Many taxi accidents in Houston occur because someone acts negligently. This negligence can become the foundation of a successful personal injury claim, and taking the right approach to damage recovery demands local legal experience. If you were injured in a taxi collision, you have the right to seek compensation. Find out how such claims work and when you need the assistance of a qualified car accident attorney.
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents in Houston
With over 2,200 cabs in the city of Houston, it is not uncommon to see them at the center of a motor vehicle collision. The most common causes of these collisions are:
- Distracted Driving: Taxi drivers often multitask by talking to passengers and checking the GPS. These distractions reduce reaction times and increase the risk of crashes.
- Speeding: To maximize their income, some taxi drivers exceed speed limits. Higher speeds make it harder to stop in time, especially on highways, increasing the odds of a crash.
- Fatigue: Many drivers work long shifts to increase earnings, which leads to exhaustion. Fatigue slows reflexes and raises the likelihood of an accident.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Since taxis experience heavy use, they need frequent maintenance. Failure to provide it could cause crashes.
Investigating the cause of the accident can help the injured person and their legal team identify all liable parties. In some cases, more than one person or entity may be responsible, and figuring out how to file a claim against everyone involved may be key to claiming maximum compensation.
Who Is Liable in a Taxi Accident?
In many cases, liable parties in Houston taxi collisions are cab drivers. However, other parties may also be responsible, depending on the cause of the crash.
Taxi Companies
Companies that own or operate cabs may share liability. They can be responsible for poor hiring practices, lack of driver training, or failure to maintain vehicles, and in such cases, the company’s insurance should cover the damages.
Vehicle Maintenance Providers
If a taxi company outsources vehicle maintenance, and the designated provider fails to perform adequate repairs, they may be held liable.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, other motorists on the road contribute to a taxi accident. If another driver’s negligent behavior triggered the crash, they may share responsibility for damages.
Government Entities
Defective traffic signals or roads poorly maintained by a government agency may contribute to an accident. Although claims against government entities are more complex, it could still be possible to recover damages.
Types of Damages to Recover
If the injured party can prove the at-fault party’s negligence, they have a chance to recover several types of damages. They include economic damages, which are tangible expenses related to the injuries, such as medical bills. Another type is non-economic damages that include everything related to the reduction in quality of life, for example, permanent scarring.
If a person dies in a taxi crash, their family can seek wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Discuss Taxi Accident Claims with an Experienced Attorney in Houston
Recovering damages in a taxi accident in Houston is rarely easy. Without legal assistance, you might make mistakes or be pressured into a low settlement. A team of experienced personal injury lawyers from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP could help you navigate the claim and fight for the money you deserve. Call us to schedule a consultation today.
