“Deadliest Transportation Accident Since 2009”
In early October, a limousine carrying 17 passengers plowed into an intersection
at high speed, hitting two pedestrians and crashing into a parked vehicle.
All 17 passengers, the limo driver, and the pedestrians died due to multiple
traumatic blunt force injuries. According to news reports, the limousine
– a modified 2001 Ford Excursion – was hired to drive the
17 passengers to Cooperstown for a surprise birthday party.
Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, called
the accident “the most deadly transportation accident in this country
since 2009.”
Limousine Safety Regulations
Reports indicate that the Albany-based limo company, Prestige Limo, failed
to pass safety requirements in a recent state inspection, and did not
have proper federal certification.
The owner of Prestige Limo now faces charges for criminally negligent homicide.
Limousine operating companies that operate on interstate and international
transportation routes are subject to heightened state and federal safety
regulations. Vehicles that are modified into stretch limousines must also
comply with strict safety and maintenance regulations, particularly because
limo passengers generally do not wear seatbelts.
According to national accident data from 2012 through 2016, seatbelts were
not used in 11 out of 12 limo fatalities. This danger was compounded by
the fact that the crashed limousine, like many others, had no airbags
whatsoever.
While the accident is likely to invite public demands for increased safety
standards, industry experts point out that rigorous regulations for limo
services already exist. They argue that instead of imposing additional
regulations, government agencies should focus on effectively enforcing
current standards.
Call a Serious Brooklyn Accident Lawyer to Represent You
Accidents involving common carriers, such as taxis, limos, and busses,
involve special laws and regulations. If you’ve been injured in
an accident involving a common carrier, you should find an experienced
accident attorney in Brooklyn to protect your rights. At Koenigsberg &
Associates Law Offices, we have experience litigating common carrier accidents
involving devastating injuries. We tenaciously advocate for our clients
to hold responsible parties liable for their negligent conduct.
Call us anytime at (718) 690-3132 or contact us online for a free case evaluation today.
