Wedding Party Before a Wreck on an Illinois Road

Limousine accidents can be tragic. Often, limousines have many passengers who are traveling together for a special event. If a crash occurs, then they all may be hurt. As a passenger, you can’t prevent a limousine accident. However, it is important for you to understand the risks, Illinois limousine safety laws, and what to do if you are hurt or a loved one is killed.

Limousine Travel Risks

The limo company, the limo driver, another driver, or multiple parties can cause limo crashes. Limousine travel can be risky because:

  • Limos are often altered once they leave the manufacturer. Individual companies may change the vehicle substantially.
  • Limos often do not have seat belts to restrain passengers during a crash.
  • Limo passengers depend on limo drivers and other motorists to use reasonable care and may be injured by negligent drivers.

Crashes can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and death.

Limousine Safety Laws

Illinois has some laws and regulations that are designed to protect limo passengers from accidents and the injuries described above. For example:

  • If the limo carries 16 or more passengers, then Illinois requires the driver to have a commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement. However, there is no maximum capacity for passengers.
  • Illinois requires seat belts for limo passengers if the limo was made in 2018 or later. Limos that were manufactured in 2017 or earlier do not need to have seat belts.
  • Limos that have been altered or customized after leaving the manufacturer are subject to state inspection. There is no limit on the vehicle’s size or the extent of changes that may be made. Some customization may interfere with a vehicle’s safety and put limo passengers at risk of injury.

Individual municipalities may also have local ordinances that regulate limo use within the city or town. In Chicago, for example, limo drivers must have valid City of Chicago Public Chauffeur Licenses.

Additionally, federal regulations may apply to limousines that are hired to carry passengers across state lines. These limousines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, they must have insurance of at least $1.5 million if they carry 15 or fewer passengers or at least $5 million if they carry 16 or more passengers, and they must designate a process agent who can be served with legal papers if a lawsuit is filed against the limousine company.

Take Action After a Limo Acci

dent

The limo accident was not your fault. However, you are the one who is suffering from serious injuries, and incurring significant medical expenses while you are out of work recovering from your injuries.

It is now up to you to take action to protect your rights and to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Taking action should not be a burden. You have already suffered enough because of someone else’s negligence. Now, we encourage you to contact an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer for help.

While you focus on your physical recovery, your attorney can investigate what happened to you and make sure that all of the necessary steps are taken to protect your financial recovery. We will find out if the limo driver or limo company violated any safety regulations or were otherwise negligent. Then, we will negotiate with the right insurance companies on your behalf, and file the right papers in court before your deadline for filing a lawsuit expires.

Throughout your case, we will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your past and future:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Physical pain
  • Emotional suffering
  • Other losses and damages

Contact us any time through this website or by phone to schedule your free and confidential consultation. We would be happy to meet with you in our Bloomington, Gurnee, or Rockford Illinois office or at a place that is convenient for you.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.