Transportation Law in New York
“The For-Hire Vehicle industry in New York City is as diverse as the city it serves. For-Hire vehicles service is an extremely vital part of the transportation network in New York City. The industry serves a city where only approximately half the households have a car of their own, and where yellow taxi service can be found mainly only in Manhattan and at the airports. FHV service complements the City’s bus and subway system, servicing trips where the use of public transportation is impractical due to the need for convenience, speed, protection from inclement weather and transportation of packages or luggage.”
The Shanker Law Firm, P.C. has become the leading law office in the ground transportation industry in New York City. We represent some of the biggest and best transportation entities in New York City, including car services, black car and luxury limousine bases and other licensed operators in the for-hire vehicle industry. The firm is outside general counsel to a number of large and mid-sized transportation entities. No other law firm in New York City is as steeped as us in the legal and operational issues that affect the for-hire vehicle industry. Our practice in the ground transportation industry now includes labor and employment matters, corporate formation, motor vehicle insurance defense, transportation regulation, trademark protection, contracts, Workers Compensation defense, asset and purchase agreements, risk management and other commercial litigation matters.
We focus on a wide variety of litigation, regulatory and policy matters that impact the multi-modal public and private mobility paradigm, with a mission to promote sustainability, technology innovation, safety, accessibility and equity. Our work involves all modes in the transportation ecosystem, encompassing taxicabs, for-hire vehicles and smartphone app ride-hailing; micro-transit (commuter vans & shuttles); public transit (buses); public paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT); freight and goods movement (package and food delivery).
When someone needs to go to the airport, one may hail a yellow cab or call a “car service”. The semantic distinction between a "car service" and a yellow medallion taxicab is of little interest to the person who simply wants to get to the airport on time. One of the primary differences is between walking out on the street and hoping to find an available yellow cab or receiving traditional telephone-arranged, door-to-door service.
For-hire vehicles (FHVs) serve an array of customers, neighborhoods and needs that reflect the full diversity of New York. FHVs include three main categories of vehicle services. First is the neighborhood “car service” or Livery vehicles that take residents to a myriad of everyday destinations such as doctor appointments, work, shopping and airports. FHVs also include "black cars," which is a more expensive, premium type service that mostly caters to Manhattan’s business clientele. Finally, FHVs include limousines, the most lavish end of the market.
Today there are over 120,000 licensed FHVs operating out of 600 Base Stations throughout the five boroughs of New York City. FHVs are limited by law to serving passengers by prior arrangement. In contrast to FHV’s, yellow medallion taxicabs serve street hail customers exclusively.
To effectively represent the FHV industry, a law firm must understand its diversity and how it operates. The Shanker Law Firm, P.C. has become the "legal partner and trusted advisor" to many large livery and black car bases. Similar to the in-house legal counsel of large corporations, The Shanker Law Firm, P.C. has become intimately familiar with the business methods and objectives of our clients. Accordingly, when our clients make business decisions, they seek our legal counsel to proactively consider possible ramifications. The Shanker Law Firm, P.C. also assists its clients with regulatory and governmental matters, ranging from obtaining appropriate licenses for their businesses to resolving disputes with government entities.
Transportation Law Generally
Our transportation practice provides counsel and strategic planning in multiple segments of the transportation industry. Regardless of a transportation company's vigilance, there is always the potential for a crisis situation in the industry. Transportation lawyers must be prepared to provide emergency response and crisis management services for our clients, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether the circumstance involves a significant accident, fire, explosion or other disaster, the first hours after such an event are critical from a liability management standpoint. We work with out transportation clients every step of the way to address every conceivable issue that may arise.
By its very nature, transportation is labor-intensive. Thus, our labor and employment skill sets are an integral part of our counseling of our transportation clients. Additionally, our experience in handling a broad range of regulatory, antitrust, litigation, insurance, transactional, technology and governmental affairs matters in unparalleled in a boutique law firm.
Litigation Defense of Transportation Cases
What does Transportation defense mean? It means The Shanker Law firm, P.C. has extensive experience representing a wide variety of matters concerning, transportation network companies, trucking companies, car rental companies, commercial lines, ride sharing and technology companies, fleets, and other transportation organizations. We represent commercial transport companies and possess an in-depth understanding of the transportation industry. We use this knowledge to provide clients with a comprehensive defense to reduce or eliminate liability on their behalf, including elements such as safety measures, training programs, vehicle inspections, and government compliance protocols. We appreciate the effect claims, accidents, and litigation may have on our client’s businesses. We have years of experience investigating, evaluating, and trying transportation litigation cases. We understand the importance of performing a thorough investigation and providing our clients with a strategy for representation as quickly as possible while keeping them informed throughout each stage of their defense. We have collectively tried and arbitrated hundreds of claims arising from transportation accidents. We utilize aggressive defense with creative and forward-thinking strategies help clients resolve disputes in a cost-effective manner.
What is Rapid Response? Rapid response and full-service representation are the hallmarks of our transportation defense practice. When a commercial motor vehicle accident occurs, we must begin our own investigation as quickly as possible. This helps us maximize our client’s advantage as we begin to build evidence to mitigate damage and limit liability. Because we have extensive knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and experience in defense negotiation and litigation, we are able to provide full-service representation through every phase of our client’s case. Recognizing the importance of immediate action, we provide a prompt response when you call. Working with experts, accident investigators and re-constructionists who will be on the scene right away, we ensure that all evidence remains intact, witness information is gathered and the cause of an accident is accurately assessed.