New York Limo Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Us

How Our New York Limo Accident Attorneys Can Help You

The time after your accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with appointments, recovery, medical bills, and time off work. There is no need to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Our attorneys can help remove some of the stress involved.

Anyone you seek compensation from will want to deny responsibility. No one likes to admit they were wrong, especially when it can cost them money or future business. Therefore, the insurance company or business owner’s desire will be to get out with as little cost and publicity as possible. You deserve a lawyer on your side who looks out for you and knows how to handle contentious cases.

How We Can Help

Our attorneys are dedicated to customer service. Not only will we ensure that we return your calls and keep you updated on your case, we will expertly handle every step to make sure you win. That includes:

• Investigating your claim. We will seek to determine exactly what happened, who was involved, what errors or failures occurred, and who should be held responsible. We also need to make sure you get the evidence needed, and that it’s enough to win in a court of law. This includes talking to witnesses, medical professionals, and maybe even using accident reconstruction experts. We will expertly explain your rights and options to you.
• Proving fault and liability. Once evidence is gathered, the information must be compiled in a compelling and legally sufficient way to prove the case. Our lawyers will work for you to make sure the legal requirements for proving responsibility are met. Don’t let legal technicalities be the reason you lose your case. Call us today.
• Legal drafting and filings. There are deadlines that will need to be met before you can win your case. You need a lawyer on your side to ensure you meet them. Additionally, there’s no need for you to figure out the contents needed for an adequate legal claim, proper notifications, or the correct procedures to seek compensation from all the appropriate parties. We’ve got you covered.
• Determining the value of your case. Our lawyer will calculate your losses and demand compensation for all possible losses and from all possible parties. You may not know how much your NYC limo accident case is worth. If you settle too fast, your ongoing medical care will come out of your own pocket. This could hurt your financial recovery. Our car accident lawyers in staten island will strengthen your claim to help ensure your settlement is adequate to cover all your medical expenses.
• Negotiating settlement. Once a settlement offer is made, we will advise you on whether or not to accept. You deserve not to settle for less than could be won in court. We will negotiate for you to obtain compensation that’s fair to you.
• Arguing your case in court. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our New York limo accident lawyer will handle the legal proceedings to argue why you should win. There are specific requirements to ensure you get your compensation, and you’ll want a competent and zealous advocate on your side.

A good lawyer will provide you with honest, direct guidance. You want expertise to ensure you are rightfully compensated. Working with our firm shows that you are prepared to fight for your rights and obtain full financial compensation.

Talk to our limo accident attorney about your case. We stand ready to advocate for you and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (516) 399-2364.

Common Causes of Limo Accidents

Generally, many people consider limos safe, given that they’ve incurred the high cost of luxury. Unfortunately, that is a false sense of security. Limos are no less likely to be involved in an accident than any other vehicle. They can actually have their own unique dangers.

For instance, stretch limousines are more difficult to maneuver than standard-size vehicles. The drivers must be especially attentive and good at avoiding distractions while maneuvering an oversized vehicle, especially in New York. Limos may also have been modified in ways that make them dangerous. The vehicles often have several passengers who do not have access to seatbelts, are not wearing a seatbelt, and are without the protection of an airbag. When limos are driven by inexperienced or untrained drivers, or when drivers operate limousines that were defectively designed or manufactured, tragic crashes can happen.

Below are more details related to these common causes of injury:

Inexperience With Driving Large Vehicles

When a driver isn’t trained or lacks experience with driving an oversized vehicle, especially on New York City streets, certain types of collisions become common. This includes sideswipe accidents from underestimating the vehicle’s width, rollover accidents from turning at high speeds, blind spot and merging accidents, and rear-end collisions from not leaving enough stopping distance. Because of the large weight and length of a limo, special driving skills and adequate training are essential for proper operation. The disparity in size and weight between a small passenger car and a limousine can have devastating consequences in a collision.

Drunk or Drowsy Driving

Limo drivers often work an entire evening and make multiple stops throughout the night. They then have long idle periods in between stops. With alcohol easily accessible, some drivers might be tempted to sneak a drink or two to pass the time and fight boredom. Even sober, limo drivers often work long hours into the late night and early morning, sometimes after working a complete day shift at another job. Both drowsy driving and drunk driving are dangerous to limo passengers and others on the road. Momentary lapses in energy levels or judgment can and do lead to accidents.

Negligent Drivers

Drivers who cause an accident due to lack of skill or experience, negligence, or inattention can be held liable for the wrecks they cause. Examples of negligent or careless driving include speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, violating traffic laws, texting while driving, and driving recklessly in general. Drivers can also be prone to distracted driving, whether due to unfamiliarity of the route and overreliance on navigation, or allowing themselves to be distracted by the party-like atmosphere in the passenger compartment. It’s up to the limousine company to hire experienced drivers or provide on-the-job training so that they ensure their drivers are qualified.

Negligent Vehicle Maintenance

Some limo accidents can be attributed to acts of negligence that took place even before the driver got behind the wheel. Limo companies must maintain the vehicles they own. That includes regular inspections of all aspects of the limo to avoid any critical failures. However, some limo companies might cut corners regarding safety in order to offer competitive prices for their services.

After-Market Modifications

Limousines, buses, and multi-passenger vans must follow strict federal motor vehicle safety standards regarding how they are designed and built. Normal limousines that have not been modified into stretch limos have the same specifications as any other large sedan, keeping them relatively safe. However, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be stretched and modified into a limousine after the original vehicle has been manufactured and sold. A stretch limousine is made from a car that is cut in half and then extended, with the interior seats replaced with benches or couches. The federal government doesn’t oversee or regulate aftermarket modifications. Therefore, a stretch limo could be negligently modified with the following hazards:

• Too difficult to handle or control
• Failed suspension
• Raised center of gravity and risk of rollover
• Added barrier between driver and passengers traps passengers and prevents escape
• Substandard materials leading to failure in the midsection or roof
• Failure of added perimeter benches
• Inadequate airbags and/or seatbelts
• Larger blind spots.

Who is Responsible for My Injuries?

When you’re injured in a limousine accident in New York, you might be able to seek compensation from many parties. Under the law, the driver and limousine company owe passengers and others on the road a duty of safety. Depending on the situation, that duty can include:

• Maintaining the safety of vehicles and equipment
• Exercising reasonable care to protect passengers from harm
• Making sure the driver has a proper license and a good driving record
• Not engaging in reckless driving behavior
• Providing adequate training
• Creating realistic schedules that don’t encourage speeding or lack of sleep.

With all the duties outlined above, you may have claims against many different parties. Maybe the driver was the cause of your injuries because he wasn’t following company procedures or the rules of the road. Maybe it was another vehicle that hit the limo you were in. Or even the limousine company could have been at fault for failure to ensure the driver was competent.

The company also could have failed to provide a road-safe vehicle for your ride. Perhaps a manufacturing company contributed because of faulty parts. A body shop that performed negligent aftermarket modifications might be liable for your limo accident injuries. A third-party maintenance vendor could have failed to inspect the vehicle properly or failed to keep the limo in working order. The state or municipality could even be responsible for poor road conditions or design.

It’s not always easy to determine who was liable for your limo accident injuries. Then, because one party may deny liability or point the finger at another, it can be challenging to get anyone to take responsibility for their failures. If you’ve been hurt, our New York limo accident attorney can determine who was to blame for your crash and hold them accountable for paying the full damages you deserve.

Contact our New York limo accident lawyer at (516) 399-2364 for a consultation to figure out who is liable and to hold the proper parties fully accountable.

FAQs about Limousine Accident Legal Claims in New York

You may wonder how a legal case works after you’ve been injured by a limousine accident. You may wonder where to turn, be concerned about your medical expenses or lost income, and wonder how you can get the most compensation possible. Our limousine accident lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have.

• What types of vehicles are considered limousines?

  Limousines can include the following:

  • A chauffeured town car with an enclosed rear compartment
  • Stretch limos
  • Sedans
  • Extended sedans
  • SUVs
  • Sightseeing buses
  • Airport or hotel shuttles
  • Charter or “party” buses
  • Passenger vans.
• Can I wait to see what happens before contacting a limo crash lawyer?

  It is in your best interests to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The limo company’s insurance company wants your case to “go away” as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to have someone on your side, the more money you’ll leave on the table or, worse, the more you risk not getting a dime.

• What special requirements apply to limos?

  The limo company must comply with specific registration requirements for passenger vehicles. Inspection requirements apply that ensure the vehicle is road worthy and safe. There are also special licensing requirements for drivers. A driver or company that fails to follow any of these requirements could be held liable if an accident occurs. Contact our limo accident lawyer today to find out if you have a claim based on a violation of any of these requirements.

• What type of compensation can I seek?

  Each case is different, but you may receive compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including doctor visits, pharmaceuticals, and physical therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Disability.

  These categories include both past and future expenses, earnings, and pain and suffering.

  It’s best to reach out to a limo accident attorney in NYC as soon as possible to maximize your compensation.

• How much will the limo accident lawyer in New York cost?

  We understand that you might face serious financial hardship after a limo accident. Therefore, we get paid only a portion of a winning settlement. There is no charge if you lose your case.

• How do I know if I’ll win my case?

  To receive compensation, you need a lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies or to file your case in court. If you go to court, the judge or jury will need to find that anyone you sue owed you a duty and violated that duty, or was negligent. Our New York limo attorney can evaluate your case and the evidence to determine your likelihood of success.

• How much time do I have to file a claim?

  In New York, generally, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to bring a claim against a privately owned bus or limousine company. However, there are shorter time frames to file against a government entity. That’s why it’s extremely important to contact our limousine accident lawyer in New York as soon as possible.

Don’t see an answer to your question? We are happy to help. Reach out to our New York City limo accident attorney to talk about your case.

Contact our experienced NYC limo accident attorney for a consultation today. Reach us at (516) 399-2364.

Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.

John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]