San Bernardino Taxi Accident Lawyer

When a taxi strikes your vehicle or you suffer injuries as a passenger in San Bernardino, California, you face a more complex legal situation than a standard car accident.

Taxi accidents involve commercial insurance policies, transportation regulations, and corporate liability issues that personal auto claims never encounter.

The taxi company’s insurance adjusters begin working immediately to protect their interests. They document evidence, interview witnesses, and build strategies to minimize payouts while you’re still dealing with medical treatment and recovering from trauma.

Without experienced legal representation from our experienced San Bernardino taxi accident lawyers, you may accept far less compensation than California law entitles you to receive.

The Challenge of Commercial Claims

Taxi companies and their insurers often dispute liability by claiming drivers are independent contractors or shifting blame to other parties.

These tactics require a taxi accident attorney in San Bernardino who understands both commercial vehicle regulations and how to navigate multiple insurance policies that may apply to your case.

Krasney Law Accident Attorneys helps people with complex commercial vehicle claims throughout San Bernardino. We handle all the complex legal and insurance issues so you can focus on getting better. For a free consultation, contact us today. We only get paid if we win your case, so you don’t have to pay anything.

If you get hurt in a taxi accident, you have to deal with businesses that have lawyers working to lower the amount they have to pay. Taxi companies have higher insurance coverage limits than regular drivers, but they also have experienced adjusters who know how to reduce claims.

You face commercial businesses with legal teams working to minimize payouts. Taxi companies carry higher insurance coverage limits than regular drivers, but they also have experienced adjusters who know how to reduce claims.

At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we handle complex accident cases and provide experienced, personalized legal representation.

We provide direct, one-on-one attention that large firms cannot match. Your case will not get lost in the shuffle or handed off to inexperienced staff.

What to Do After a Taxi Accident in San Bernardino

Your actions immediately after a taxi crash directly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Following proper steps protects both your health and legal rights.

Call 911 and Get a Traffic Collision Report

Report the accident to police immediately, even for minor crashes. An official Traffic Collision Report documents essential details like weather conditions, traffic signals, and witness statements. This report becomes crucial evidence when insurance companies try to dispute fault.

Get Prompt Medical Care and Follow Treatment

Seek medical evaluation immediately, regardless of how you feel. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or spinal damage. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms for hours or days after the crash.

Document all medical visits and follow prescribed treatments to the letter. Insurance companies often claim injuries are not serious if you miss appointments or delay care.

Save Photos, Driver and Company Info, Trip Records, and Witnesses

Gather evidence while still at the scene using your phone camera. Take photos of the taxi’s license plate, medallion number, and company identification. Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles and any visible injuries you sustained.

Driver Information:

Get the taxi driver’s name, license number, and contact details.

Company Details:

Record the taxi company name, phone number, and any fleet numbers.

Trip Documentation:

Save your receipt, fare information, or app records if available.

Witness Contacts:

Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the accident.

Avoid Recorded Statements or Quick Insurance Offers

The taxi company’s insurance adjuster may contact you within hours, offering a quick settlement. These initial offers rarely cover your full damages and are designed to close your claim cheaply. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to their insurance company.

Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used against you later. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that might make you appear partially at fault or minimize your injuries.

Call Krasney Law Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review

Contact an experienced San Bernardino auto accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance company. We handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from their tactics. Our attorneys know how to counter lowball offers and negotiate fair settlements.

Who Is Liable for a Taxi Accident: The Driver, The Company, or Someone Else?

Multiple parties may be responsible for your taxi accident injuries. Identifying all liable parties increases your potential compensation by accessing additional insurance coverage.

The Taxi Driver:

Drivers are liable when they cause crashes through negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or traffic violations. Even if the company claims the driver is an independent contractor, the driver still carries personal liability.

The Taxi Company:

Companies face liability for negligent hiring practices, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or policies that encourage unsafe driving. If they knew about a driver’s poor safety record but kept them employed, the company shares responsibility.

Other Drivers:

When another vehicle causes the collision, you can pursue claims against both that driver and the taxi company. California allows you to seek compensation from multiple parties for the same accident.

Government Entities:

Cities or counties may be liable if dangerous road conditions, broken traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to your crash. These claims have strict deadlines and special procedures.

What Insurance Covers Taxi Crashes in California

Taxis must carry commercial insurance with significantly higher coverage limits than personal vehicles. These requirements provide better protection for injured passengers and other accident victims.

Many taxi companies carry even higher limits or umbrella policies that provide additional coverage. Some large companies self-insure, meaning they pay claims directly rather than through traditional insurance carriers.

Are Taxis Common Carriers in California

Yes, California law classifies taxis as common carriers because they transport passengers for compensation. This legal designation creates a higher duty of care than regular drivers owe to other motorists.

Common carriers must exercise utmost care and diligence to ensure passenger safety. This elevated standard makes it easier to prove negligence in injury claims against taxi companies. Regular drivers only need to use reasonable care under normal circumstances.

The higher duty applies to all aspects of taxi operations, including vehicle maintenance, driver training, and route selection. If a taxi company fails to meet this standard, they can be held liable even without traditional negligence.

What Damages Can You Claim After a San Bernardino Taxi Accident

California law allows you to recover compensation for all losses resulting from the accident. These damages fall into specific categories that address both the financial and personal impacts of the injury.

Economic Damages: Financial Losses

Economic damages compensate you for measurable financial losses, including all medical expenses (current and future care), lost wages (missed work time and reduced earning capacity), property damage, and related transportation costs.

Non-Economic Damages: Personal Suffering

Non-economic damages address personal suffering that cannot be easily quantified, covering physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring or disfigurement.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or deliberately reckless behavior by the taxi driver.

How We Prove Your Taxi Accident Case

Building a successful claim requires comprehensive evidence that establishes fault and documents your complete damages. Our investigation process uncovers all facts necessary to maximize your recovery.

We obtain records from the taxi company, including driver hiring files, training documentation, and vehicle maintenance logs. These records often reveal patterns of negligence or cost-cutting that contributed to your accident. Driver history records may show previous violations or complaints that the company ignored.

Our team interviews witnesses and reviews all available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can determine vehicle speeds, impact angles, and the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Medical documentation forms the foundation of your damages claim. We ensure all treatments are correctly recorded and work with medical experts to establish the full extent of your injuries and future care needs.

What Makes Taxi Claims Different From Uber and Lyft

Traditional taxis operate under different regulations and insurance structures than rideshare companies. These differences can significantly impact your claim strategy and potential recovery.

Regulation:

Taxis are subject to strict local oversight, including vehicle inspections, driver background checks, and fare regulations. Rideshare companies operate under newer, less comprehensive rules that vary by location.

Insurance Coverage:

Taxis operate under fixed commercial policies that remain in effect throughout all operating hours. Rideshare drivers have period-based coverage that changes depending on whether they have accepted a ride request.

Employment Status:

Many taxi drivers are employees, while rideshare drivers are independent contractors. This distinction affects the company’s liability for driver actions and available insurance coverage.

Record Keeping:

Taxi companies maintain detailed trip logs and dispatch records. Rideshare companies rely primarily on app data that may be harder to obtain during litigation.

Where Do Taxi Accidents Happen Most in San Bernardino

Certain areas of San Bernardino see higher rates of taxi accidents due to heavy traffic, complex intersections, and frequent passenger pickup locations.

San Bernardino International Airport generates significant taxi traffic with drivers rushing to meet flight schedules. The airport pickup area has multiple lanes and pedestrian crossings that create collision risks.

The Hospitality Lane hotel district attracts many tourists who rely on taxis for transportation. This area has numerous driveways, parking lots, and pedestrian traffic, which increase the potential for accidents.

Downtown San Bernardino’s transit center serves as a central taxi hub with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The complex intersection patterns and frequent stops create opportunities for rear-end collisions and turning accidents.

Major hospitals like Arrowhead Regional Medical Center see frequent taxi trips for medical appointments. These locations often have elderly or disabled passengers who may need extra assistance, potentially distracting drivers.

What You Get When You Hire Krasney Law Accident Attorneys

We handle every aspect of your taxi accident claim while you focus on recovery. Our comprehensive approach ensures no detail is overlooked and no opportunity for compensation is missed.

No Upfront Costs:

We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you. This arrangement allows you to access experienced legal representation without financial risk.

Direct Attorney Access:

You work directly with an experienced attorney, not paralegals or case managers. Your lawyer knows every detail of your case and remains available to answer questions throughout the process.

Thorough Investigation:

We have resources to conduct complete investigations, including expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and medical evaluations. Our team leaves no stone unturned in building your case.

Aggressive Negotiation:

Insurance companies know we prepare every case for trial and will not accept inadequate settlements. This reputation often leads to better offers during negotiations.

Trial Experience:

 When necessary, we take cases to court and fight for maximum verdicts. Our trial success rate demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.

Taxi Accident FAQs

Are Taxis Considered Common Carriers and Why Does This Matter for My Case?

Yes, taxis are common carriers under California law, which means they must exercise the highest degree of care for passenger safety. This elevated standard makes it easier to prove negligence compared to regular car accident cases, where only reasonable care is required.

I Was in a Taxi, But My Driver Wasn’t to Blame. Do I Still Have a Valid Claim?

You can still pursue compensation against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and the taxi’s uninsured motorist coverage may provide additional benefits. Having multiple insurance sources often means better compensation for your injuries.

Should I Sue the Driver or the Company if a Taxi Hits My Car?

You should pursue claims against both the driver for their negligent actions and the company under vicarious liability principles. We also investigate whether company policies or inadequate training contributed to the accident.

What Evidence Is Most Important if a Taxi Hit Me as a Pedestrian?

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, witness statements, and the taxi’s internal GPS or dispatch records are crucial evidence. Photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any skid marks also significantly strengthen your case.

Talk to a San Bernardino Taxi Accident Lawyer For Free Today

After an accident, evidence disappears quickly, witness memories fade, and legal deadlines come up whether you are ready or not. The insurance team at the taxi company starts working right away to lower the amount of your claim.

Our offices in San Bernardino and Riverside make it easy to get in touch with experienced taxi accident lawyers who know how local courts and insurance work. We give you direct access to your lawyer and personalized service that big companies can’t.

Don’t let insurance companies tell you how much your injuries are worth. Contact us for a free case evaluation. We only get paid if you win your case.