Many people in New Jersey use limousine services to get around. If you are heading to Newark Airport, need to get picked up from work, or are going to a wedding or party with friends, limos offer an affordable way to get to your destination. They also make it easier when friends want to go out on the town, as many stretch limos provide seating for large groups with the added benefit that no one has to play the role of designated driver. However, just like other motor vehicles, limos are involved in car accidents. So what should you do if you are involved in a limo crash? The actions you take could have an impact on any claims you make for your injuries.
1. Demand that the limo driver pull over
In most car accidents, the vehicles are still able to be driven even after sustaining damage. Still, it is a crime under New Jersey law to leave the scene of a car crash. You should insist that the limo driver pull to the side of the road immediately. This will not only allow you time to make sure that you and the other passengers are not injured. It will also allow you to check on the people riding in other vehicles that may have been involved in the collision.
2. Call 911
Calling for the police will be necessary if anyone was injured in the collision. The first thing police will do when arriving at the scene of an accident is to make sure that no one needs immediate medical attention. Sometimes, you may not realize you have been hurt, such as with internal injuries. If you, the driver, any of the passengers, or anyone in another vehicle doesn’t feel well, you should request that the police call for an ambulance. It is better to go to the ER and find out there is nothing wrong with you than to avoid this only to collapse later from internal injuries.
The other thing the police will do is provide a police report. This takes down all of the information about the parties involved in the accident, including the drivers, their licenses, and insurance cards. It will also provide a reconstruction of the accident based on information provided by all of the people involved. A police report is often necessary in order to recover on an insurance claim.
3. Get the information about each of the drivers involved in the accident
The accident may have been caused by the negligence of the limo driver or the recklessness of another driver. You will need to find out the names, contact information, drivers licenses, and insurance information for each driver involved in the accident. If you were the person who hired the limo, then you may already have this information from the company. Nevertheless, you are going to need this information, since you will be seeking compensation from the party that was responsible for the collision.
4. Get information at the scene of the accident
Unless you need immediate medical attention, you should use the time after the crash to take pictures or video of the scene with your cell phone. You should include images of the vehicles, as well as any physical injuries sustained by you or the other passengers. Each image you capture contains metadata which can prove the time and location.
You should also find out if there are any people who witnessed the collision. If so, you can record their statements, as well as take down their contact information. Your attorney may need their statements later on to prove fault in a personal injury case.
5. Retain a competent personal injury attorney
Lawsuits involving limo accidents can be very complex. There is the issue of determining which driver was at fault. In addition, the accident may have been caused by a defect with the limousine. Finally, the limo company, limo driver, and other drivers should each have insurance. This may require coordination of the coverage from each policy, as well as your own personal health insurance carrier. An experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney can help guide you through the process, making sure you get the compensation you need for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a limo accident, our firm can assist you with your claim
Getting injured in a limo not only ruins a night out with your friends, but can also cause you to miss out on work and life due to your injuries. The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Cassidy Law Firm can get you the compensation you require for your medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Call our firm today for a free consultation.