Calling a cab is still one of the most popular ways for tourists and locals to get around the San Diego area. Regional taxi companies transport thousands of passengers every year. Unfortunately, not every ride goes smoothly. Sometimes, passengers get caught in harmful taxi accidents and subsequent insurance claims. Obtaining just compensation for taxi accident injuries can require help from a team of competent attorneys.
Who is Liable for Taxi Accidents?
Most vehicle collisions involve just two parties – the drivers of both vehicles. Taxi accidents, on the other hand, have several parties. These may include the taxi company, taxi driver, multiple insurance companies, passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians – not to mention potential contributing factors such as roadway infrastructure issues (city liability) or defective products (manufacturer liability). Assigning responsibility for a taxi accident can easily become a complex legal matter.
Unlike rideshare companies that independently contract their drivers, taxi companies hire their drivers as employees. This can work in accident victims’ favor. It often makes the company vicariously liable for the actions and behaviors of taxicab drivers. If your driver caused your crash due to drunk driving, texting and driving, drowsy driving, or otherwise driving carelessly, the company may be liable for your injuries.
The company may also be liable if its act of negligence contributed to the collision. For example, the company may be responsible if their lack of fleet maintenance caused a taxicab’s brakes to fail, resulting in a crash. In cases against San Diego taxi companies, injured parties will have to deal with major insurance companies. This can present a challenge, especially if the cab company denies liability or if the insurer offers a low-ball settlement. A lawyer can improve the success of settlement negotiations on behalf of taxi crash victims.
Don’t Take On Taxi Insurance Companies Alone
Taxi insurance companies are not on your side. Their number one goal is to settle your case for as little as possible and to save the company money. The agent may seem friendly, but, in all likelihood, he or she is not looking out for your best interests. If insurance agents from the taxi company contact you, do not agree to let them record you. Do not give a verbal or written statement about your accident. The company could use this against you in the future. Do not accept any settlement offer without first talking to an attorney. A lawyer can help you understand the true value of your case and know whether the settlement is fair.
Taxi companies have existed in San Diego for decades. They have a long history with the civil courts for accidents that have injured and killed passengers. If you find yourself a victim of a taxi collision, seek help from an experienced attorney. You may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. You could potentially recover for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, emotional suffering, property damage, and other losses. Don’t let a claim against a major taxi company discourage you. With the right lawyer by your side, you can have the upper hand in insurance settlement negotiations and/or a personal injury lawsuit.