Welcome to Ehline Law Firm. I am Los Angeles taxi cab accident attorney, Michael Ehline. As a former California Transit Carrier of Passengers (TCP), I am in a special position to understand transportation carrier taxi driver laws.

Since 2005, taxi accident victims and others have relied upon Ehline Law Firm’s California legal team for motor vehicle accident legal advice and assistance. In this expose, I will discuss a few crucial steps a taxi cab company should take to avoid hiring unskilled drivers.

I will also cover who must pay for taxi crash negligence and who is responsible for mental and physical injuries when a taxi cab driver assaults a passenger. Towards the end, I will discuss methods of how to maximize compensation for you and your loved one. I will also explain when, and who to sue.

Last, I will provide injured taxi accident victims with some bonus information about traffic violations and how to form an attorney-client relationship with taxi accident attorneys. If you’ve read enough, and wish to make a taxi company claim, schedule a free compensation today.

Our very best Los Angeles taxi accident lawyer is ready to help you make a personal injury claim. Call our contingency fee attorney in Los Angeles at (213) 596-9642, or use our convenient online contact us form.

TIPS: Taxis Driving In Los Angeles

Taxis are public transportation services provided by the municipality where they operate. Before you get in a taxi in Los Angeles, make sure it has the official California Taxicab seal.

Each insurance company determines whether or not a taxicab has to provide coverage for accident injuries and medical expenses. If you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or another motorist hit by a taxi, this insurance protection also applies to you.

Taxi Drivers and Companies to a Higher Standard as Common Carriers?

In California, taxi services are considered a common carrier for hire. This law places a greater safety responsibility on operators. Cabbies have a huge obligation to customers paying for service. This special duty gets breached if the cabbie fails to act right.

Each taxicab is required to carry insurance to cover injuries and accident costs up to policy limits. A cab crash, extortion, rape, or murder are possible but less likely with a trained driver who owes a high duty to fare-paying riders.

If they failed to yield to a pedestrian and you are injured, you can obtain compensation along with others. The extent of their duty covers dropping off and picking up fares.

What are Your Rights in a Cab Accident Case?

Taxis seem perfect for cutting through the Greater Los Angeles area. And this is true for people of every age and profession. Many people rely on taxis for a way home from work.

Often we pick up friends and get something to drink. Taxis help reduce DUI driving. They also offer convenience in areas hard to get a parking spot. When you suffer injuries or property damage, you can file an insurance claim or sue in court for money damages to make right the wrong.

What Is a Taxi Accident Lawyer?

Accident attorneys for taxis are lawyers who settle or sue people over auto accidents. These lawyers can assist victims injured in a truck, or motorcycle accident in the same way. This implies the attorney is well-versed in California tort law.

Why Hire Taxi Accident Lawyers?

A superior taxi accident lawyer will investigate claims against taxi cab drivers on your behalf to see whether any wrongdoing or negligence can be proven. Lawyers will protect you by hunting down witnesses, testimony, and evidence of past accidents on roadways.

The legal investigation into the taxi accident will have significant consequences, like who’s at fault, and how much, if any insurance coverage exists for suffering occupants.

List of Private Los Angeles Taxi Cab Companies We Can Sue

• United Independent Taxi Drivers.
• Beverly Hills Cab Company.
• LA Checker Cab Company.
• Curbside Express LAX.
• LA City Cab Company.
• Flat Rate Car Service.
• Bell Cab Company.
• LA Taxi Express.
• Ok Taxi Service.
• United Taxi.
• Taxi Taxi.
• Go-Ride.

What is The Ehline Difference?

Ehline Law Firm has tort law specialists. Our top Los Angeles taxi accident lawyer has collectively won over $100 Million for satisfied clients. And if hurt, we cover the entire state. Our lead attorney has won numerous awards.

Our client reviews on sites like AVVO and Yelp prove second to none. Moreover, we have offices near you. Let us help you with your cab accident. That way, you can find out how to defend your rights as a disabled passenger.

About Our Attorney Awards, Reviews and Accolades

All the negligent parties must be held liable for causing your damages and our attorney’s many years of experience can help you do just that. Hiring the right personal injury attorney or law firm is so important. You want to find the right legal team that is well versed and experienced in plaintiff’s matters. You really want to engage with a firm that truly holds your best interest at heart and will fight like hell to right the wrongs for you.

1. The Superlawyers Rising Star award was awarded multiple times to Michael Ehline from 2006-2015.
2. Newsweek Magazine awarded its “Premier Personal Injury Attorneys” award to Ehline Law Firm’s attorneys in 2015.
3. Michael Ehline was interviewed by CNN about cruise ship law, and he was a guest on NBC discussing limousine law practice areas. Michael was also interviewed by Nancy Grace on CBS discussing his expertise in California dog bite law.

*Member – Consumer Attorneys Association

Getting Legal Assistance?

We have a proven track record of helping hurt people in all manner of taxi accidents. Read below to understand why it is important to seek a respected, experienced lawyer if you are involved in a taxi accident in Los Angeles.

Record of Success in Taxi Cab Cases

We’ve seen many similar cases, and we’ve compiled a vast record of victories.

Settlements for our clients are in the millions of dollars for:

• Car versus car collisions.
• Pedestrians hit or having their feet run over by taxis and now afflicted, or with broken backs or spinal compression malaise, etc.

ELFPI Helps Passengers and Bystanders Victimized By Intentional or Negligent Taxi Accidents

Examples of specialized transport we sue include water taxis in San Diego. But everyone knows the true pros with city licenses and protected service areas are the venerable cab companies.

Common Victims of Taxi Collisions

• Bicyclists (right-hand turns)
• Pedestrians (crosswalk accidents)
• Motorcyclists
• Other motorists

Of particular interest, prior to government meddling, if you wanted a ride out of LAX, a taxi was always faster than walking to an Uber stand. Now everyone has to walk or take a shuttle to the stands. So for LAX, most people choose an Uber or Lyft.

It costs more to ride in a cab than an Uber or city bus. But you pay for the convenience, and professional training, not just for a ride to or from home via the LAX airport. At least, we assume they are better than a kid or retired person using an Uber app.

Most of all, cabbies must assure passengers are dropped off and gathered in one piece. But too many instances exist of these common carriers being unsafe for passengers and bystanders.

How Does Tort Law Come Into Play?

Tort law in California is written down in statutes, codes, and case law. If defendants prove negligent, injury attorneys get the victim’s money. And lawyers do this by using the court and mediation system.

Non-Regulated “Taxis” Making Matter Worse?

Vehicles can be safe. But with the rise of the non-licensed taxi services Uber and Lyft, all that changed. These privateers have had severe problems too.

Types of Accidents

There are three types of taxicab accident claims where a person might receive compensation. In a typical multi-car collision, the injured party can sue the cab driver, their employer (what is they hired unskilled drivers), and other at-fault parties once we determine liability.

Someone injured in another transport may bring a similar action. Call Ehline Law Firm for an appointment to discuss your current case. For more confidential information, call (213) 596-9642.

Common Causes of Los Angeles Taxicab Accidents

The causes of taxi accidents are vast and varied. We have all seen this here in the South Bay. With LAX being so close by, vacationing residents prefer riding cabs. Many travelers do this instead of riding shuttle buses.

We see these yellow and green shuttles zipping across town, rapidly changing lanes. Some do so without using their turn signals.

Taxi drivers in Los Angeles County and their cab companies can be liable for incidents caused by negligent conduct including:

• Run red-light violations.
• Speeding.
• Distracted driving, etc.

Drivers can misuse vehicles. And they can fail to perform proper inspections and upkeep.

Negligent Maintenance

• Failure to Maintain the Vehicle in a Safe Condition

Sometimes the taxi owner decided vehicles needed no maintenance. So they failed to keep it safe. The overall condition of the vehicle itself also plays a role. Cab maintenance remains a common cause of bad injuries, including heatstroke from dis-repaired air conditioning.

Poor maintenance by the owner or company remains one of the common causes of engine and air conditioning trouble.

Here are some other structural issues causing many accidents, including:

• Bad Tires: Worn tires that blow out on turns, for example, could be attributed to poor maintenance in a claim.
• Poor brakes: Unresolved brake issues can cause a taxi accident.

Products Defect?

In some cases, faults in the car come straight from the factory. And this is known as a product defect. Sometimes cars with recalls or faulty mechanics can help spark accidents.

• Bad Mechanics/Faulty Parts.

In some cases, mechanics or the parts they install can combine to fail. Cab owners can place profits over people. The costs of licensing and regulations alone fuel the problem. The government makes driving a very low-profit business.

Unsafe Speed/Recklessness

Speed from racing to and from a fare can be the cause of this type of crash. Cabbies may operate their vehicles in a reckless or unprofessional manner. And they will do this to get you to your destination a little quicker.

• Other Issues – DUI/DWI Cabbies.

Drunk driving is a known killer. Problems arise with native-born taxi operators driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many Los Angeles cabbies come from the Middle East. Due to their religion, many don’t drink spirits. But this doesn’t rule out hashish, opium, or other drug use.

So don’t miss legal and illegal drugs as a cause. Victims must mitigate the risk. So observe the cabby. If you see a problem, don’t accept the fare or you face receiving less compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence law.

• Overworking Shifts.

Fatigued driving causes many crashes in Los Angeles. Over-scheduled employees may cause them to drive tired, leading to an accident in Los Angeles. This problem with big-rig truckers spills over to cabs. limo and ride-share services.

And it happens Intra and interstate. Cabbies struggle to make a living. And possibly your driver has become physically exhausted.

• Lack of Cab Driving Experience.

Driver experience remains a constant concern on the traffic-filled streets here. Many immigrants from countries with little to no traffic laws drive cabs.

And many ignore California driving laws. Also, young people want in on the Uber/Lyft game. But having a driver’s license doesn’t mean they will abide by the law.

If your service hired unskilled cabbies they’re on hook to pay fair compensation and other expenses.

What About Bad Weather and Other Factors?

Conditions, including bad weather, lack of training, and road rage, can contribute to wrecks. But fatigue could lead to problems resulting in a vehicular crash.

Other times, cabbies engage in immoral conduct. Some bad cabbies may even assault drunk or passed out females, for example.

Emotional Issues and Negligent Hiring?

Some cabbies have been known to have psychological or substance abuse issues. So if one of them gets behind the wheel, they can cause significant harm to others. Ehline Law specializes in cases of abuse, theft, and other harm to taxi cab passengers.

Taxi services should be provided in a safe manner. If you are harmed in a taxi accident, it is critical that you fight for compensation immediately to preserve your rights. Ehline’s law group has the necessary knowledge and resources to secure comprehensive compensation from greedy insurance companies.

This expert will look at the cause and effects of the accident. Ehline Law ranks among So Cal’s most legal experts. Injured victims trust us! You will be in the best possible hands.

How Do You Know if Your Cabbie Was in Compliance With Regulations?

Our recognized professionals can determine if the taxi driver and company had a history of bad driving. We’ll look at local, state, and federal livery laws. And we will present your issues to accident reconstructionists and investigators to compile helpful data before filing suit.

That way, we can determine the liability of the other party. We can also negotiate with insurance companies. That way, you will get the help you are entitled to after contacting us. It’s what you deserve!

Distracted driving caused by the use of smartphones/texting is a huge source of liability. Such activities are banned throughout California. In some cases, liability will be presumed under California’s negligence per see guidelines.

Are Future Cab Accident Cases Getting Confusing?

Yes. The situation regarding commercial taxis has grown sophisticated. Things seem to be getting more dangerous for fares. Because of the rise of pseudo-taxi services like Uber and Lyft, lines have blurred.

Taxi accidents take on a similar role to other motoring wrecks. But different issues arise in commercial taxi accidents. Also, insurance coverage gets confusing with new ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

What About Assaults and Rape by Cab Drivers?

According to official reports, many cabbies come from foreign countries. So they come from a different culture. And their historical treatment of females has been other than ours. Many foreign men culturally believe women must be with a man in public.

Failing a bodyguard, they become fair game for abuse, so they have been raised to believe. Some think a woman not wearing a burka is a sexual provocation. Of course, foreigners who fail to assimilate can present problems. But many natives get charged with raping drunk or passing outriders. Also, they get accused of stealing wallets from unconscious people. So maybe they had a few too many drinks that night.

What Are The Most Common Injuries From Auto Collisions?

The most common injuries to fares come from being struck during vehicle collisions. However, we CONFIDENTIALLY help assault victims receive payment compensation as well.

Common Taxi Cab Injuries We Take?

Many victims find themselves jerked and pounded during the wreck. And they face whiplash, concussion, or fractured bones. But lacerations and spinal damage are all potential injuries.

And these include the following types of injuries and accidents:

• Spinal cord injury (Being ejected onto the road through a jagged, broken window)
• Brain injury, including mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI)
• Brain injury (Being run over by a cab as a person on foot)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Whiplash (Sudden stop or crash)
• Broken bones.

Are Fatalities a Problem with Public Transportation?

Los Angeles taxi accident lawyers know of hundreds of cases where people have been wounded or killed in public transport in Los Angeles and around the United States. There have been 221 fatalities in traffic collisions since 2009 alone. But these rates compared to passenger cars are low when millions risk their lives yearly.

However, the impact remains high due to the vast number of casualties caused by a multi-person crash. (Source NHTSA). Competent legal representation is the only way to navigate a wrongful death claim arising from a taxi incident. Our best personal injury attorney will assess your emotional distress, medical bills, internal injuries, and lost wages or property damages. We may be able to help you find an affordable medical professional and other forms of restitution.

Taxi Cab Liability Under California law

Under California law, you can’t win your case unless you or your legal representation can determine the liability of the parties involved.

Who Can My Taxi Accident Lawyers Sue?

• A private company
• A government agency that contracts with a private company
• Other vehicle operators and at-fault parties

Local and state agencies like CalTrans must warn of roadway dangers and safely maintain public streets. Taxis, limos, shuttles, et Autres transporters must remain within safe limits. The above parties must never create any danger to passengers or other motorists.

• Taxis are required to properly maintain black boxes, tracing times, and impact velocity during a crash.
• Cabbies must understand all aspects of transportation safety. If not, they may be accident-prone, endangering passengers and others.

Many victims remain unaware that cab firms may be responsible for carrying millions of dollars in insurance.

And when companies claiming taxi licenses hide or cover up the poor driving policies, you can prepare and file additional claims for negligent hiring.

Taxi Company Defenses?

Defenses will be invoked, including questions as to whether the driver was an “independent contractor.” Getting paid for a driver making poor driving decisions or their assaults may prove elusive. These defendants typically will have no assets to speak of.

Our dedicated attorneys might claim that the defendant was a representative or employee of the taxicab company using dates like the taxi registration number, police reports, and taxi driver’s license number.

The body shell may be labeled with the company’s name, and the dispatch call will prove the taxi companies had complete control over their driver. This remains important to prove ownership and control. This evidence can mean the difference between a windfall payout or a paltry sum.

Government Entities May Also Face Liability For:

• Poor lighting during heavy periods with dangerous road conditions or excessive speed probabilities.

It is a rare day that a lowly taxi driver will have enough assets to pay. So getting a great attorney to find others to sue besides the taxi companies remains critical.

Financial Compensation Available To Victims

If you suffered injuries in Los Angeles as a pedestrian or passenger, you won’t face your pain alone.

Our lawyers can assemble the most robust case possible by using investigation, eyewitness accounts, and reconstruction of the moments that led to the accident. We’ll fight hard for your equitable compensation.

Rape Therapy Payments?

Being raped by a smelly older adult with a strange foreign accent may be too much to deal with for a teenage adult girl coming home from the airport. Because of this, we can help her find the money for the cost of therapy and treatment.

• Medical Recovery Takes Time and Money

Recovery can be difficult and time-consuming. Also, care can be a considerable expense in money and time.

But a specialized lawyer can help. Ehline Law’s decades of experience prove essential in this case. It means winning versus losing.

What Are The First Steps To Take After a Taxi Incident?

The immediate aftermath of any motor vehicle accident will be fraught with anxiety, stress, and mass confusion. There may be a hundred thoughts rushing through your mind. But you can take a few key actions to safeguard your legal rights to a future verdict or insurance settlement.

Here are some essential things you should initiate:

• Call the police.
• Gather insurance information from involved parties, including their driver’s license number.
• If possible, take detailed pictures of the accident scene for validation purposes.
• Get immediate medical attention and emergency care. (Consult an emergency doctor for any injuries sustained).
• Get a free legal consultation from a skilled Los Angeles, California attorney. That way, you have all of your legal rights arrayed in front of you.

Don’t fuss or fret over medical expenses. Our associates will work diligently on claims against insurers. We will seek total remuneration to cover the cost of your case. An experienced lawyer will help you with the details and compile evidence intended to prove your case.

Document Everything

Document proof of your injuries at the accident scene and get medical care. The caretaker records your bodily harm in your file. Make a note of your office visits. Keep a record of your confusion, pain, and suffering by journaling or making a day-in-the-life video.

This item gets used as evidence down the road and proves a connection between the ride and the hospital. If the insurer doesn’t accept your claim, they may be acting in bad faith. Only a lawyer with skill would know if the defendant is to blame or not.

Fortunately, if you or a loved was in a taxi accident, raped, or fondled, you might have an assault and battery case against the carrier and the cabby. Other instances in which we help include situations where someone was dropped off in the middle of nowhere and harm befell them after being abandoned by their taxi driver.

Statute of Limitations Problems

You must preserve your rights and comply with time restrictions that apply to your claims. Generally, if a government agency hired services to a cab company, you only have six months to sue the agency.

You must request help from a lawyer, or the other side will argue you waived the statute of limitations.

Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Taxi Cab Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles

If you want to know more about our superior case results or taxi cab accident experience, contact an experienced car accident lawyer now. Ehline Law Firm will stand by your side. We promise to work on a contingency fee basis and let you focus on healing.

As a bonus, we are available 24/7, and your phone call will be confidential and RISK-FREE. You can fire your current lawyer and hire us or get a second opinion. After you hire our experienced attorneys, we’ll diligently develop the facts.

We take no attorney’s fees unless we recover maximum compensation for you, and other drivers, including pedestrians. Try calling us today and get a free consultation and review, or fill out your contact information.

Get justice for your expenses related to your serious injuries at (213) 596-9642. An attorney with charisma and skill is waiting to honor your call.

Citations:

• Taxi Cab Accident: Who Is Liable?