Las Vegas is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Each year, millions of visitors depend on taxis and hotel shuttles to get around. With so many vehicles on the city’s streets, accidents are inevitable. When taxi and shuttle accidents do happen, they can leave passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers with serious injuries.
Unlike accidents between personal vehicles, collisions involving taxis and shuttles often raise unique legal issues. Liability for such accidents may fall on one or multiple parties, such as the taxi or shuttle driver, the company that employs them, or another motorist who caused the crash through negligence.
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Las Vegas shuttle or taxi accident caused by negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. However, seeking compensation is not always straightforward. Fortunately, the team of experienced Las Vegas shuttle and taxi injury lawyers at the Cottle Firm is here to help. Contact us today at 702-722-6111 to discuss your case and potential personal injury claim in a free consultation.
Common Causes of Shuttle and Taxi Accidents
Most shuttle and taxi drivers in Las Vegas work hard to get passengers to their destinations safely. However, accidents still happen, and many only occur due to preventable negligence. Here are some of the most common causes of Las Vegas shuttle and taxi accidents our lawyers have seen in our cases.
Driver Negligence
Many shuttle and taxi accidents are caused by driver error. Some common examples include:
- Speeding to pick up more passengers
- Failing to yield
- Running red lights
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Fatigue from working too many hours
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
In cases where driver negligence results in an accident, those injured may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the driver or their employer, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Shuttles and taxis are high-mileage vehicles that require regular inspections and upkeep. When companies fail to maintain their fleets, mechanical failures can cause accidents. Common examples of poor vehicle maintenance include:
- Skipping brake checks
- Ignoring tire wear
- Postponing critical repairs
- Failure to follow a regular inspection and maintenance schedule
Transportation companies can be held liable if a lack of proper maintenance results in an accident and injuries.
Inadequate Hiring or Training
Transportation companies have a legal duty to hire qualified, competent drivers. Unfortunately, some fail to conduct proper background checks or allow undertrained drivers on the road. A driver with a poor safety record, history of DUIs, or lack of commercial driving experience can become a liability. Inadequate training on safe driving practices can also lead to preventable accidents and injuries.
Negligence by Other Drivers
Not all shuttle or taxi crashes are the driver’s fault. Other motorists may drive erratically or recklessly and cause accidents. These motorists may be held liable if they cause a crash through their negligence.
Common Injuries From Shuttle and Taxi Accidents
Even low-speed shuttle and taxi collisions can cause serious and lasting injuries. Injured victims may suffer a wide range of physical and emotional trauma, many of which require ongoing care. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered in Las Vegas shuttle and taxi accidents.
Physical Injuries
The most common injuries in taxi and shuttle accidents include whiplash, broken bones, sprains, cuts, and bruises. More severe crashes can result in spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or internal bleeding. Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by these vehicles are at an especially high risk of severe injuries. These injuries may require hospital stays, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Injury victims often suffer more than just physical pain. Being involved in a serious accident can cause intense psychological distress. It’s not uncommon for victims to report mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a collision. These emotional injuries can interfere with a person’s ability to work, socialize, or participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities
Some victims never fully recover from their injuries and require long-term care. For example, a spinal injury can lead to permanent paralysis. Head injuries can impair memory, speech, or cognitive function. Chronic pain and nerve damage can significantly reduce the victim’s quality of life. The financial and emotional toll of such severe injuries can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who are unable to return to work or who require long-term care.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Shuttle or Taxi Accident?
Determining liability for a shuttle or taxi accident isn’t always easy. Unlike typical car accidents, these cases often involve commercial vehicles, multiple insurance policies, and several potentially liable parties. Identifying the right defendant is one of the most important steps of building a strong personal injury claim.
Shuttle and Taxi Drivers
In some cases, the shuttle or taxi driver may be directly responsible for the accident. This may be the case if negligent driving played a role in the crash, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failure to follow traffic laws. Even if the driver was on the job, they may still share responsibility with the company that employed or contracted them.
Transportation Companies
Most taxi and shuttle drivers work for larger transportation companies or casinos. These companies may be held liable for the driver’s actions under a legal principle called “vicarious liability,” which holds employers responsible for negligence committed by employees during the course of their job.
In addition, these companies may be independently liable for negligence like failing to properly hire, train, or supervise drivers, or for ignoring maintenance issues that contributed to the accident.
Vehicle Maintenance Contractors
If the transportation company outsourced maintenance to a third-party contractor and a mechanical failure contributed to the crash, that maintenance provider may also be liable. Poor repairs, skipped inspections, or failure to address known mechanical issues can all create grounds for liability.
Other Drivers or Third Parties
In multi-vehicle crashes, another driver may have caused or contributed to the collision. For example, if a drunk driver runs a red light and hits a taxi, that driver may bear primary responsibility. In some cases, government agencies or construction companies might be liable if dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or construction zone negligence played a role in the accident.
Hotels or Casinos
Many Las Vegas hotels and casinos operate their own branded shuttles or partner with transportation companies to provide rides for guests. If the hotel or casino owns or controls the shuttle service, it may be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur. This can include liability for negligent drivers, unsafe vehicles, or any other failure to protect passengers from foreseeable harm.
Your Legal Rights After a Shuttle or Taxi Accident
If you were injured in a shuttle or taxi accident in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to financial compensation if the accident was caused by negligence. Nevada law protects both passengers and pedestrians harmed by negligent commercial drivers. However, asserting those rights can be complicated.
Passengers in the Shuttle or Taxi
Passengers are considered “innocent parties” in most traffic accidents. Passengers can usually pursue claims against the at-fault party in an accident, whether that was the driver of the taxi or shuttle, another motorist, or a negligent third party.
Taxi companies, shuttle services, and other common carriers under NRS 706.036 also owe passengers a duty of care, meaning they must do everything reasonably possible to keep riders safe. If they fail to meet that standard, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Other Motorists or Pedestrians Hit by Shuttles and Taxis
Other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who are injured by negligent shuttle or taxi drivers have the right to file a claim just like any other accident victim. However, claims involving commercial vehicles may involve more complex insurance considerations, corporate defendants, and stronger opposition from defense attorneys and claims adjusters trying to limit payouts.
Out-of-State Visitors
If you were injured while visiting Nevada, your rights are still protected under Nevada law. The legal deadlines, procedures, and compensation rules follow state law, even if you live elsewhere. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you manage your case remotely, coordinate your care and legal filings, and deal with local insurers and companies on your behalf, so you don’t have to fly back just to pursue your claim.
What to Do After a Shuttle or Taxi Accident in Las Vegas
The moments after an accident can be disorienting and stressful. But the steps you take immediately after a shuttle or taxi crash are extremely important, both for your health and any potential future legal claim. Here are some steps to take following a shuttle or taxi accident in Las Vegas.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Adrenaline does strange things. You might walk away from the scene feeling rattled but otherwise fine, only to start feeling pain or other symptoms days or weeks after the crash. This is why you should seek medical care right away, regardless of how severe your injuries seem at first. In addition to protecting your health, your medical record will be a key piece of evidence in your injury claim.
Report the Accident
Make sure the accident is reported to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 to report it to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. For taxi accidents, you can also file a complaint with the Nevada Taxicab Authority. For shuttle accidents, notify the company or property management. Always make sure an official report is created and request a copy.
Gather Evidence
If you’re not too badly injured, collect as much information at the scene as possible. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, injuries, street conditions, and anything else that could help document what happened. Get names and contact information for witnesses and the driver. Not the company name, vehicle number, and any identifying logos of the taxi or shuttle company. Hold on to receipts, trip records, and rideshare confirmations, if applicable.
Avoid Dealing With Insurance Alone
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may pressure you into giving a statement, accepting a quick settlement, or signing away your rights. Before speaking with any insurance company (even your own), it’s wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer with experience in commercial transportation claims in Nevada.
Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
The sooner you contact an experienced Las Vegas shuttle and taxi lawyer, the better. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, identify the liable parties, guide you through the legal process, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Early legal help can also help you prevent costly mistakes, like missing deadlines or accepting an unfair settlement.
Special Considerations for Hotel and Casino Shuttle Services
In Las Vegas, it’s common for hotels and casinos to offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, convention centers, and other properties on the Strip. Accidents involving these shuttles may involve unique legal challenges, especially when it’s unclear who actually operates the vehicle. Some are owned directly by the hotel or casino, while others are run by third-party contractors but still carry the branding of a well-known resort.
If you’re injured in one of these shuttles, figuring out who’s responsible is not always straightforward. The hotel or casino may still be liable for negligence, such as failing to vet the company they hired, ignoring safety complaints, or cutting costs that compromise passenger safety. These businesses also tend to have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams, and they often try to resolve claims quietly to avoid reputational damage.
An experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney can determine whether the hotel, shuttle company, or both are liable. If you were injured in a casino-affiliated shuttle, you deserve to know your rights and pursue full damages for your losses.
Discuss Your Case With a Las Vegas Shuttle and Taxi Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was recently injured in an accident involving a Las Vegas taxi or shuttle, you should be aware of your legal rights. If your accident was caused by negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. At the Cottle Firm, our team of dedicated Las Vegas personal injury lawyers helps victims of negligence fight for the compensation they need and deserve. Give us a call today at 702-722-6111 to discuss your case in a free consultation.