Limo and Shuttle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

Limo and Shuttle Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

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

In Nevada, transportation and rideshare companies have a duty to their passengers to make sure that there are no accidents and the driver drives in a reasonably safe manner. In the event that 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 fault of the driver. 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.

So, in many cases, injured parties can pursue compensation not just 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 Driver Isn’t Directly Employed by the Company?

Many limo and shuttle companies work with independent contractors, which can complicate liability. 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.

For more information about how to handle accidents involving independent contractors, check out this informative piece on employer liability.

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 the company as well as the driver. By doing so, they stand a better chance of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

FAQ: What Do You Need to Prove to Hold the Company Liable?

Q: What if the driver was off-duty or running a personal errand at the time of the accident?
A: If the driver was not actively working at the time, such as running a personal errand, the company might not be liable. Proving the driver was acting within the scope of their employment is key. Learn more about this distinction in this article on employer liability.

Q: Can I hold the company accountable if the driver was under the influence?
A: Yes, if it can be shown that the company failed to perform proper background checks, ignored prior safety violations, or had knowledge of the driver’s tendencies to drink and drive, they could be held liable under negligent hiring or supervision principles. Check out this case study from KRNV NBC Reno that explores such situations in detail.

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.

Recent Examples and Real-World Cases

Shuttle and limo accidents can happen more often than people realize, particularly in busy urban areas. For example, KTNV-TV Las Vegas reported a case where a shuttle company was sued for an accident involving an inattentive driver, which resulted in several passengers sustaining serious injuries. Read more about the case here.

By understanding the principles of vicarious liability, you can make informed decisions about pursuing a claim. Whether it’s navigating complex insurance policies or uncovering evidence of employer negligence, holding the limo or shuttle company accountable can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Final Thoughts: Get Professional Help

Navigating legal claims against large transportation companies can be daunting. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure you build a strong case. They can guide you through the process, help you gather evidence, and represent your interests in negotiations or in court. For more insights into handling such cases, check out this article from KSNV NBC Las Vegas.

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 crowded streets of Las Vegas. A limo and shuttle company must properly train all their employees prior to 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 was a pedestrian that was struck by a limo or shuttle in Las Vegas?

If you were a pedestrian that was struck by a moving vehicle in Nevada, you have the right to hold the driver and their employer responsible for any injuries that you might have suffered. Given that you were a pedestrian, and the vehicle was much larger and heavier, you most likely will have suffered major injuries from the collision.  Pedestrian and auto accidents often even 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 right away to get a thorough evaluation. They will likely recommend imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to identify the extent of your injuries. Early diagnosis and documentation of your injuries can serve as crucial evidence in your case later.

Document the Accident Thoroughly

Gathering information at the accident scene is essential. Key details to collect include:

• Driver’s Information: Make sure to note down the name, license number, and contact details of the limo or shuttle driver.
• Accident Location: Record the exact spot where the accident took place.
• Photos and Videos: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and your injuries.
• Passenger Information: Collect the contact details of other passengers in the vehicle. They may serve as witnesses if needed.

Q: Why is it important to gather witness information?

Witnesses can provide additional perspectives on what happened during the accident, helping to support your case. If the limo or shuttle was full, it’s likely there are several witnesses who can corroborate your version of events.

Safety Precautions

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

• Making sure that all passengers are educated of the proper exit and what to do in the event of an accident.
• Providing safety equipment on the vehicle.
• Hiring experienced drivers. 
• Training drivers prior to hiring, and making sure that training programs are constantly maintained 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 The limo or shuttle driver might be held accountable if their negligence, such as 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 their employees’ actions while performing their job duties. Furthermore, the employer might also be liable if they failed to properly train the driver 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 led to the accident, the maintenance company responsible for the vehicle’s upkeep might be liable. Maintenance records and inspection reports are often examined in these cases to determine negligence.

Recent News

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