If negligent behavior of a taxi driver or taxi company led to a crash in which you were harmed, you need skilled legal counsel on your side. An attorney experienced in handling cases following taxi accidents in Midland could help you get the compensation you deserve. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris we are familiar with the intricacies of car accident claims, and we are ready to help you.
Liability for Taxi Accidents
Every motorist has reasonable responsibility for the safety of others they encounter on the road. In addition to this, taxi drivers are professional drivers and are held to stricter safety standards. The law requires them to carry a commercial driver’s license and to have the experience necessary to transport their customers safely.
If a taxi driver’s negligent actions result in you sustaining injuries in an accident in Midland, you could file your claim with the taxi company’s insurance provider. The taxi company could bear considerable liability for any crashes, as its responsibilities include hiring drivers, maintaining a fleet of vehicles, and implementing a driving schedule.
What Are the Common Causes of Taxi Accidents?
Your claim will be unique, but common causes of taxi collisions in Midland include:
- Driver negligence, including distraction, exhaustion, impairment, aggression, failure to follow the rules of the road, and excess speed
- The taxi company’s failure to hire safe, experienced drivers
- The taxi company’s failure to keep its cabs in safe working order
- The taxi company’s implementation of a driving schedule that keeps their drivers out on the road too long
- Defective vehicles or defective vehicle parts
Behind the wheel of a cab, taxi drivers face obstacles that can make driving safely more challenging. These include interacting with dispatch, frequently entering and exiting traffic, repeatedly making stops, and locating their passengers.
Despite these distractions, taxi drivers are required to take all the precautions required for navigating our roads safely. If they fail to do so, they could be liable for any ensuing accidents.
The Elements of Your Taxi Accident Claim
In Midland, to bring a strong taxi accident claim that protects your rights and results in fair compensation, you need to establish four elements.
The first is that the taxi driver or company owed you a duty of care, but this is already established. You must then prove that the taxi driver or the taxi company breached this duty of care by acting unsafely. Next, you must demonstrate that the taxi driver or taxi company’s conduct was the direct cause of the accident. Finally, you must provide evidence that you suffered legally recognized losses as a result of the crash.
Taxi Accident Losses
In a taxi collision claim, your losses are referred to as legal damages, which could include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Medical costs
- Lost income, which may need to reflect reduced earning power and potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Your lawyer could compile the evidence necessary to clearly demonstrate the full scope of your losses due to a taxi crash.
There are several steps you could take to protect your claim, including seeking immediate medical attention and following your medical team’s instructions carefully. Retaining an attorney as soon as you are able is also important, as is refraining from making a statement to the insurance company or posting on social media until your claim is finalized.
Contact Us in Midland for Help With Your Taxi Crash Claim
If a taxi driver or a taxi company behaved negligently and caused you to suffer harm, our personal injury attorneys are here for you. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we dedicate our practice to guiding your claim effectively and efficiently forward toward a favorable outcome. Contact us today for more information about taxi accidents in Midland.