What To Do In Case of a Taxi Cab Accident

A taxi accident is perhaps even more traumatic than an ordinary car accident. Relaxed in the back seat, having entrusted your personal safety to a transportation professional, you expect to get where you’re going swiftly and without incident. Under such circumstances, post-accident shock and disorientation can be magnified. If you commonly use taxi services, take a moment now to think about the steps you must take after an accident. Your health, safety, and even your financial security, may depend on it.

After A Taxi Accident, Your Health Comes First

Without a doubt, the first thing to address after a taxi accident in Nevada is your health. If you have been injured, seek medical treatment as soon possible. A delay in treatment can worsen an injury. When you are in a safe place, take a moment to consider any injuries you may have suffered. Some of these injuries may not manifest themselves until days or even weeks after the accident.

A Police Report Is Very Helpful In Proving Liability and Damages

After you have examined yourself for injuries and sought any necessary medical treatment, it is time to take action to discover evidence of the accident. Nevada is a fault state in terms of car insurance – a legal distinction that makes blame for a taxi accident an important element in recovering compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, lost income and opportunities due to missed work, and other losses. Fault must be proved, and evidence is the means to do it. When the police are called to investigate an accident, they file a report. The report is frequently useful evidence that can be relied upon in either a court of law or settlement negotiation process with an at-fault taxi driver’s company or insurance provider.

If You Can Do So Safely, Photograph the Accident Scene

In addition to calling the police to investigate the accident scene and file a report, take photos of the accident scene with your phone if you can do so safely. Specifically, photograph damage to vehicles, property, personal injuries, skid marks, fallen trees, and other elements that may have contributed to the accident.

What To Do If You Have Been Involved in a Taxi Accident In Nevada

If you have been in a taxi accident in Nevada, you may benefit greatly from relying on the skill of an experienced Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer. This is especially the case if you are unable to reach a fair settlement with an at-fault cab company, taxi driver, or insurer. Accident victims may be able to recover compensation for the cost of medical treatment for personal injuries, car repair bills, lost income or opportunities due to missed work, pain and suffering, and other losses.

The De Castroverde Law Group has been providing experienced legal representation to accident victims for four decades. Contact our dedicated legal team today about your legal options.

The Two Most Common Types of Taxi Accidents

Whether you’re traveling for work or out for a night on a town, the last thing you need is to be involved in a taxi accident.

Two Broad Types of Taxi Accidents

Broadly speaking, there are two types of taxi accidents. The first occurs when a taxi you are riding in is involved in an accident. The second type occurs when a taxi strikes a vehicle you are riding in or you are hit as a pedestrian. These general types of taxi accidents occur under the same circumstances as other accidents, in both crowded city centers and in suburban streets.

Fault As A Basis For Further Classifying Taxi Accidents

Within the two broad categories of taxi accidents, further classification can be done by factoring in fault. Fault is another word for blame or responsibility. It matters greatly if the taxi driver was the party responsible for the occurrence of an accident. For example, if the taxi driver is at fault for an accident, you may be able to sue both the driver and the company the taxi driver works for to recover compensation for personal injuries, property damage, pain and suffering, lost income due to missed work, and other damages.

Taxi Cabs Are Common Carriers

The law treats taxicabs as common carriers. A common carrier is a company or individual that solicits patronage from the public in the business of providing transportation in exchange for a fee. Examples include airlines, railroads, cruise lines, buses, and taxis. Common carrier status is important because common carriers are held to a higher standard of care than ordinary transportation vehicles. Specifically, a common carrier must use the “utmost care and diligence” for the safe carriage of patrons. This is because it is regarded as a privilege that carries immense responsibility to serve the public. As such, common carriers must be held accountable for breaches of this sacred duty of care.

What to Do If You Have Been Involved In A Taxi Accident

If you have been involved in a taxi accident in Nevada, reach out to an experienced Las Vegas taxi accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to recover compensation from at-fault parties, including the taxi driver, the taxi driver’s company, and other negligent or reckless drivers involved. The range of compensation may include the cost of medical treatment for personal injuries, car repairs or replacement, lost income due to missed work, pain and suffering, and other losses.

The De Castroverde Law Group provides experienced legal representation to taxi accident victims. Nevada limits the time to file a suit against an at-fault taxi driver or other responsible party, so contact our dedicated team as soon as possible to discuss your case and legal options.

9 Steps to Take Following a Car Crash

There are more than 10 million auto accidents in the United States annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These stark numbers are padded in large part by the growing rate of distracted driving (i.e. texting while behind the wheel), driving while under the influence (DUI), drowsy driving, and other auto-related offenses. Indeed, one in three Americans reported to AAA earlier this year that a family member or loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a car crash.

In Las Vegas and Clark County alone, there are hundreds of auto accidents a year. So, if you find yourself in this situation, what should you do? Here are some top tips to protect yourself and others around you.

1. Stay on the scene.

Your adrenaline is probably pumping after you’ve been involved in a collision. For some, your natural instinct is to pull away, whether you’re at fault or not. Stay there. Nevada law requires those involved in a car accident to remain on scene, ensure all involved are uninjured, and exchange information with all others involved.

2. Check for injuries.

Check to see if yourself, your passengers, or those in the other car(s) involved in the collision are not harmed. Call 911 for assistance if there are any injuries.

3. Move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.

You run the risk of another collision if you remain in the roadway. Do not exit your car while on the road. If it’s possible to drive the car, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.

4. Speak with the other driver and exchange insurance information.

The information you’ll need includes:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• License plate number
• Make, model, and issue date of the other car
• Insurance company and policy number
  

Your insurance company will need this information to process your claim. Keep the conversation simple. Do not admit fault or guilt -- even “I’m sorry” can be used again you down the line.

5. Gather evidence.
Take photographs of your car, focusing on the areas that have been affected by the crash. If witnesses are still around, ask them for their contact information to follow up afterward if you need to provide more details on the collision at a later date.

6. Speak to police.

If the police were called to the scene, be sure to get the information of the officer attending to the crash. Their name and badge number should be sufficient. Ask them for a crash report number if it’s available.

7. Call your insurance company and file your claim.
Call your insurance company so they can start processing your claim immediately. They should be able explain the process.

8. Keep your receipts.
If you were injured in the crash and required medical care, or if your car needed repairs at the auto shop, be sure to keep all of those receipts and diagnoses.

9. Hire an attorney.

If you’ve faced hardship and injury as a result of the crash, you could be eligible to recover compensation. An experienced attorney can help you figure out your best course of action and what you might expect. Also, if you have to fight with your insurance company, a lawyer will be able to provide assistance.

Have you been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding counties? Consider contacting De Castroverde Law Group, based in Las Vegas, NV. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the complicated process following an auto accident.

Liability for Construction Site Injuries

Construction is among the most dangerous industries in the nation, as these workers put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis at job sites. The injuries sustained by construction workers can range from minor to catastrophic, depending upon the type of accident. Accidents on construction sites frequently involve:

• Falling from scaffolding and other heights
• Trip, slip, and falls
• Lifting and repetitive motion injuries
• Defective and unsafe equipment
• Electrocution, fires, and explosions
• Machinery accidents
• Falling debris, equipment, or materials

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established numerous rules and regulations to protect employees on job sites, thousands of construction workers are injured each year. When a construction worker is seriously harmed on the job, who is at fault for their injuries and expenses?

Determining Fault in Construction Accidents

Fault could potentially be attributed to multiple parties for a construction site accident. Liability will be determined based upon the factors that led to the incident, the level of control each potential party had over the job site, and the level of control each potential party had over the work that was being done when the accident occurred.

Depending upon each party’s legal responsibilities and duties, the following individuals could be held liable for a construction worker’s injuries:

• Owner of the construction site
• General and sub-contractors
• Engineers
• Architects
• Prime contractors
• Manufacturers of equipment or machinery used on the site
• Each party’s insurer

If you were hurt in a construction accident, you could greatly benefit from hiring an experienced injury attorney to handle your case. Your attorney can determine which parties may be liable for your injuries, determine if any OSHA violations occurred, and build a comprehensive case that seeks maximum compensation for your suffering and expenses.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run firm that aggressively fights for the rights and interests of accident victims in Las Vegas. If you were injured on a job site in Clark County, NV or the surrounding areas, get in touch with our highly-reviewed firm to discuss your legal options!

Who is Liable in an Uber Accident?

Over the last year Uber has become a very popular mode of transportation in Las Vegas for residents and visitors alike. Uber is a ride-sharing service that contracts drivers to use their own personal vehicles to pick up passengers hailing their services through the use of a smartphone app.

Uber drivers must meet certain standards upheld by the company before being contracted, and must operate in a standard outlined by Uber. The company’s app is easy to use, drivers arrive quickly, and the pricing is straightforward. However, given the unique nature of its services, who is liable for damages in the event of a collision?

The Impact of ‘Ride-Sharing’ on Insurance Coverage

The practice of ride-sharing used by Uber means that a passenger is held to the standards of the driver’s insurance company for compensation in an accident. In contrast, a traditional taxi service provides the passenger with the comfort of knowing their driver is covered by the taxicab company’s insurance policy. Uber drivers are independently contracted and not required to use the ride-sharing company’s insurance.

In the event of an accident, Uber passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians could have their claims denied by the insurance companies. The reasons why compensation may be denied can include:

• Most personal insurance policies do not cover ride-sharing
• Personal insurance policies may not cover the injuries that were sustained
• Additional coverage touted by ride-sharing companies often does not cover all types of injuries
• The company’s policy may not cover drivers that are involved in accidents when they are not carrying passengers, because they are not actually “on-the-clock”

While it should be the responsibility of Uber to cover damages and injuries that result when a contracted driver causes a collision, there is no guarantee that the company will cover the victims’ expenses. In many instances, victims can be left to deal with costly injuries on their own while their personal insurance providers and Uber’s insurance providers argue over who should pay. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Las Vegas or Clark County, it’s important to know that you have legal rights. At De Castroverde Law Group we believe that Uber should take responsibility when their drivers cause collisions, and we can help you fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Get in touch with our Las Vegas personal injury law firm today to discuss your legal options - call (702) 222-9999. 

The Danger of Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing can sometimes occur on vehicles with attached trailers, such as semi-trucks and commercial trucks with hitches. When a vehicle jackknifes, the wheels on the truck lock due to severe braking or sudden deceleration. The trailer then swings out to one side, often crossing through many lanes of traffic and hitting other vehicles.

When a truck jackknifes, there is also a high risk that it will rollover and cause even further damage to other vehicles. Jackknife accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, including:

• Skidding on the roadway
• Failure of vehicle parts
• Improper use of the brakes
• Dangerous road conditions
• Truck driver error

Compensation for Victims of Jackknife Accidents

Due to the vast size and weight of commercial trucks, victims of jackknife accidents often sustain severe injuries. In many cases, these accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Victims and their families are able to seek compensation for their losses and hold the responsible parties liable under personal injury law.

Depending upon the circumstances involved in the accident, numerous parties could be held liable, such as:

• The truck driver
• The owner of the truck
• The shipper of the cargo
• The company that leased the truck for use
• The maker of the truck and the truck components
• The mechanic or maintenance company that worked on the truck

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident in Nevada, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-fun law firm in Las Vegas that is dedicated to recovering the full compensation accident victims need and deserve. Contact our team as soon as possible to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for you!

Negligent Security & Premises Liability

In Nevada, casinos, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, stores, and all other commercial establishments are required to ensure the safety of their guests. 

Under premises liability law, property owners have a responsibility to protect guests, patrons, employees, and visitors from potential hazards on their properties. This means that in addition to preventing accidents like slip and falls, owners of commercial establishments must also make sure that their premises have sufficient security to keep all visitors safe from assault and other types of violence. 

Victims have the right to file premises liability claims against commercial establishments that failed to ensure their safety because of a lack of security.

What types of security should commercial establishments have?

Property owners must take reasonable precaution to prevent violent crimes from taking place on their premises. Steps commercial establishments should take to protect visitors and prevent crime include:

• Installing surveillance cameras
• Keeping all areas well-lit
• Properly training all security guards and bouncers
• Hiring enough security guards to patrol the whole premises
• Restricting access to areas that are reserved for patrons
• Installing strong door and window locks

In order to have grounds for a claim, the victim must be able to prove that the attack could have been prevented if proper security measures were in place. It is important to hire an experienced lawyer who can prove to the court that the property owner did not take reasonable care to ensure visitors’ safety by failing to provide adequate security.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a violent crime due to negligent security at a Las Vegas establishment, contact De Castroverde Law Group. Our family-run firm believes that every victim deserves justice and fair compensation for their injuries, and we may be able to advocate for you. Call our team to learn about your legal options! 

Defining Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are defined as severe physical or mental injuries that prevent victims from being able to support themselves financially. 

Sometimes these injuries are short-lived, and other times the effects of catastrophic injuries impact the victims for the rest of their lives.

Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Dismemberment
• Paralysis

Catastrophic injuries can be caused by vehicle or workplace accidents, violent crimes, medical malpractice, defective products, and other acts of negligence.

Seeking Justice for Catastrophic Injuries

Those that sustain catastrophic injuries typically require financial assistance during the process of recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to help with everyday life expenses. Victims and their families can seek compensation from the responsible parties under personal injury law.

The amount of compensation a victim receives will be based upon such factors as:

• Ability to work after the accident
• How the accident affected independent living
• If physical therapy can improve the condition
• Disability coverage that will be provided
• Current medical bills
• Cost of rehabilitation
• Need for life care planning

For severe and permanent injuries, life care planning may be necessary. Life care planning will analyze what goods and services will be needed over the person’s lifetime as a direct result of a catastrophic injury. Various factors, including the unique challenges faced by the victim and their family, are considered when determining what medical, emotional, psychological, and rehabilitation needs will be covered in the settlement.

If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury in the Las Vegas area, our team at De Castroverde Law Group can help you determine your rights and legal options. We are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover the full compensation they deserve. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers to find out how you can seek justice for your suffering and losses.