Taxis provide a convenient mode of transportation, but crashes involving taxis can result in serious injuries and significant financial losses. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist involved in a taxi crash, you may have legal options to pursue compensation.
Damages for economic and non-economic losses might include past, current, and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and even modifications to a home or rehabilitation costs. However, insurers often offer initial settlements that are insufficient to cover actual damages. You do not have to negotiate with them on your own. The auto collision attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya are experienced with taxi accidents in Elsmere. They can help you evaluate your damages, negotiate for a fair settlement, or pursue justice in court if necessary.
Primary Causes of Taxi Wrecks
Taxi drivers may be professionals, but they are still vulnerable to the same mistakes and errors as other drivers. They may even be more vulnerable to them, as driving frequently can make drivers forget that driving has inherent risks and cause them to lose their sense of caution.
Distracted Driving
One of the biggest causes of Elsmere taxi crashes is distracted driving. Many passengers are shocked to get into a taxi and find that their driver is using a cell phone, texting, talking to people, and seemingly not paying any attention to the road. Taxi drivers who use GPS devices, communicate with dispatchers, or engage in other distractions while driving increase their risk of wrecks.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Taxi drivers may speed or engage in other reckless driving to maximize fares. This can include aggressive maneuvers that increase the risk of a wreck. In addition, taxi driving can be a stressful job with long shifts and extended driving hours that can lead to driver fatigue, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated and can lead to a higher risk of wrecks.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated is also a risk. As in other professions, some taxi drivers may work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which increases the risk of car crashes.
Third-Party Causes
Not every wreck involving taxis is the driver’s fault—even if it initially appears that way. Poor vehicle maintenance contributes to some accidents. Taxis that are not adequately maintained may experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that can lead to wrecks. In such cases, determining liability depends on whether the taxi driver is an owner-operator or driving a vehicle owned by a taxi company.
Liability in Taxi Crashes
Liability in a taxi crash depends on the circumstances of the wreck. Potentially responsible parties may include taxi drivers, other drivers, the taxi company, and third parties.
The most obvious person responsible for a taxi crash in Elsmere is the taxi driver, especially if the victim is a passenger in the taxi. If the taxi driver was negligent, they will be held accountable for injuries and damages. Other drivers could also be responsible for the wreck, which would leave them liable. However, if those drivers are uninsured or underinsured, the taxi driver or their company may still be liable for a passenger’s injuries.
Taxi companies may also be responsible for damages. However, it is crucial to understand how taxi companies operate. Some taxis are owner-operated and contract with companies for dispatching, but other drivers use company-owned vehicles. The ownership of the taxi can help determine liability, as whoever owns it is responsible for keeping it maintained.
The owner will share liability if a lack of maintenance is responsible for the wreck. The maintenance company could also be liable if maintenance or repairs were ordered but not completed correctly. Likewise, mechanical failures due to manufacturer defects could be the responsibility of the automaker.
Talk to a Lawyer About Taxi Crashes in Elsmere
At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya, we have extensive experience handling taxi crash cases. We provide aggressive legal representation to ensure that negligent drivers, taxi companies, and other responsible parties are held accountable. To learn more about taxi accidents in Elsmere, contact us to schedule a free consultation.