Limo and Shuttle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

Limo and Shuttle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

Limos and shuttles are a prevalent mode of transportation in Las Vegas. Whether they are used as party buses or to get around town, they are very popular among tourists who visit the city every year.

In Nevada, transportation and rideshare companies have a duty to their passengers to ensure that there are no accidents and that the Driver drives in a reasonably safe manner. If the Driver failed to drive safely, those passengers in the vehicle have the right to hold the transportation company responsible. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in a shuttle or a limo while being driven around in Las Vegas, you have the right to hold the Company responsible for any injuries that you have suffered.

Could You Hold the Limo or Shuttle Company Responsible After an Accident?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a limo or shuttle, you might wonder whether you can hold the Company accountable for your injuries and damages. The answer is often yes, even if the accident was primarily the driver’s fault. Here’s what you need to know to understand your rights and options.

Who Is Responsible When a Shuttle Driver Causes an Accident?

While the Driver may be directly at fault, there is a legal principle called respondeat superior that can make the limo or shuttle company liable for the actions of its employees. This doctrine states that an employer can be held responsible for an employee’s negligent behavior if it occurred within the scope of their job responsibilities.

In many cases, injured parties can pursue compensation not only from the driver but also from the Company that hired them. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions that need to be met to hold a transportation company responsible:

1. Employment Status: The Driver must be employed by the limo or shuttle company at the time of the accident.
2. Acting Within the Scope of Employment: The accident must have occurred while the Driver was carrying out job duties. For example, if a shuttle driver was transporting passengers or on a designated route, the Company could be liable.

What if the Compando doesn’t directly employ the Driver?

Many limousine and shuttle companies work with independent contractors, which can complicate liability issues. In these situations, it’s crucial to determine whether the Driver was acting as an agent of the Company. You may need legal assistance to establish this relationship and prove that the Company had a level of control over the driver’s actions.

Why Pursue the Company Instead of the Driver?

In many cases, individual drivers may not have the financial resources or insurance coverage to fully compensate for serious injuries or damages. Limo and shuttle companies, on the other hand, often carry commercial insurance policies with higher limits. This is why accident victims frequently pursue claims against both the company and the Driver. By doing so, they stand a better chance of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Pursuing a Lawsuit: Key Factors to Consider

Filing a lawsuit against a transportation company can be complex, especially when the Company denies liability or disputes the extent of your injuries. You’ll need to present compelling evidence, which may include:

• Employment Records: To establish that the Driver was an employee and not an independent contractor.
• Driving Logs: To show the Driver was on duty at the time.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from passengers or bystanders can corroborate your account of the incident.

Negligent Hiring 

In certain circumstances, you could also file a lawsuit against the limo company for negligent hiring of their employees. For example, if the employee had several marks on their driving record, and the limo company failed to notice that when hiring the employee, then the limo company could be held personally responsible for the accident.

Improper Training

There are specific ways to maneuver a limo or shuttle, especially around the crowded streets of Las Vegas. A limo and shuttle company must properly train all its employees before allowing them to drive around town. If there is inadequate training, then the limo or shuttle company could also be held responsible. 

What if I were a pedestrian who was struck by a limo or shuttle in Las Vegas?

If you were a pedestrian struck by a moving vehicle in Nevada, you have the right to hold the Driver and their employer responsible for any injuries you may have suffered. Given that you were a pedestrian, and the vehicle was much larger and heavier, you most likely suffered significant injuries from the collision. Pedestrian and auto accidents often result in fatalities.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Limo or Shuttle in Las Vegas?

Being involved in a limo or shuttle accident in Las Vegas can be a traumatic experience. With tourism at its peak, Las Vegas has a large number of limousines and shuttles transporting people every day. Knowing what steps to take after an accident is crucial, not only for your safety and health but also to ensure your legal rights are protected if you decide to file a lawsuit. Follow these steps to safeguard yourself and gather the necessary evidence for your case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you’ve been injured in a limo or shuttle accident in Las Vegas, the first and most critical step is to seek medical attention. Such accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, or even internal bleeding. Due to the nature of these vehicles, which may lack seat belts and proper safety features, the impact of a collision can be severe. Visit a healthcare professional immediately to receive a thorough evaluation. They will likely recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess the extent of your injuries. Early diagnosis and documentation of your injuries can serve as crucial evidence in your case later.

Q: Why is it important to gather witness information?

Witnesses can provide valuable additional perspectives on what happened during the accident, thereby supporting your case. If the limo or shuttle was complete, several witnesses can likely corroborate your version of events.

Safety Precautions

As carriers of passengers, limousine and shuttle companies must take specific steps to ensure that the rides they provide are safe and reliable. Examples of safety measures include:

• Ensuring that all passengers are educated on the proper exit procedures and what to do in the event of an accident.
• Providing safety equipment on the vehicle.
• Hiring experienced drivers. 
• Training drivers before hiring and ensuring that training programs are continually updated throughout the year.

What type of injuries are caused by a shuttle or limo accident in Las Vegas?

• Head injuries
• Leg injuries
• Arm injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Burns
• Paralysis

Who is Responsible for My Limo and Shuttle Accident in Las Vegas?

If you’ve been involved in a limo or shuttle accident in Las Vegas, determining liability is essential. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the crash. This article will help you understand who might be held accountable and what steps you should take to protect your rights.

Potential Parties Liable in a Limo or Shuttle Accident

Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as limousines or shuttle buses, are more complex than typical car crashes. Below are some potential parties who could be responsible:

1. The Driver of the vehicle, such as the limo or shuttle driver, might be held accountable if their negligence, including speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving, caused the accident. If the driver’s actions breached safety regulations or displayed reckless behavior, you may have grounds to hold them personally liable.
2. The Employer of the Driver. If the limo or shuttle company employed the driver, the employer could be responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This principle holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees while they are performing their job duties. Furthermore, the employer might also be liable if they failed to train the driver properly or hired an inadequately licensed operator.
3. The Maintenance Companies. Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for passenger safety. If a faulty brake, tire blowout, or other maintenance-related issue caused the accident, the maintenance company responsible for the vehicle’s upkeep may be liable. Maintenance records and inspection reports are often examined in these cases to determine negligence.

Recent News

On October 14, 2022, the Las Vegas Police were investigating a collision involving an SUV limousine outside the Resorts World Las Vegas hotel in Las Vegas. The limo drove into the median on Las Vegas Boulevard and went into a palm tree. Injuries from this incident were reported.