A night out in a Florida limousine or party bus is supposed to be a celebration. However, these vehicles come with real safety risks that most passengers never think about until an accident takes place. Unlike standard cars and trucks, many limousines and party buses lack basic protections like individual seatbelts and airbags. If a crash happens, the people inside are left with very little between them and a serious injury.
If you were injured while riding in a limousine or party bus in Florida, the company that operated the vehicle may owe you compensation. Below is a closer look at how these cases work under Florida law and what you can do to protect your rights.
The Safety Problems Built Into These Florida Vehicles
The design of most Florida limousines and party buses creates hazards that do not exist in other types of vehicles:
- Stretch limousines are often converted from standard cars; these modifications can weaken the frame and compromise crash protection
- Party buses feature open layouts that become dangerous in a sudden stop
- Seatbelts are rarely available for every passenger, and even when they are, most riders do not use them
- Overcrowding is a persistent issue, particularly on prom nights and other kinds of events
These factors mean that passengers in limousines and party buses face a higher risk of serious injury than riders in most other vehicles on the road.
The Legal Standard That Applies to These Florida Companies
Florida law treats limousine and party bus operators as common carriers. Based on this classification, these companies owe their passengers the highest degree of care, which is a much stricter standard than what applies to everyday drivers. A common carrier must act the way a very careful operator would act under the same circumstances, and falling short of that standard can be grounds for a negligence claim.
This heightened duty covers every part of the operation, from how the driver handles the vehicle to how the company screens its employees to how often the vehicle is inspected and serviced.
Pursuing a Florida Personal Injury Claim After a Limousine or Party Bus Accident
Figuring out who is responsible for a Florida limousine or party bus crash can be relatively difficult to determine. The company that owns the vehicle, the driver, a maintenance provider, a vehicle modifier, and even the booking agent could all share a portion of the blame depending on how the accident happened.
Your personal injury claim may also involve FMCSA regulations if the vehicle qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle. Violations of federal rules around things like driver qualifications and vehicle maintenance can be used as evidence that the operator was negligent.
Florida’s two-year statute of limitations applies to these cases, but there are exceptions that can adjust the time limit for some situations. It’s best to seek legal advice as soon as you can to make sure you file your claim on time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident involving a Florida limousine or party bus, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney with Elliott Law Firm can help you evaluate your legal rights and options and follow through with your best course of action from there.
Contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 300-0303. We have 20+ years of experience and have won over $55 million for our clients so far.