Las Vegas Taxi Accident Lawyer

Las Vegas Taxi Accident Lawyer

Injured in a taxi accident in Las Vegas? Speak with a Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer – Call (702) 252-0055

Taxi accidents in Las Vegas can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of dealing with complex insurance claims.

Without proper legal representation, you may struggle with recovery while facing pressure from insurance companies trying to minimize your compensation.

Our experienced Las Vegas taxi accident attorneys at the Ladah law firm will handle the legal complexities, fight for fair compensation, and help you focus on your recovery without the added stress of navigating the claims process alone.

Call (702) 252-0055 to schedule a free consultation today.

How an Experienced Taxi Accident Attorney Can Help

Facing a taxi accident claim can be complex due to the unique factors involved with taxi cabs. Taxi drivers are often employees, meaning the taxi company could be held responsible for the accident.

This can lead to negotiations with multiple insurance companies, each trying to minimize your compensation. Our approach starts with a thorough investigation to gather all relevant evidence and identify the liable parties, whether the taxi cab driver, the taxi company, or another involved party.

We also collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics to ensure every aspect of your claim is accurately valued. This comprehensive approach helps us determine the true cost of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

By thoroughly preparing your case, we’re better positioned to negotiate with insurers and push back against lowball offers, ensuring you seek the compensation you deserve for your recovery.

Moreover, unlike other law firms that just represent Las Vegas taxi accident victims, our Las Vegas law firm is physically located in Las Vegas. We live here and work here – we are members of your community.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Damages Available to Taxi Accident Victims

After a taxi accident in Las Vegas, you may be eligible for various types of compensation under Nevada law. These damages are divided into two main categories:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatments, surgeries, and therapy costs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property.
• Ongoing care: Expenses for nursing care or in-home assistance.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
• Mental anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional impacts.
• Loss of enjoyment: Reduced ability to enjoy life’s activities.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for lasting physical changes.
• Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with loved ones.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional.

Common Taxi Accident Injuries We Handle

Here are some of the common taxi accident injuries we see:

• Brain Injuries: Head trauma from a taxi accident can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries, affecting cognitive functions and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and significant medical expenses.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck or back injuries are common in taxi collisions, often leading to chronic pain.
• Nerve Damage and Paralysis: Severe accidents can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation or paralysis in affected areas.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, can cause significant discomfort and require rehabilitation.
• Amputations and Degloving Injuries: Catastrophic accidents can lead to the loss of limbs or severe skin injuries, requiring extensive medical intervention.
• Chest and Crush Injuries: These injuries can result from the impact of a collision, leading to broken ribs or damage to internal organs.
• Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eyes can result in partial or complete loss of vision, which can significantly impact daily life.
• Catastrophic Injuries: Severe injuries that permanently affect a person’s ability to function, requiring lifelong care.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of losing a loved one in a taxi accident, we can help families pursue justice and compensation.

If you’ve sustained any of these injuries in a taxi accident, you must seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to the police. Documenting your injuries and the accident scene is vital for building a solid case and securing the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Taxi Accident in Las Vegas

Being involved in a taxi accident can be stressful, but following these steps will help protect your rights and secure compensation:

1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries: Move to a safe area and assess any injuries, even minor ones.

2. Call 911 to Report the Accident: Report the accident to the police to ensure an official report is filed.

3. Exchange Contact and Insurance Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties, including the taxi cab driver.

4. Gather Witness Statements and Contact Details: Obtain witness contact information and statements to support your claim.

5. Take Photos of the Accident Scene and Damages: Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, damages, and any injuries.

6. Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Some may worsen later.

7. Report the Accident to the Taxi Company: Notify the taxi company about the incident promptly.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company, but avoid admitting fault.

9. Keep Records of All Medical Treatments and Expenses: Document all medical treatments and related costs for your claim.

10. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas to speak with an experienced taxi accident lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Do Taxis Compare to Uber and Lyft?

Taxis have been a staple of transportation for decades, governed by well-established laws. In Nevada, taxi drivers operate under regulations outlined in Chapter 706 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, with some rules dating back to 1971. On the other hand, Uber and Lyft, being relatively new, are regulated under Chapter 706A, which was established in 2015 to address the growing ride-sharing industry.

One key difference between taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is insurance coverage. Nevada law mandates that taxi drivers carry $500,000 in insurance. In contrast, Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by a $1,000,000 policy, but this coverage only applies when the driver is actively transporting a passenger. When a rideshare driver is waiting for a fare, the insurance coverage is significantly lower.

Another critical distinction is liability. If you’re involved in an accident with a taxi, you can typically pursue compensation directly from the taxi company. With Uber and Lyft, liability and insurance coverage can be more complex, depending on whether the taxi cab driver was en route to pick up a passenger, already transporting one, or simply waiting for a ride request.

Proving Negligence After a Taxi Accident in Nevada

Establishing negligence is key to securing compensation after a taxi cab accident in Nevada. While the taxi driver may be the immediate focus, the taxi company itself can also be held liable if their actions contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries. 

Here are some ways negligence might be proven:

Vehicle Maintenance Negligence:

Nevada law requires taxi cab companies to adhere to strict maintenance standards. This includes ensuring the vehicle’s steering, brakes, and other critical components work correctly. If a taxi company fails to maintain its cars according to these standards, it can be held responsible for any accidents due to mechanical failure, even if the driver wasn’t at fault.

Negligent Hiring Practices:

A taxi cab company is also responsible for hiring qualified, safe drivers. Under Nevada law, they must conduct background checks, ensure drivers have valid licenses, and confirm their medical fitness. If a company hires or retains a driver with a history of reckless behavior or fails to conduct necessary checks, they may be liable for negligent hiring if that driver causes an accident.

Failure to Meet Safety Standards:

Taxi cab companies must follow specific safety protocols, such as ensuring that doors function properly, windows are intact, and the vehicle meets federal pollution standards. If these safety measures are neglected, leading to a higher risk of injury in an accident, the company may be considered negligent.

Determining Liability: Taxi Companies vs. Cab Drivers

In Nevada, taxi drivers and their employers can be liable for accidents. A taxi cab company is responsible for their drivers’ actions, which means they can also be held accountable if a driver’s negligence causes an accident. This responsibility includes ensuring drivers meet all legal requirements, such as having valid licenses and adhering to health standards.

If a taxi company fails to meet these standards, such as hiring drivers with criminal backgrounds or inadequate qualifications, they may face negligent hiring or retention charges. This can lead to additional penalties, including punitive damages, to address severe negligence.

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do I Have to File a Taxi Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a taxi accident is two years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident or from the date of a loved one’s death to initiate legal action to seek damages.

If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation from the taxi company or driver. To ensure you protect your rights and have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve, it’s essential to act promptly. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case and get legal support.

Taxi & Driver Regulations That May Contribute to Your Case

Taxi drivers and taxi companies in Nevada must comply with specific regulations that can influence your taxi cab accident claim, including:

• Proper front suspension and drivetrain
• Regular engine inspections
• Functioning brakes and air conditioning
• Operable windows and seat belts
• Maintenance records

If these standards are unmet and an accident occurs, the company can be held responsible for injuries.

According to Nevada Law 706.305, a taxi cab company must carry insurance with limits of $250,000 per person for bodily injury, $500,000 total for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage. However, they are not required to cover uninsured or underinsured motorists. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you might need to seek compensation from your own policy or the taxi company, especially if both parties share fault. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the taxi company for my injuries?

You can sue the taxi company if their driver’s negligence caused your injuries. The company may be liable for damages resulting from the accident.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, you can still file a claim. Nevada has comparative negligence laws, which allow you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault.

How do I prove that my injuries were caused by the accident?

To prove causation, you need medical records linking your injuries to the accident and evidence from the accident scene, such as photos or witness statements.

Can I recover lost wages due to time off work from my injuries?

Yes, you can recover lost wages if you show that your injuries prevented you from working and caused financial loss.

What if I didn’t seek immediate medical attention after the accident?

You can still file a claim, but it may be harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. Prompt medical records strengthen your case.

Will a personal injury lawyer help with negotiations with the insurance company?

Yes, a personal injury lawyer can assist with negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation for your personal injury claim. Personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of claims, including car accidents and pedestrian accidents involving taxis.

What happens if the taxi driver was negligent or driving recklessly?

If the taxi driver was negligent or reckless, they may be held liable for the accident, and the taxi company could also be responsible for their driver’s actions.

How is a Las Vegas taxi cab accident different from other accidents?

Las Vegas taxi accidents may involve specific regulations and insurance requirements unique to taxis, and they can differ in how liability is determined compared to other vehicle types.

Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?

Most cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, your case may go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The time it takes to resolve a case varies depending on its complexity and negotiations but generally ranges from several months to a few years.

The Leading Causes of Taxi Accidents

Taxi accidents often result from a range of preventable issues. Some of the leading causes include:

• Careless Driving: Negligent behavior, such as failing to yield or ignoring traffic signals, can lead to collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a taxi while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of an accident.
• Distracted or Fatigued Driving: Taxi drivers distracted by phones or overly tired may struggle to react appropriately to road conditions.
• Brake Failure: Poor maintenance can lead to brake malfunctions, making it difficult for drivers to stop safely.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors, like tailgating or erratic lane changes, heighten the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Abrupt Stopping: Unexpected stops can catch other drivers off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or other accidents.

How Often Do Taxi Cab Accidents Occur in Las Vegas, NV?

Taxi cab accidents are a significant concern in Las Vegas, with the city’s heavy reliance on taxis for transportation contributing to a higher frequency of such incidents. According to the Nevada Taxicab Authority, Las Vegas taxis logged approximately 2 million rides per month in 2023, highlighting the extensive use of this service. 

Unfortunately, this volume correlates with a considerable number of accidents. For instance, in March 2023 alone, 59 reported taxi accidents in the city reflected the inherent risks of the high-traffic environment.

Streets like Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard are particularly hazardous due to their heavy traffic and the influx of tourists and locals. As a result, these areas often witness serious accidents, sometimes with tragic outcomes. In 2020, a 21-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a taxi in central Las Vegas, underscoring the potential dangers for pedestrians and passengers alike.

Given the high accident rate and the bustling nature of Las Vegas, anyone involved in a taxi cab accident must seek legal guidance. Understanding the prevalence of these accidents can help victims and their families recognize the importance of pursuing compensation.

Speak with An Experienced Taxi Accident Lawyer at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas

If you or a loved one has been involved in a taxi cab accident in Las Vegas, having an experienced legal team on your side is crucial. The aftermath of such an accident can be overwhelming, with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies to deal with. 

At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, our dedicated taxi accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help you deal with these challenges and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t face this difficult time alone.

Call (702) 252-0055 to schedule a free consultation today.

Additional Resources

Highly Rated Emergency Room in Las Vegas

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center Adult Emergency Room
3186 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Summerlin Hospital Medical Center
657 N Town Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89144

Elite Medical Center
150 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Everything You Need to Know Before Taking A Cab in Las Vegas