Seeking Compensation for Taxicab Transportation Accidents When Traveling
If you have ever taken a white knuckle taxi ride when traveling, you might not find it surprising that there are a fair number of people who are injured in collisions involving taxicabs. Atlanta is a major metropolitan city with a busy airport which means that there is a high volume of taxi traffic, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year Holiday. Because taxicab drivers are paid based on the number of miles they travel with more trips equaling more fares, collisions involving taxis are somewhat inevitable because of the strong financial incentive to move people as quickly as possible, which can lead to exceeding the speed limit or driving faster than road and weather conditions dictate.
Whether you are a passenger in the cab, an occupant of another vehicle, a bicyclist or a pedestrian injured in a collision caused by a taxicab driver who disregards traffic safety laws or otherwise drives in an unreasonably hazardous manner, you may have a right to seek damages for injuries suffered in a taxi accident. There are many types of negligent conduct that may cause a taxicab crash that results in substantial injuries, such as:
- Speeding drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Distracted cab drivers
- Aggressive or agitated drivers
- Non-compliance with rules, regulations and traffic laws
Serious taxicab accidents can result in disfiguring and debilitating injuries like facial injuries, fractures of the joints, neck and back injuries, brain hemorrhages, loss of vision, dismemberment and wrongful death, but the taxi driver and taxi company typically will have a fair amount of available insurance coverage. Both taxi companies and cab drivers are usually bonded, licensed and insured. In addition to these forms of insurance, other sources of financial compensation might include other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, public entities and even an injury victim's own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage.
The principle difference between a taxicab accident and a collision involving an average driver is that cabs are considered common carriers. Generally, common carriers are held to a more exacting standard of care in providing for the safety of their passengers. When common carriers fail to exercise the utmost care and diligence for the safety of their passengers, this might entitle injured passengers to seek financial compensation from the cab driver and the taxi company. Taxi cab companies also may be liable for the failure to provide reasonably maintained vehicles that are fit and safe for transporting passengers.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Experience to Work For You
Our Atlanta taxicab accident attorneys have been representing injury victims for over thirty years throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.