If you are involved in an accident while a passenger of a taxi cab, this fact does not interfere with your ability to make a claim. The good news is that as a passenger, you'll almost always be considered to not be at fault and will usually receive compensation if you can demonstrate who is at fault for the accident.
Passenger Cases Are Easier
When you are a passenger in a two-car accident, there is almost always at least one driver who is responsible. In some cases, more than one driver may be responsible, and you may need to seek compensation from two or more parties.
Taxi Drivers Make Mistakes
A taxi driver is required to undergo an extensive background check. Typically, a taxi driver is a safer driver than your average motorist. However, even the most highly trained driver can make a mistake. Some taxi drivers may also choose to be reckless or negligent. For instance, a taxi driver may have consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Taxi drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. If your driver was speeding or failed to stop or yield, he or she will likely be found responsible for the accident. Also, if your driver failed to adequately maintain the taxi cab and this contributed to the accident, you may use this as evidence that the driver was negligent and should be held more responsible for your injuries. The taxi cab driver will likely attempt to blame the other driver, but you'll need to seek compensation from each party responsible.
Follow Specific Steps After an Accident
After you have been injured in a taxi cab accident, the first step is to seek medical treatment. You will not only need to have any medical injuries treated so that they don't become worse, but you will also need evidence of medical injuries that can be connected to the accident. Also, if you do not receive medical treatment promptly, you'll be asked why you didn't receive medical treatment sooner.
If you find yourself being forced to sue the taxi driver, you will need to sue the taxi company. This is something that should consider with the help of commercial vehicle wreck attorney, such as Frenkel & Frenkel. Cab companies will do everything they can to protect drivers so they can keep their insurance rates low. Therefore, you'll need to assume that you'll be fighting a battle.