Although rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft largely dominate the short-distance personal transportation market these days, plenty of traditional taxi services still operate in the Philadelphia metro area and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, not every driver employed by a taxi company is as responsible behind the wheel as they should be, and when you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence, a tenacious auto accident attorney can help.
Taking legal action over a taxi accident in Bala Cynwyd works similarly to standard auto accident litigation in some ways and differently in others. If you want a good chance of navigating these differences efficiently and getting a positive result from your unique claim, you should strongly consider speaking with and retaining a car accident lawyer with experience handling this specific type of case.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Taxi Crash
Whether you are a passenger in the cab involved or in another vehicle hit by a negligent taxi driver, there are several things every person who has been hurt in a Bala Cynwyd taxi accident should try to do in the immediate aftermath of the wreck to strengthen a possible future claim, including:
Contact Info
Get contact and insurance information from the cab driver, as well as all other parties directly involved in the crash.
Gathering Details
Write down identifying details about the cab involved, such as its ID number and the company name under which it operates.
Photo Evidence
Take photos or videos of the crash scene and of the damage sustained by all involved vehicles. Additionally, note nearby security or dashboard cameras that may have recorded the accident as it happened.
A seasoned attorney can help turn this preliminary evidence into a comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand against every person whose negligence played a role in causing a taxi crash. However, anyone in need of emergency medical assistance after any kind of auto accident should prioritize their own physical well-being first and trust that a skilled legal professional can help track down important evidence later if need be.
Are Taxi Companies Liable for Taxi Driver Negligence?
Usually, the only person who can be held civilly liable for an auto accident is a driver whose reckless, careless, or illegal conduct behind the wheel directly contributed to causing the accident. In addition to liability insurance coverage, taxi companies in Bala Cynwyd may also hold direct civil liability for taxi accidents caused by their drivers.
This is possible because of the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which allows employers to be held vicariously liable for negligence by one of their employees acting in furtherance of their business interests. As a qualified lawyer can further explain, taking advantage of this doctrine may significantly increase the total restitution available to someone injured in this sort of wreck.
Contact a Bala Cynwyd Attorney for Help After a Taxi Accident
In theory, getting a ride from a taxi driver should be no more exciting than getting on a bus, train, or other method of public transportation. In reality, traffic accidents involving taxis are much more common than many people might expect, and they often result in serious injuries with long-lasting or even life-changing consequences.
If you are dealing with the effects of an injury you sustained in a taxi accident in Bala Cynwyd, a capable lawyer can be the ally you need to obtain every cent of the restitution you deserve. Call today to schedule a consultation.