While buses and taxis are generally among the safest and most effective ways to get around, things sometimes go wrong, resulting in an accident.
Unfortunately, these accidents can have catastrophic impacts and often result in severe injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Additionally, these accidents cause psychological damage and could make victims wary of traveling on public transport ever again.
Understandably, after a bus or taxi accident, you may be worried about your legal rights. Let’s discuss your rights as a bus or taxi accident victim and how an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help ensure they are protected.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus and Taxi Accidents?
Buses and taxis are usually busiest during peak hours. For this reason, it’s not surprising that most bus and taxi accidents happen at this time. Here are the top causes of bus and taxi accidents.
Bus Accidents
Bus accidents are often caused by braking too hard or suddenly, driving recklessly, or driving unreasonably fast around sharp corners.
Some of the parties at fault for your injuries in a bus accident are the bus driver and the bus management company. However, there are instances where multiple parties may be at fault. Our attorneys can help you determine the parties liable for your injuries and resulting damages.
Taxi Accidents
Common causes of taxi accidents include inclement weather, failure to replace faulty parts, drunk driving, and distracted driving. At-fault parties in a taxi accident may include the taxi driver, maintenance worker, or the cab company.
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 As a Passenger in Another Car?
If the taxi driver is determined 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 were at fault for the accident.
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 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 driver’s part, 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.
What Are My Rights After a Bus or Taxi Accident?
If you or your loved one is injured in a bus or taxi accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the liable party. Some of the damages you are entitled to include:
- Lost wages during the time of recovery and possible loss of future income
- Permanent disabilities
- Rehabilitation
- Medical expenses
Do You Need Assistance Proving Liability?
Just like any other type of car accident, proving liability in a bus or taxi accident requires strong evidence and may involve quite a bit of investigation and documentation. It’s not something we recommend pursuing on your own. Before you file a claim or start your journey of proving liability, make sure you speak with an experienced car accident attorney.
Apart from gathering and documenting necessary evidence and determining the at-fault party, your attorney can also connect you with expert witnesses. Expert witnesses can help explain to the court how the accident happened and demonstrate how the at-fault party could have prevented the accident.
Speak With a St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a St. Louis bus or taxi accident? Speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm today. We have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of successful claims. Call us 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation.