What Was the Worst Limousine Crash in History?
Riding a limousine is supposed to evoke feelings of luxury and wealth — not death and destruction. But the latter is exactly what 20 people experienced when they lost their lives during one of the worst limousine crashes in human history. The accident took place in upstate New York, and it has forever become known as the “Schoharie Limo Crash.” Remembering this tragic incident sheds light on the inherent dangers associated with limousines, and it may help us prevent similar accidents in the future.
If you’ve been injured in a limousine crash, it’s important to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney in Upstate New York as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible results in a highly confident manner, and they can guide you towards a considerable financial settlement. You can use this settlement to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you might have incurred. But we know what you’re thinking: “Where can I find attorneys near me?” Not to worry — there are plenty of personal injury attorneys in upstate New York who can assist you.
How it Began
In 2018, a limo owned by the Prestige Limousine company was judged to be “unserviceable” by an official inspector. This meant that it was not fit for use on the road, and it was unsafe. This particular vehicle was an Excursion limousine that weighed ten thousand pounds and would later crash while traveling at 118 miles per hour. For whatever reason, the “out-of-service” stick was removed from the vehicle, and it went out on September 4th with 17 people on board (1).
How the Crash Occurred
While going down a hill near Schoharie, the limousine suffered catastrophic brake failure and began to pick up speed, eventually careening into a parking lot and striking a parked car. The crash killed two pedestrians before the vehicle finally came to a halt in a gully. Of the 18 occupants inside the vehicle, 16 were pronounced dead at the scene. The two remaining individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where they too died from their wounds.
The Aftermath
The owner of the limousine company was eventually charged with 20 counts of criminally negligent homicide and 20 counts of second-degree manslaughter. He then pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to five years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service. He and his business partner were then sued in civil court. However, these efforts have been largely unsuccessful, with the insurance company offering a paltry $25,000 each to the 20 victims.
The Strange Connection to the FBI
It is also worth noting that the owner of this limousine company was one of the FBI’s most notorious informants (2).
Where Can I Find a Qualified Attorney in Upstate New York?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Upstate New York, look no further than The Stanley Law Offices, LLP. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims, including those harmed by auto accidents. We know how traumatic and life-altering these accidents can be, and we’re ready to guide you towards the settlement you need and deserve. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schoharie_limousine_crash#Civil_litigation
- https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/limo-crash-ny-fbi-informant.html
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