Party buses take individuals to prom nights, birthday parties, bachelor parties and concerts. It is those who expect to celebrate special occasions that hire party vans. However, it tends to lead to accidents, turning what were expected to be good times to tragic times. Accidents occur more frequently than you would think in these vehicles. These are nothing but remodeled vans equipped with additional features like LED lighting, dance floors, elaborate seating, smoke machines, sound systems, etc.
There are more party bus operators throughout the country than before. In the California state, the number of these carriers has increased by more than 3,000 after 2009. Unfortunately, so have the year-wise party bus accident count. From 2009 to 2013, 22 accidents were reported countrywide, most of which lead to fatalities. Total, 48 individuals were hurt in these vehicles.
The Reasons for Party Van Accidents
The oft-repeated cause is falling out of the automobile. People hit the emergency exit lever or fall on it, which results in them falling out. Some of the other reasons for the accident are as follows.
- Drunk and/or fatigued driving
- Improper bus maintenance
- Negligent or reckless driving by other automobile drivers
- Passengers putting their head out and then hitting a bridge
Party Bus Laws in California
Six years ago, the state approved Assembly Bill 45 with an eye on curbing underage drinking inside these automobiles. As per this rule, before reserving the vehicle, a person has to specify whether the crew will include anyone aged below 21 years, plus whether they will serve alcohol. If that is the case, the bus customer has to designate a person aged at least 25 years as someone to accompany and look after below-21-year-olds. That person has to tell the other passengers that should he or she find alcohol in the bus, they will go back to the point of origin and will forfeit the payment to the carrier. He or she must also inform the driver when an underage passenger is found having alcohol.
Besides, before starting, the driver has to look in the vehicle for booze when there will be underage passengers in the crew.
In the event you or your family member has been hurt in an accident, then you may have the right to compensation for damages. Contact an injury lawyer for an appointment to know your legal rights.