Limo Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a limousine accident, you’re likely feeling confused and overwhelmed. We recognize the emotional and physical toll that such an event can take on your life, and understand that experienced legal support is crucial in these challenging times.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents passengers and motorists severely injured in limo accidents. If you were injured in a collision with a limo or were a passenger in a limousine, contact our limousine accident lawyer to discuss your circumstances.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for limo accident victims. Our experienced legal team specializes in handling complex transportation accident cases and has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts. 

We meticulously investigate every detail of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. With our deep expertise in limo accident claims, we navigate the complexities of proving negligence and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

Why Limo Accidents Differ from Regular Car Crashes

Limousine accidents are distinct from typical car crashes due to the nature of limousine services and legal classifications. In a bustling area like Chicago, you’ll often see many “for-hire vehicles,” one of which is the chauffeured limousine. Passengers in limousines have certain expectations regarding safety and care, and rightfully so.

Under Illinois law, limousines fall under the category of “common carriers.” This means that limousine companies have a higher duty of care toward their passengers compared to everyday motorists, and to operate limousines and carry passengers, a driver typically needs a different type of license. 

Limousine operators must adhere to stringent safety standards because passengers rightfully expect them not only to provide transportation but also to ensure their well-being along every mile traveled. 

Understanding these differences can be crucial when seeking legal recourse after an incident involving a limo accident.

Types of Limousine Accident Cases We Handle

While any vehicle can be involved in an accident, limousines face unique risks due to their size and usage. Here are some common types of limousine accidents that might occur:

• Rollovers: These limousine accidents happen when a limousine tips onto its side or roof, often caused by sharp turns or uneven road surfaces.
• Collisions with Other Vehicles: Limos can collide with other cars at intersections or on highways due to speeding, impaired visibility, or limousine driver error.
• Passenger Ejections: In sudden stops or collisions, passengers may be thrown from this commercial vehicle if they are not properly restrained and wearing seatbelts.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Alcohol-impaired drivers pose significant dangers not only to themselves but also to innocent passengers and others on the road.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: When a driver is distracted – whether by a cell phone, conversations with passengers, or other factors – the risk of an accident increases significantly. This could be on the part of the limo driver or another person on the road.
• Mechanical Failure Accidents: A malfunctioning component like faulty brakes can lead to severe accidents.
• Improperly Maintained Vehicle Accidents: Failing to adhere to safety regulations regarding regular maintenance increases the likelihood of breakdowns and accidents.

Common Injuries in a Limousine Accident

Injuries resulting from a limousine accident can range in severity, potentially affecting passengers, drivers, and even cyclists or pedestrians. The unpredictable nature of these accidents means that individuals may encounter various injury types, often including:

• Head and Brain Injuries: These injuries occur when the head strikes an object during a collision or if sudden movements cause the brain to jostle within the skull, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to spinal structures can impact movement and sensation. These injuries might result from forceful impacts that strain or sever spinal nerves.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Due to the force of a collision, passengers may experience broken bones in their arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These fractures often require significant medical treatment and recovery time.
• Internal Organ Damage: Serious accidents can cause harm to organs like the liver or kidneys due to blunt force trauma. This type of injury may not always be immediately visible but can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Passengers may suffer cuts from broken glass or debris inside the vehicle during an accident. These injuries can range from minor wounds needing stitches to severe lacerations that demand extensive medical attention.
• Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact following a limousine accident should not be overlooked. Survivors might experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as they cope with the aftermath of these traumatic events.

Liability for Limousine Accidents

Determining liability in a limousine accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share the responsibility. Understanding who could be held liable is crucial for pursuing compensation. Here’s an overview of potential parties who can be held responsible:

• The Limo Drivers: If the driver acts recklessly, drives under the influence, or violates traffic laws while operating the vehicle, they can be directly liable for any accidents that occur. Limousine driver fatigue and falling asleep is another common cause of a car accident involving a limousine.
• The Limo Company: When accidents occur, the limo company may also bear responsibility if they did not conduct proper background checks on their limo drivers or failed to supervise their fleet effectively. Limo companies must ensure their vehicles are operated safely and meet all regulatory standards.
• The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in vehicle design or manufacturing leads to an accident—such as brake failure—the manufacturer could face liability claims based on product liability and defective parts laws.
• Maintenance Companies: Companies contracted to perform regular maintenance might also have accountability if you can prove negligence related to improper repairs contributes to an accident. This includes failing to check essential safety equipment like brakes or tires.
• Other Drivers Involved: Other drivers involved in a multi-vehicle collision could share the blame if their negligent actions led directly to the crash with the limousine.

In many limo accident cases, multiple responsible parties may share liability. For example, the driver of the limousine might be at fault for negligent driving, while the limousine company could also bear some responsibility for failing to look into the driver’s background. This can make it challenging to pinpoint who is liable for the car accident and how much each at-fault party should contribute to the victim’s damages.

What a Limo Accident Attorney Can Do For You

In the aftermath of a limousine accident, having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly ease the burdens you face. A limo accident attorney form our team will provide invaluable support and guidance through every stage of your case. Here’s how:

Investigate the Accident

A thorough investigation is essential for building a strong claim. Your attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and photos from the accident scene. We will also review maintenance records and driver qualifications to determine if any negligence contributed to the incident.

Determine Liability

Your attorney will examine insurance policies and coverage details relevant to the case. This involves identifying all parties potentially responsible for your injuries or damages, which can include limo drivers, the limousine company, or manufacturers.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Interacting with insurance companies can often be complex and challenging. Your attorney will manage these negotiations on your behalf. We’ll address complicated insurance claims procedures and denials while fighting for maximum compensation based on both current needs as well as any long-term implications of your severe injuries.

File a Lawsuit

If negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory outcome, your attorney will be prepared to represent your interests in court. They will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case vigorously before a judge or jury.

Seeking Compensation After a Limo Accident

Seeking compensation after a limousine accident can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is crucial for securing the financial support you need to recover. Compensation may cover various losses resulting from the incident. 

Types of Damages

• Medical Expenses (Past and Future): This category includes all costs related to treating injuries sustained in the accident, ranging from emergency care and hospital stays to ongoing therapies and rehabilitative treatments.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery period as well as estimated future earnings if your ability to work has been impacted long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation could also be sought for physical discomfort endured due to accidents caused by another’s negligence. This subjective measure aims at quantifying non-economic losses related specifically to physical pain.
• Emotional Distress: Not all injuries are physical; in many cases, victims experience significant psychological effects following an accident, such as anxiety or depression. These emotional effects can also be factored into your compensation claim. The aim is to address the emotional upheaval and distress that arises from the trauma of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Injuries from limousine accidents can alter your ability to participate in daily activities or hobbies you once enjoyed. Compensation may cover losses related to quality-of-life changes, such as being unable to engage in recreational activities due to physical limitations imposed by injuries.

Wrongful Death Claims

In tragic cases where a limousine accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Compensation in these cases typically includes funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering endured by family members left behind.

Understanding these damage categories will help you articulate your needs when seeking compensation after a limo accident. An experienced attorney will assist in calculating the total value of damages based on individual circumstances, ensuring all aspects are addressed during negotiations or litigation efforts.

Contact a Skilled Limo Accident Lawyer Today!

Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.