Whether you are a passenger in the taxi, or driving your vehicle and get hit by a taxi, the aftermath may seem unclear from a legal standpoint.
Car accidents are more likely when you live in a big city. Whether you are a passenger in the taxi, or driving your vehicle and get hit by a taxi, the aftermath can be unclear from a legal point of view. Can you file a claim against a taxi driver or its company?
The answer is, generally, yes. However, there’s more to it. Here’s what else you need to know.
Were You a Passenger in the Taxi?
When you take a taxi, you trust the driver with your physical integrity. Although taxi drivers are experienced, accidents can happen and you can get injured. Fortunately, it’s easier for a passenger to get compensation since they cannot be deemed liable for the accident. You can file a claim towards the taxi driver, the other driver involved, or even both drivers.
Were You Hit by a Taxi While Driving or While Being a Passenger in Another Car?
If the taxi driver is found to be at fault for the accident, you can typically file a claim against them or the company they work for. In at-fault states, such as Missouri, you can file a claim even if you share the responsibility for the accident. The settlement will be calculated based on how much each of you was at fault.
Should You Pursue the Taxi Driver or the Company They Work For?
This depends on what caused the accident and who is at fault. If there was a problem with the taxi maintenance and a technical issue led to the accident, the company will generally be held liable for not keeping their vehicles safe for the users. Even if the accident was caused by pure human negligence on the part of the driver, you may be able to sue the company, as the principle of “vicarious liability” may apply (they are responsible for what their employees do while on duty).
How to File a Taxi Accident Claim?
In both scenarios, you should start gathering evidence as soon as possible, right at the scene of the accident. Collect information about the drivers who were involved, eyewitnesses, and the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicle you were in, the other vehicle, and your injuries. Call the police even if the accident seems minor because hidden injuries and underestimated property damages are usually found later.
Why You Should Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
Filing a claim is best to be done with the help of an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney since claims can get complicated very fast. An attorney will guide you through the entire process and make it easier to pursue the compensation you deserve, especially when filing a car accident claim against a taxi driver.
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