Published on:

Limo Accident in Fort Lauderdale Sends Family of Five to Hospital

A recent limo accident in Fort Lauderdale sent five limo occupants to the hospital. The accident happened at the Palm’s Parking Garage at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just before 4:00 a.m. when it slammed into a concrete pillar on the bottom floor.

According to News Channel 5, the limousine was totaled in the accident. All of the limo’s occupants were transported to the Broward Health Medical Center. Accident reports indicate that the driver of the limo lost control of the vehicle. The crash is still being investigated.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys understand that there are a multitude of potential legal issues involved in litigating a limousine personal injury case. When you’re riding in these vehicles, you’re putting your life and the lives of other passengers in the hands of the driver. There are specific qualifications that a limo driver must obtain to operate one of these vehicles in the state of Florida. They’re required to first obtain a Class C Commercial Driver License (CDL). This driver’s license let’s a driver operate a commercial vehicle, like a limo, that can hold more than 15 people and is less than 26,000 pounds.

If you want a CDL license in the state of Florida you first need to be at least 18-years-old to drive intrastate and 21-years-old to driver interstate. A driver must also hand over any other licensed that they have been granted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). They’re also required to pass a driving test in addition to an eye exam.

Before hiring a limo company you want to make sure that their drivers are qualified, that they have the proper driver’s license, that they have a safe driving record, that they’re familiar with the vehicle and that they’re familiar with the area. You want to choose a company that only hires experienced chauffeurs.

As required by federal law, every limo driver must have a Hack license. This license allows consumer affairs to do criminal background checks on such drivers. This helps to ensure that a company is hiring the best. But you want to make sure that the company is actually hiring the best. How do you do that? One of the best ways is to do a little research. You want to check out companies on the internet and look at safety ratings and reviews. See what others are saying about them. Word of mouth is also another excellent way to get some inside info. Talk with friends and family members about the companies that they’ve used in the past. You also want to talk with all of your potential companies. Make sure that all of its drivers have completed the proper training procedures. You also want to make sure that the vehicles are inspected at least once a year, that they meet insurance requirements and that they’re up to date with all fees.

In a limousine, permits are required to be posted on the front windows of the limousine. Make sure that the dates are not expired. Riding in a limo is a fun experience, but it can quickly turn into one of the most terrifying. Make sure that you reduce your risks of a limo accident in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere by checking out all aspects of your potential limo company.

If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in an accident in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Stuart City or elsewhere in the nearby area, call the personal injury attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC to set up a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case. Call 1-800-561-7777.

More Blog Entries:

Risks of Injury in St. Lucie Lessened with Launch of Yellow Dot Program, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, July 7, 2012

Car Accidents in Palm Beach Likely at Dangerous Intersections, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, July 3, 2012

Contact Information