Common Questions Regarding Limousine Accidents
Being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful situation, especially when you have to deal with the legal issues of an accident claim while trying to recover from your injuries at the same time. But if you were injured while a passenger in a limousine, that claim process can become even more complicated, especially when determining liability. This is why limousine accident victims should contact a Melbourne Florida personal claims injury lawyer from Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood for legal assistance in pursuing damages from the responsible parties. The following is the answer to some of the more common questions regarding limousine accidents. Contact our office for more details. What is it about the design of limousines makes them more dangerous than regular passenger vehicles? As a Melbourne Florida personal claims lawyer can explain, the stretch limousines that we see on our roads are not produced by any of the major car manufacturers. Instead, stretch limousines are regular vehicles that are extended by cutting the vehicle in half and then inserting a longer middle section. To do this, it is not uncommon for the company making the limousine to remove safety features that regular vehicles are required to have, including easily accessible exits, reinforced rollover bars, and side-impact airbags. There are no federal safety regulations in place for a vehicle modified into a limousine. What safety factors should a potential client look for in a stretch limousine? Because a stretch limo is much longer than a regular passenger vehicle, it is more difficult to maneuver and control. Because the vehicle has been modified, it is critical that the brakes and tires of the vehicle have also been modified in order to adjust for the additional weight the vehicle now has. When hiring a limousine company, you want to make sure that the company you are dealing with has a good reputation. Investigate the safety record of the company, make sure the driver is properly licensed, and check out the condition of the vehicle you will be renting. Who is liable for injuries in a limousine accident? If the crash was caused by recklessness or negligence of the driver (i.e. speeding), or if it was caused by negligence on the part of the company (i.e. failure to maintain the vehicle), the company could be held liable for any losses victims suffered. A personal injury lawyer Melbourne, FL families trust can evaluate the case and determine how to proceed. Call a Melbourne Florida Personal Claims Lawyer for Help If you have been injured in a crash involving limousine, obtaining financial compensation for your injuries can be more complex than other types of vehicle accidents. You need a skilled personal claims lawyer Melbourne Florida clients depend on from the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood advocating for you.