Renting a limousine is something people enjoy doing for special events and celebrations: bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthday parties, weddings, etc.
The passengers in these rental cars probably don’t think much about safety. They’re focused on having fun.
But that all may change going forward after a horrific crash involving a rental limo earlier this month in Upstate New York.
On October 6, 20 people were killed in a limousine crash near Schoharie, New York. A group of 17 friends who were celebrating a birthday rented the limo from Prestige Limousine. Tragically, all 17 friends were killed, along with the driver of the limo and two pedestrians. The owner of the limousine company, Nauman Hussain, has since been charged with criminally negligent homicide.
In the aftermath of the accident, many people are wondering what went wrong – and how these accidents can be avoided in the future.
As a limousine passenger or prospective renter, what steps can you take to help ensure a safe ride?
Remember to do your homework.
Sadly, there’s not much that can be done once you step into a limo, unless you notice that the driver is inebriated or the car is badly damaged. In that case, don’t get into the vehicle and call 911.
Your work starts before you secure a vehicle.
A quick Google search can reveal a lot about limo company. Look for customer reviews on Yelp, Facebook or Google Reviews. A lack of reviews isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it could indicate that the company is new. Considering that 90 percent of consumers look at online reviews before making a purchase, a lack of reviews does raise questions about the credibility of a business.
You can check a rental company’s safety record here.
Before you rent a vehicle, ask to see it. Also, make sure that the vehicle you are seeing is the vehicle that you will be renting. If it looks like it is in bad condition, request another vehicle. Also, make sure there are seatbelts in back passenger area. Limousines are not required to have them – but many do.
When an accident occurs and the limousine company or driver were negligent, victims may be eligible for significant compensation. It is advisable to speak to a personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and legal options.