Orlando Limousine Accident Attorney: Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Limo Accident

Riding in a limousine should be a luxury experience, reserved for special occasions such as weddings, proms, or corporate events. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, even when you’re not in control behind the wheel. If you’ve been involved in a limousine accident in Orlando, the aftermath can be overwhelming, and the injuries severe. This is where an experienced Orlando limousine accident attorney with Paul | Knopf | Bigger becomes essential, guiding you through the legal complexities and helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. If you have immediate questions, call us at (800) 434-4327.

What Causes Limousine Accidents in Orlando?

Limousines, while offering an elegant form of transport, come with unique risks that can contribute to accidents. Below are some of the primary causes of limousine accidents in Orlando:

Faulty Limousine Construction

Many people are unaware that some limousines are built from standard vehicles, modified by cutting them in half and then extending them. This modification can lead to significant structural weaknesses. If the limousine is not properly constructed or maintained, it may not meet legal safety standards, which increases the risk of severe injury in the event of a crash.

Driver Fatigue

Limousine drivers often work long hours, making them susceptible to fatigue. This exhaustion compromises their ability to drive safely, especially when managing larger vehicles like limos. Fatigued driving is a major cause of limousine accidents in Orlando and can lead to disastrous results.

Substance Use

In some unfortunate instances, limousine drivers may turn to drugs or alcohol to stay alert during long shifts. If a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident, it would be a critical factor in proving fault. Orlando’s strict DUI laws will support your Orlando limousine accident attorney in building a case against the negligent driver.

Distracted Driving

Even professional drivers are not immune to distractions. Whether it’s using a GPS or texting, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in Orlando. Your attorney will investigate whether distracted driving played a role in your accident, gathering essential evidence.

Establishing Fault in an Orlando Limousine Accident

Determining who is at fault in a limousine accident is crucial for your personal injury claim. Since passengers have no control over the situation, it falls upon your Orlando limousine accident attorney to gather and present evidence demonstrating who is responsible.

Several strategies may be used to establish fault:

• Expert Witnesses: These professionals can reconstruct the accident scene and assess vehicle damage to determine the cause of the crash.
• Eyewitness Testimonies: Passengers or bystanders may provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the accident.
• Dashcam Footage: Many limousines are equipped with dashcams, which can offer crucial evidence regarding the driver’s actions before the accident.
• Traffic Camera Footage: If the accident occurred at an intersection with traffic cameras, this footage could serve as irrefutable evidence.

By collecting and analyzing this information, your attorney will identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable.  The attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger can help you collect all of this information and it’s important to do it as quickly as possible. Call us at (800) 434-4327.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Limousine Accident in Orlando?

Once fault has been established, it’s essential to know which parties can be held liable for your injuries and damages. In an Orlando limousine accident, several individuals or entities could be at fault, depending on the specific details of the case.

The Limousine Driver

If the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence—whether due to fatigue, distraction, or intoxication—the driver can be held personally liable for any injuries and damages sustained.

The Limousine Company

In many cases, the company that operates the limousine service can also be held liable. If they failed to maintain the vehicle properly or employed drivers with poor driving records, such as past DUI convictions, they can be sued for negligence. Orlando limousine companies are required to carry commercial insurance, which may cover your damages.

Vehicle Maintenance Company

If mechanical failure contributed to the accident and the limo was not properly maintained, the company responsible for servicing the vehicle can be held accountable for their negligence.

Another Driver

If another vehicle was involved in the accident and was responsible for the crash, your attorney can file a lawsuit against that driver and their insurance company.

Third Parties

Sometimes, third parties, such as the manufacturer of a faulty car part, may also be responsible for the accident. Your attorney will ensure that all possible parties are identified and included in your claim.

Orlando’s Insurance Requirements for Limousine Companies

Orlando, like the rest of Florida, has strict insurance requirements for limousine companies. This is designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident. Limo operators are required to carry:

• $125,000 in bodily injury insurance per passenger, with a maximum of $250,000 per accident.
• $50,000 in property damage insurance.

Unlike private car drivers, limousine operators are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, their higher liability insurance minimums provide an added layer of protection for passengers.

Steps to Take After an Orlando Limousine Accident

If you’ve been involved in a limousine accident, there are several steps you should follow to protect your rights:

1. Gather Information: Obtain the driver’s name, license plate number, and details of the limousine company. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may take hours or even days to manifest.
3. Document Everything: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the limousine. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and any other documents related to the accident.
4. Contact an Orlando Limousine Accident Attorney: Don’t try to navigate this situation on your own. A qualified attorney can help you file a personal injury claim and secure the compensation you deserve.

Filing a Lawsuit with an Orlando Limousine Accident Attorney

Florida’s no-fault insurance system typically requires drivers to file claims with their own insurance providers. However, as a passenger in a limousine, you may be able to pursue legal action if your injuries meet the state’s threshold for filing a lawsuit. This includes permanent injuries, significant impairment, disfigurement, or loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case.

Consult with an Experienced Orlando Limousine Accident Attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Orlando limousine accident, don’t delay in seeking legal representation. An experienced Orlando limousine accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact us now at (800) 434-4327.

By acting quickly, you improve your chances of holding all responsible parties accountable and achieving a successful outcome.

Sources:

• http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0324/Sections/0324.032.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576347/