed.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Discuss Your Potential Case with Our Legal Team
If you or a loved one was injured in a limousine accident, you might find it worthwhile to consult a Chicago limousine accident lawyer to see what legal steps you can take to recover compensation. Having a lawyer review your case can give you a better understanding of who is liable and how to proceed. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444. Our legal team can review your case for free and help you decide on the next course of action. Call today to get started.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
