Taxi Accidents

Taxis are one of the most common forms of transportation in the state of California. Whether traveling to work in a big city like Los Angeles or San Francisco, or for travel in a more intimate vacation destination on the coast, taxis are a common sight on the roads in California. Adding to this are the hundreds of thousands of people who travel to and across the state every year as tourists. Tourists are often more likely to employ the use of a taxi than permanent residents, keeping even more taxis on the road and increasing the likelihood of getting into a taxi accident. Like any motor vehicle, taxis have accidents everyday. If you have been injured in a taxi accident while a passenger or have been hit by a negligent taxi driver, you may very well be able to file a claim to receive financial compensation for your injuries. An experienced taxi accident attorney in California can advise you on your options.

In the case of taxi accidents, there are several important things to keep in mind to protect yourself – both before the accident occurs and after. In the case of a taxi accident it is generally the taxi company – not the driver – who is ultimately responsible for the care of passengers and is held liable in case of an accident. Larger companies will often have more comprehensive insurance coverage than smaller companies. Keep this in mind when choosing the cab that you get into, and be sure to note the company before you accept the drive. Once you are in the cab, check the seat belts to ensure that they work and always wear your seat belt. If the seat belts are not in proper working order, inform the driver or choose another cab. In the case of a taxi accident, if you were not wearing a seat belt you may not be able to be fully compensated as you may be seen as partially responsible for your injuries. If a driver is driving erratically or dangerously, speak up. Ask them to slow down or pull over so that you can find another cab. Once an accident occurs, always jot down the driver’s information. It should be easily displayed in the front seat. You will need this to file a claim.

When a taxi accident occurs, contact a California taxi accident attorney like Sharifi Firm, APC. An experienced lawyer will be able to ascertain the cause of the accident – whether negligent driving, poor cab maintenance, or another cause is to blame – and will determine the liable parties. Large cab companies will have strong legal counsel; it is important that you do as well. Sharifi Firm, APC has years of experience handling these types of cases and will work on your behalf to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. Call today for a free consultation.