Limousine Accidents

Limousines or limos present a broad category of for-hire luxury vehicles that are booked in advance. They can be stocked with food and drink, CD and DVD players and such. The ever popular stretch limo may take passengers to and from airports, to birthday parties, Sweet Sixteen event, Quinceañeras and high school proms. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties may rent a limo and driver, especially if the participates plan to partake of alcohol. Stylish and classy, a rented limousine underscored the importance of an event. Pile enough occupants into a stretch limo, and the price may hardly be more than for a conventional taxicab or livery cab. In the limo industry, stretch Lincolns, Mercedes, Cadillac Escalades, Ford Excursions and Hummers abound.

What Rules Govern a New York Limo That’s in an Accident?

Under New York No-Fault law, passengers in limo accidents are covered for their hospital, medical bills and lost wages by the limo’s insurance policy. Once upon a time, limo drivers were not covered by No-Fault (and today still are not) because they operated the limos for pay so at the time of a limo accident would be in the course of their employment, and entitled only to Worker’s Compensation benefits.

Now, however, New York City’s Taxi and Limousine commission requires that all companies that dispatch limos must join the New York Black Car Operators’ Injury Compensation Fund, Inc. (“Fund”), and register with the State as a member of the Fund. Under this rule, limo drivers are all covered by New York State’s Workers’ Compensation Law.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve in Queens County

So if there is a limo accident, the passengers are eligible for New York State No-Fault insurance through the limo’s own liability insurance carrier. The driver is eligible for New York State Workers’ Compensation insurance, which will pay his or her medical bills, hospital and physical therapy bills, lost wages, and sometimes will provide a lump sum award if the driver has a permanent disability as the result of his or her car accident-related injuries. For your serious personal injury, you need legal representation from a qualified personal injury attorney.

Contact us for your free consultation.