Can I Sue A Taxi Driver For My Injuries?

When you decide to call a taxi, you are hoping to arrive at your destination without suffering any injuries. Unfortunately, some taxi drivers are not careful, and you might become injured as a passenger if the driver crashes your taxi. If this is the case, a lawyer will be able to help you determine if you can take legal action against the driver.

Coverage for Taxi Accidents

One of the challenges with taking legal action against a taxi driver is that they are not required to carry PIP coverage in some states. This means that the driver may not have the insurance to cover the injuries you have suffered, and you may need to take legal action against the driver directly or their company.

Liability for the Accident

The easiest way to receive compensation for your injuries is to file an insurance claim. Filing a lawsuit against the taxi driver or attempting to settle out of court can be difficult because the driver might not have the assets that could be collected to pay for your damages. Therefore, even if you win a civil lawsuit against the driver, you may never see a dime.

The taxi company that the driver works for might have an auto liability insurance policy. Fortunately, it is not very difficult to hold an employer responsible for an accident because they will typically have vicarious liability. 

How To Hold the Taxi Driver Responsible

You will need to remember everything that occurred prior to the accident to be able to hold the driver liable. For example, you might remember that the driver was on their cell phone at the time of the accident. The driver might have driven over the speed limit. They might have failed to follow traffic laws or might have tried to speed through a red light. 

To be able to hold the driver or the taxi company at fault, you must prove that they were liable for the accident. You must also prove that you were injured. For example, you might have suffered a back injury as a result of the accident, but you must seek medical attention to make sure that you can fully recover and so that you can prove that you should be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Then, you will be able to pursue a settlement with the appropriate party, or you will be able to take them to court.

For more information, contact a personal injury lawyer.