Taxi Accident

Yes, you can launch a personal injury claim even if you were partially liable for the accident. Nevada has a comparative negligence law. The amount of your award after a settlement or verdict is proportional to the liability of the other party. For example, if a taxi hit your vehicle but you were not wearing your seatbelt, a jury or judge may find that you are 25% to blame for your injuries. Therefore, the taxi driver is 75% responsible. If the total amount you are seeking is $100,000, you would receive that minus 25%, which is $75,000.

You can seek compensation as long as you are not more than 50% liable for the accident. If you hold more than half of the responsibility for the incident, the other party may be able to seek a claim from you.

You may suffer different injuries depending on the nature of the accident. Minor incidents could result in whiplash, bruises, or a concussion. More serious injuries are also possible, such as:

• Broken bones, including compound fractures requiring surgical repair
  Head or neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries resulting in a loss of memory or speech
• Internal injuries requiring surgery
• Burns, cuts, or punctures
• Back or spinal injuries resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis
• Road rash or abrasions from the pavement

You can file a wrongful death suit or seek compensation if your loved one was killed in a taxi accident. You can also seek compensation for loss of companionship or consortium and for the income the deceased person would have provided to support the family. This type of award can include current and future earnings and expenses, such as college, mortgage payments, and employment benefits.

Nevada also allows plaintiffs to sue for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the negligent party for causing the accident.

You can pursue different types of compensation after a taxi accident.

• Medical bills. The taxi company and their insurer will be liable for your medical costs if they caused the accident. These costs include both immediate treatment after the accident and ongoing expenses for physical therapy, pain management, and any medical equipment you need.
• Pain and suffering. Your award can also include payment for mental and physical pain caused by the accident. This type of suffering can include trauma and discomfort caused by the accident and indirect suffering. For example, you may have mental health issues due to your inability to provide for your family or continue to pursue your career.
• Loss of income. If you cannot work during your recovery, the liable party may have to pay for the income you would have earned had you not been injured. This type of compensation could also include income you would have earned in the future if you were permanently unable to work.
• Punitive damages. If the taxi driver or another party were grossly negligent, you may be able to sue for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the liable party for their harmful actions.

You may also be able to get damages for severe injuries, such as paralysis, amputation, or disfigurement. These settlements will cover the cost of ongoing care, pain and suffering, and lost earnings.

The taxi insurance company may try to settle quickly, or they may attempt to get you to admit to negligent behavior to take advantage of the comparative negligence law.

Because of this risk, you should never answer any questions from the insurance company after an accident. Nor should you accept any offers they give you until you have consulted a taxi cab accident lawyer.

The only information you need to give the insurance company is the time, date, and location of the accident, your insurance information, and the contact details for your attorney. The lawyers will handle it from there.

You need to take specific steps after a taxi accident to have the best chance of a positive outcome to a personal injury claim.

• The first step is to seek medical attention if necessary.
• You should contact law enforcement as soon as you are able to do so. Not only can they coordinate aid for anyone who is injured, but they can also investigate the scene and talk to witnesses. The police accident report can provide vital evidence if your personal injury case goes to court.
• You should not apologize or admit fault to anyone at the scene. Do not make any statements other than providing insurance and identity information until you have spoken with your lawyer.
• If you are able, you should take pictures of the scene, including the vehicles, any relevant road signs, accident debris, and injuries.
• If you do not need emergency care, you should collect information from people at the scene. You should collect identity and insurance information from the drivers involved. Also, if there are witnesses, you need to get their contact information. Your lawyer can call them later to get more information or request that they give a statement or testify about the accident.
• Get a medical checkup even if you do not need emergency care. A doctor can check for injuries that are not yet evident. Sometimes, adrenaline may mask injuries or pain until hours after the incident. A doctor’s report can serve as evidence of your injuries during a civil court case.
• Contact a lawyer. An experienced Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer can help you decide on the best course of action and ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Taxi drivers are less likely to have accidents than regular private car drivers. However, this typically only applies to experienced drivers, who have the skills and experience to avoid dangerous situations. Newer drivers and those who work long shifts are more likely to make mistakes on the road.

Some of the danger comes from passengers. Only 57% of people in taxis and ride-share vehicles regularly wear seatbelts. This statistic shows that if there is an accident, they are more likely to be injured.