Taxi accidents, like other motor vehicle incidents, can result in serious injuries. Whether a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver is involved, understanding who may be held liable for those injuries is essential for pursuing compensation. Determining liability often involves a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the accident and evaluating multiple factors. A good taxi accident lawyer will know how to do this, and how to best bolster your case to get the compensation you deserve. Our friends at The Eskesen Law Firm offer some advice for how to figure out who was responsible for an accident, below. This can always be examined by a lawyer, and should be presented by a lawyer in court so that you have the best possible arguments.
Examining The Driver’s Responsibility
In many cases, the taxi driver may be held liable if their negligence or reckless behavior contributed to the accident. Common driving behaviors such as speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, driving while distracted, or operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol can all indicate driver fault. Taxi drivers are required to follow specific rules and regulations, and failure to comply with these can result in significant liability.
Additionally, because taxi drivers are operating in a professional capacity, they are expected to uphold a higher standard of care. This means that even if the driver made what might seem like a minor mistake, such as misjudging a turn or failing to check blind spots, they could still be held responsible if that action led to injuries. Collecting evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, can help establish whether the driver’s behavior caused the accident.
Investigating The Taxi Company’s Liability
Beyond the driver, the company that operates the taxi service may also be liable under certain circumstances. Taxi companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and that their drivers are adequately trained and licensed. If the accident was caused by mechanical failure—such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or a malfunctioning steering system—the company may be held liable for neglecting regular maintenance.
Similarly, if it is found that the company hired a driver with a known history of reckless driving or did not conduct proper background checks, the company may be liable for negligent hiring practices. Proving company liability can be complex and usually requires reviewing maintenance logs, employment records, and other documents to determine whether the company failed to meet its obligations.
Evaluating Other Potentially Liable Parties
Liability may also extend beyond the driver and the taxi company in certain situations. For instance, if another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, that driver could be held responsible for any injuries incurred. Similarly, if road conditions, such as poorly maintained roads or defective traffic signals, played a role in the accident, a government entity might share liability for failing to keep the roads safe.
Sometimes, liability can be shared between multiple parties. For example, if both the taxi driver and another driver were partially responsible for the accident, both may share liability under a legal principle called comparative negligence. In these cases, the compensation a victim receives may be adjusted based on each party’s degree of fault. Your taxi accident attorneys should have some ideas on how to determine who could be liable for the crash that you were in, which will determine who you will seek compensation from.
Gathering Evidence To Establish Liability
Establishing liability in a taxi accident requires gathering a wide range of evidence. This may include police reports, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, dashcam footage, and expert opinions on the cause of the accident. It is also important to keep detailed medical records to demonstrate the severity of the injuries sustained.
Witness testimony can be particularly helpful in these cases, especially if the accident occurred in a busy area. Witnesses can provide an objective account of what happened, helping to clarify whether the driver or another party was at fault.
In addition, hiring accident reconstruction experts can be beneficial for recreating the scene and providing insights into how the accident unfolded. This type of evidence can be crucial in cases where multiple parties may be liable, as it helps pinpoint the primary causes of the accident.
Taking Action To Protect Your Rights
After a taxi accident, it is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and start the process of determining liability. Identifying the responsible party or parties can significantly impact the compensation available for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
If involved in a taxi accident, seeking legal counsel from a taxi accident attorney can help clarify the best path forward. By working with a legal professional experienced in these types of cases, it becomes easier to navigate the complexities of determining liability and securing the compensation deserved. Reach out to a law firm to set up a consultation to discuss the specific details of the case and get personalized guidance on the next steps.