Typically, limos are reserved for special occasions like weddings, bachelorette parties, proms, or birthdays. It appears that you’re in a good mood. What could possibly go wrong?
A limo accident halts the party. In California, accidents involving limousines are surprisingly common, although it’s unpleasant to contemplate.
Take a moment to think about the reasons why a limousine is more dangerous than other vehicles. Limos get their passengers to their destinations at the right moment by traveling quickly. There is little use of seatbelts inside the vehicle, and passengers often move about inside, occasionally drinking alcohol.
Additionally, limousines have a hard time merging into and out of traffic because they are such enormous, ungainly vehicles. The weight of the cars also makes it difficult for them to stop quickly enough to avoid colliding with other vehicles.
So what happens in the event of an accident involving a limo? How do I know what my rights are, and who will cover my expenses? The following information should help you.
Chauffeur Laws in California for Drivers Holding Commercial Driver’s Licenses
California law requires anyone who drives a commercial vehicle with ten or more passengers to have a special license called a commercial driver’s license (CDL). CDLs are commonly known as chauffeur’s licenses for limo drivers.
In other words, limo drivers must pass the written CDL exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles, in addition to a drug test and criminal background check if they are working at airports. Drug screenings and background checks are required by most limo companies.
Chauffeur and limo drivers operating within the city limits are also subject to additional regulations. Los Angeles, for instance, requires the driver to obtain a Driver/Attendant Permit, take an additional exam, and a signature from the owner of the limousine service.
When limo drivers operate their vehicles, they are obligated to provide passengers with safe transportation. You may hold the limo company and driver responsible for harming you in the event of an accident.
In order to win a lawsuit against the limo company, it is essential to show that it breached its duty of care. It will be your responsibility to provide as much evidence as possible and demonstrate the limo driver’s failure to act prudently in similar circumstances.
You can get to the bottom of what happened to you in your limo accident when you work with an experienced Los Angeles limo accident lawyer. Sometimes these cases are far more complex than they appear at first glance, and identifying all those involved makes it easier to assign blame.
How Should I Respond If I’m Injured in a Limo Accident?
It is possible to sustain severe, life-changing injuries in a limousine accident. A traumatic brain injury or a neck injury can leave you with mountains of medical bills. You may also suffer broken bones, lacerations, concussions, or broken necks. Additionally, as a result of the crash, you are likely to have lost wages and emotional trauma.
You should not be responsible for these expenses, they belong to the limousine company! However, many limousine companies refuse to take responsibility. It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to make a lowball offer. The Los Angeles attorneys at the Siman Law Firm can help you with this problem.