What to Do if You Are Hurt While a Passenger in a Limousine

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While you may hire a limousine or other livery vehicle to provide you with safe transportation, especially if you plan to go somewhere to drink or if you otherwise cannot safely drive yourself. However, limousine and livery drivers are just as capable of getting into an accident as any other driver. The size of limousines can even increase the risks of these types of vehicles getting into crashes. If you are hurt while riding in a limousine, what are your rights and options?

Common Causes of Limousine Accidents

Some of the most frequent causes of limousine accidents include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Distracted driving, including use of a cell phone while driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving, as limousine drivers often work late hours
• Inexperience with driving a long vehicle such as a limousine
• Getting lost, which may result in a driver taking their limousine on streets or roads unsafe for such vehicles
• Night driving and low lighting conditions
• Poor road conditions
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance, including failing to maintain brakes or tires

What to Do When the Limousine Driver Is at Fault

If the limousine driver caused an accident due to their negligent or reckless operation of the vehicle, you can pursue a legal claim for compensation against the driver. However, you more likely would bring your claim against the limousine company, which likely will have employer liability when their driver negligently causes an accident that injures passengers inside the limousine. 

You also would likely pursue compensation against the limousine company when an accident was caused by negligent maintenance of the vehicle, which is the responsibility of the limousine company. 

In addition, when you are injured while riding in a limousine as a passenger, you normally will not be eligible to seek coverage under the PIP portion of your own auto insurance policy, as a limousine is considered a car for hire rather than a normal passenger vehicle that is covered by your car insurance. As a result, you may not be subject to the limitation-on-liability/verbal threshold if you have that provision in your auto policy. Instead, you likely will be able to pursue a normal personal injury claim against the limousine driver or company. 

What Are Your Legal Options When Someone Other Than the Limousine Driver Caused Your Accident?

However, sometimes limousines get into accidents due to the careless or reckless driving of other motorists. When that occurs, you may not be able to seek compensation from the limousine company. Instead, you likely will have to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.

Compensation You May Be Entitled for Being Injured While Riding in a Limousine

If you were hurt in an accident while riding as a passenger in a limousine, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages or income from missed time from work
• Loss of future earning ability due to permanent disabilities
• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Reduced enjoyment and quality of life from disfigurement and disabilities caused by physical injuries

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Limousine Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a limousine accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured because of limousine accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.