At least 20 people were killed Oct. 6 in Schoharie, a town in Upstate New York, in a horrific car accident after a limousine failed to stop at an intersection, sped downhill at 60 mph and struck an empty car. According to a report in the New York Times, the crash killed all 18 occupants of the limousine including the driver as well as two pedestrians.
State Police said the Ford Excursion limousine barreled down one roadway and passed through a T-intersection where two highways intersect without stopping, crashing into another vehicle, an unoccupied SUV before stopping in a shallow ravine beyond the road. All those killed were adults including at least two pairs of newlyweds and parents of young children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those that have lost loved ones in this tragic accident.
Ongoing Investigation
The fatal collision occurred at an intersection that residents had long warned as dangerous. The manager of a store near the accident site said that the limo came down the hill at a high rate of speed – about 60 mph – before hitting the two pedestrians who happened to be his customers. The incident is now under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators are calling it the nation’s deadliest transportation accident since a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo, N.Y., which left 50 dead.
State police said the limousine had been licensed to operate in the state of New York. The driver was required to wear a seatbelt, but passengers in the back were not. Only one person inside the limo apparently survived the initial impact, but died on the way to being airlifted to an Albany hospital. It is important to note that stretch limousines are modified after manufacturing and are generally not subject to the same safety regulations as other passenger vehicles.
Such oversized vehicles have been involved in other tragic New York accidents before. In 2015, a limo carrying a bridal party of eight women crashed with a pickup truck fatally injuring four. So far, police have no information about the deceased limo driver or about the company where the vehicle was rented. The accident also comes at time when tourists flock to upstate New York to witness the scenic fall foliage and for apple picking.
What Actions Can Victims’ Families Take?
These types of cases will likely involve lengthy investigations that may take several months to conclude. One of the most important steps that the family of a deceased car accident victim can take is to retain the services of an experienced New York limousine accident lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation, preserve their rights and look out for their best interests.
In such cases, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties and seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death lawsuits are typically brought by immediate family members of victims such as a spouse, children (minor or adult), parents, siblings, or any other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased individual at the time.
Family members who have lost a loved one in an auto accident will be well advised to not talk to insurance companies or the defense counsel for other parties. Also, do not post any details about the incident on your social media page because anything you post online may be used against you. Immediately contact a personal injury lawyer who will advise you regarding the best course of action.
Contacting an Experienced Limo Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a limousine accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html