According to the Nevada Taxicab Authority (NTA), taxis made more than 13 million trips in the state last year—and made more than $151 million in revenue. With so many taxis on the road, accidents happen frequently. Whether you’re a pedestrian or driver hit by a taxi, or you were in a taxi when the accident occurred, you could have a personal injury claim. Learn when it’s time to contact a Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer.
Las Vegas Regulations for Taxis and Drivers
Both taxi drivers and their vehicles must follow strict laws in Nevada. When these rules aren’t followed, problems can happen that might play a part in your case. Las Vegas taxi accident attorneys will be familiar with the following regulations.
Licensing for Taxi Cab Drivers
To drive a taxi in Las Vegas, drivers need to meet several important requirements. These aren’t just formalities—they’re safety measures meant to protect you as a passenger.
- They must have a current Nevada Driver’s License.
- They need to submit fingerprints and undergo a background check. They can be refused a license for certain felonies or if the NTA finds them “morally unfit” to transport passengers.
- They have to get a medical examiner’s certificate showing they meet both state and federal health requirements, and renew it every two years.
- They must pass a driver test administered by the NTA that checks their knowledge of Nevada laws for taxi cabs as well as the general rules of the road.
- They need to show they can read and speak English.
These requirements matter because if a driver who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel caused your accident, both the driver and potentially the taxi company could be held responsible.
Conduct of Taxi Cab Drivers
Taxi drivers must also follow specific rules of conduct while on the job. The following Nevada rules directly relate to passenger safety and accident prevention:
- Drivers can’t smoke or yell while driving, as these distractions can take their attention off the road.
- They must tell passengers not to enter or exit from the left side in many situations, to prevent passengers from stepping into traffic.
- They shouldn’t load or unload passengers at intersections, crosswalks, or any place that blocks traffic, which could lead to collisions.
- They can’t carry more than two passengers in the front seat or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations for the back seat.
Las Vegas has some extra rules too, reflecting the unique traffic patterns of the city:
- Taxi drivers can only park and wait for passengers at designated taxi stands.
- They can’t park in restricted areas, no-parking zones, or no-stopping lanes.
If your accident happened because the driver broke one of these rules—like letting too many passengers crowd into the cab, affecting the driver’s ability to operate safely—your taxi cab accident lawyer can use this as proof they were negligent.
Laws for Taxi Cab Inspection
Some taxi accidents happen not because of driver error but because of preventable mechanical failures. Taxis are company vehicles, and cab companies must make sure they have:
- Steering mechanisms in good working order to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Clear views for drivers so they can see potential hazards.
- Windows made of approved safety glass to protect passengers in a collision.
- Good brakes that can reliably stop the vehicle.
- Four safe tires with adequate tread to maintain traction.
- Working speedometers so drivers can monitor their speed accurately.
- Working headlights, taillights, stoplights, and turn signals to communicate with other drivers.
- Working horn and two windshield wipers to help navigate safely.
The NTA inspects each taxi once a year and can take unsafe vehicles out of service. However, with taxis running almost constantly in a busy market like Las Vegas, problems can develop between inspections. Your taxi injury lawyer will look at the vehicle’s records carefully to see if the cab company could be liable for failing to maintain it properly.
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents
While taxi crashes share many causes with other types of car accidents, some factors more frequently contribute. Las Vegas taxi accident lawyers will be especially familiar with the following causes.
Fatigue
Taxi drivers often work long shifts to make more money. Some may drive for 10 to 12 hours straight, which slows reaction times and makes accidents more likely. A tired taxi driver might drift between lanes or not notice when traffic stops suddenly.
Lack of Training
Though drivers take an initial test, they might not stay up-to-date on training or traffic laws. A driver who doesn’t know the rules for new traffic patterns or construction zones can make dangerous mistakes.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Taxis rack up miles quickly, which means they need more frequent maintenance. Some companies cut corners on repairs to save money or keep cabs on the road that shouldn’t be. Las Vegas taxi cab accident attorneys are always on the lookout for bad brakes, worn tires, or faulty steering that can prove the cab company’s negligence.
Speeding
Taxi drivers make more money the more fares they complete. This can lead to speeding between destinations to pick up more passengers or other aggressive driving behaviors. A speeding taxi is more likely to cause serious injuries in a crash.
The Added Complexity of Car Accidents with Taxis
Las Vegas taxi injury attorneys know that these types of claims can be more complicated than regular car crashes because they involve more parties. When you’re in a taxi accident, you might need to deal with:
- The taxi driver (who might be an independent contractor)
- The taxi company
- Other drivers involved in the crash
- Multiple insurance companies
This complexity makes it harder to figure out who’s responsible. For example, if poor maintenance caused the accident, the company might be liable. If the driver was speeding, they might share blame. And if another car hit your taxi, that driver could be at fault too.
Having so many parties involved also means more insurance companies, more paperwork, and longer wait times for your claim. This is why many people find they need an experienced Las Vegas taxi cab accident lawyer.
How a Las Vegas Taxi Accident Lawyer Can Help
A good Las Vegas taxi injury lawyer knows exactly how to handle your case and can be your guide through a complicated process. They understand the local regulations, know the tactics used by taxi companies and insurers, and have experience getting results.
Finding and Preserving Evidence
Your lawyer will get the police report and search for surveillance footage from nearby casinos and hotels before it’s deleted. They’ll also interview witnesses while memories are fresh, including hotel employees, other passengers, or tourists who saw the crash.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters try to pay as little as possible and have whole teams working to reduce what they pay you. They might call while you’re still recovering, hoping you’ll accept a quick but unfair settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Your lawyer handles all communication and fights for what you deserve.
Speeding Up Your Case
Las Vegas taxi accident lawyers know how to cut through red tape and avoid common delays that slow down claims. They understand the deadlines, the paperwork, and how to keep your case moving forward when insurance companies try to stall. Your attorney will be persistent in pushing for progress and won’t let your case be forgotten or deliberately delayed.
Handling Out-of-Town Cases
Many personal injury claims in Las Vegas involve tourists from out of town or even out of the country. If you were visiting Las Vegas when the accident happened, your attorney can represent you in negotiations, collect documentation, and keep you updated on your case’s progress, all without you needing to return to Las Vegas.
Navigating Las Vegas-Specific Issues
Local attorneys understand the unique aspects of Las Vegas taxi accidents and the city’s complex transportation system. They also have relationships with local medical providers who can properly document your injuries and accident reconstruction experts who can provide expert testimony.
What to Do After a Taxi Cab Accident
If you’ve been in a taxi accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical care: Get emergency help right away if you need it. Even if you feel “fine,” see a doctor within a few days. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Get driver information: Collect contact details, license numbers, and insurance information from both the taxi driver and any other drivers involved. Also note the taxi’s medallion number and company name.
- Report the accident: Though the cab company must report the accident, you should also file your own report. This creates an official record of what happened from your perspective.
- Don’t speak to insurance companies: If insurers call, politely decline to give a statement or accept any offers before talking to a lawyer. Early settlement offers are almost always too low.
- Contact a Las Vegas taxi injury attorney: A free consultation can help you understand your options without any pressure or cost.
Talk to a Las Vegas Taxi Accident Lawyer Today
When you’re hurt in a taxi accident, the deck is stacked against you. The taxi company, their insurance company, and possibly other drivers’ insurers will all try to minimize your claim. A Las Vegas taxi cab accident lawyer becomes your advocate in this complex situation.
Blackburn Wirth attorneys know the local taxi industry, Nevada’s unique laws, and how to build the strongest possible claim. Get a free case evaluation today by calling 702-464-5000 or filling out our online form and learn what your claim might be worth. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
FAQs for Las Vegas Taxi Accident Attorneys
How long do I have to file a taxi accident claim in Nevada?
In Nevada, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the day of your accident, so it’s best to talk to a Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing this deadline.
Who is liable in a taxi accident?
Liability in taxi accidents can involve the taxi driver, the taxi company, other motorists, or even vehicle manufacturers depending on what caused the crash. A good Las Vegas taxi injury attorney will investigate all potentially responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
What if the taxi driver wasn’t insured or doesn’t have enough insurance?
If a taxi driver lacks adequate insurance, you may still recover damages through the taxi company’s insurance policy or through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can also explore other sources of compensation, such as third-party claims against other potentially liable parties.
How much does a Las Vegas taxi injury lawyer cost?
Most taxi injury lawyers in Las Vegas work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and the attorney only gets paid if you receive compensation. Typically, the fee is a percentage of your settlement or court award, so there’s no financial risk to hiring a lawyer.
