After a Taxi Cab Accident – Get the Help You Need
The shock of being injured or losing a loved one in a taxi accident can be immeasurable. When faced with mounting expenses from damages associated with the crash‚ it is common for an accident survivor or family members of a wrongful death victim to consider taking legal action. At the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers‚ our lawyers provide personal attention and effective representation to ease the minds of our clients. We are here to help you get the money that you deserve from negligent parties. For a free consultation and to see if you have a case‚ call us at (888) 233-5020.
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers‚ we see beyond the obstacles facing our clients‚ understanding that their particular accidents and losses have a significant impact on their financial‚ physical‚ and emotional well being.
Dealing with the Taxi Company and its Insurance
The personal injury process is demanding enough without adding the complexities of a taxi company and its insurance company. However‚ these challenges are often inevitable when a taxi accident is caused by a negligent or distracted taxi driver‚ an improperly maintained taxi‚ or another form of recklessness. To avoid paying an injury victim or a family full compensation‚ a taxi driver and/or the company that he or she works for may plan a defense for the claims being made against them. This is why having a skilled attorney with years of experience on your side may be to your benefit.
Legal Responsibility of Taxis
In California, taxis are considered a common carrier. Common carriers are businesses with the responsibility of transporting people or goods. In order to be classified as a common carrier, a company must meet these requirements:
- The company must have been established for the purpose of carrying people or goods from one location to another;
- The company presents itself as a transportation service open to the public; and
- The company charges a fee for its service of transporting people or goods from one location to another.
Common carriers are held to a higher standard of care than regular vehicle operators. Under California law, taxis are required to “use the utmost care and diligence” to transport their passengers safely, and they must follow these rules:
- Give a reasonable level of attention to passengers and treat them with civility.
- Caution passengers about any known hazards.
- Protect passengers from danger.
- Provide proper accommodation for elderly and disabled individuals.
- Offer a safe vehicle that is suited for the purpose of the duties it needs to perform.
- Drive safely and smoothly without erratic movements.
- Ensure inspections and maintenance are regularly completed on the vehicle and equipment meets current safety standards.
- Adequately screen and appropriately train drivers.
Liability in Taxi Accidents
San Diego taxi accidents are not uncommon. When a taxi driver fails to operate the cab in a safe manner, or there is negligence on the part of another entity, accidents are bound to happen. Here are some of the common causes of taxi accidents:
- Impairment from alcohol or drug use
- Distracted driving
- Drowsiness or falling asleep while driving
- Lack of sufficient driver training
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective or worn-out vehicle equipment
- Hazardous road conditions
When an accident involving a taxi occurs, it can be complicated to determine who holds legal responsibility for the victims’ damages. The obvious choice is to automatically blame the taxi driver, but sometimes it may not be immediately apparent who is at fault. There can be unseen parties who may be liable, such as:
- The taxi owner or company
- The company responsible for maintaining the taxi
- The taxi manufacturer
- The government entities responsible for road safety and maintenance
When a taxi driver owns their own cab, they can bear the sole responsibility for any damages their passengers sustain from an accident. If taxi drivers rent their cabs from a taxi business, both the driver and the company may be held financially responsible for any losses. Taxi companies will often be held accountable for their drivers’ negligent behavior. This is especially true for instances when it can be proven that the company lacked good judgment when hiring a driver who is known to abuse drugs or has an unsatisfactory driving record.
With so many potential parties to be held liable, it takes a skilled professional to navigate the complex process of establishing who will pay for your injuries. Don’t try to handle this on your own when a Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers taxi accident lawyer is ready to fight for you.
Are San Diego Insurance Companies On Your Side?
It is important after a taxi accident to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights and options for seeking restitution before making any statements to an insurance adjuster. You may be contacted by the taxi driver’s or taxi company’s insurance provider for a statement about the crash. While this may seem harmless‚ the statement you provide could be manipulated in a way that releases the at-fault party from liability. Because of this‚ it may be best not to disclose any information until you have had a chance to talk to an attorney.
While an insurance adjuster may seem friendly‚ he or she is most likely not looking out for your best interests. Insurance companies are notorious for offering much lower settlement amounts than a claimant deserves as well as prolonging or denying a legitimate claim. Do not become discouraged. You may be able to get the appropriate compensation for your losses.
San Diego Taxi Accident Lawyers Protecting Your Future
The top San Diego auto accident attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers know that your taxi accident case has the power to affect the rest of your life. Getting money from negligent parties and holding them legally accountable may bring an individual or a family closure as well as peace of mind knowing that financial damages are accounted for. A successful injury or wrongful death claim or lawsuit may also help prevent negligent parties from striking again.
Far too often‚ medical expenses‚ lost wages‚ and other expenses add to the emotional and physical tolls of an accident. Recovering from a serious injury caused by a taxi crash can take months‚ or even years. For victims of catastrophic injury‚ they may suffer from disabling conditions for the rest of their lives.
To find out how to protect your rights in order to protect your future‚ contact our San Diego personal injury law firm at (619) 233-5020. We utilize effective strategies and may be able to help you build a strong case.
