Spring Valley Taxi Accident Lawyer
Las Vegas lives and dies by tourism, and most tourists fly here. Since Las Vegas isn’t a very walkable city, especially during the summer months, taxi companies do a brisk business. As outlined below, because of this commercial aspect, and also because passengers literally put their lives in the hands of their taxi drivers, a higher duty of care usually applies in these cases.
Location also matters to a diligent Spring Valley taxi accident lawyer from Cameron Law. The members of our professional team live here, work here, and play here just like you. So, we passionately believe in upholding the rights of accident victims. Solid advocacy is our way of contributing something meaningful to the community we love. This commitment usually produces results that exceed our clients’ expectations.
Taxi Driver Safety Responsibilities
Commercial taxi drivers have stricter licensing requirements than noncommercial drivers. Furthermore, in most cases, taxi drivers haul passengers and/or cargo for profit. Therefore, these individuals usually have a higher duty of care in Nevada.
The duty of utmost care includes an affirmative duty to avoid wrecks. For example, on one of those rare rainy days in Las Vegas, noncommercial drivers have a legal duty to slow down and be more careful. Arguably, commercial operators have a duty to stop until the rain stops or slacks off, because of the higher duty of care.
Taxi drivers have basically the same proactive duty of care regarding on-board injuries. The driver, or another company employee, has a duty to address injury hazards, like mechanical issues with a seat belt or violent arguments between passengers, before someone gets hurt.
The higher duty of care has clear implications for your damages claim. Since the duty of care is higher, it’s easier for a Spring Valley taxi accident lawyer to establish negligence, or a lack of care, in court.
Liability Issues and Spring Valley Taxi Accident Lawyers
Because of the dual duty of care, distracted driving is a serious issue among taxi drivers. Frequently, these drivers must multitask behind the wheel, in order to fulfill all their responsibilities and also act as tour guides. Fatigued operation is an issue as well. Most people are naturally drowsy early in the morning and late at night. Many taxi drivers are behind the wheel at these times.
If distraction, fatigue, or other negligence causes a wreck, the company that owned the taxi is usually financially responsible for damages. That’s usually true even if the taxi driver was an independent operator. These damages usually include compensation for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.
Comparative fault is one of the most common defenses in both on-board and vehicle collision claims. Essentially, comparative fault shifts accident blame from one party to another. For example, if a taxi passenger slips and falls while climbing in or out of the vehicle, the insurance company might argue the victim didn’t watch where s/he was going.
If such a fact pattern arises, jurors must divide responsibility on a percentage basis. Nevada is a modified comparative fault state with a 51 percent threshold. So, if the victim was no more than 49 percent responsible for the injury, the tortfeasor must pay a proportionate share of damages.
Rely on an Experienced Spring Valley Taxi Accident Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Spring Valley taxi accident lawyer, contact Cameron Law. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
