Taking a taxicab is a great way for you to get around the town without having to deal with traffic, especially if you have had a few happy hour drinks. Unfortunately, cab drivers are still susceptible to human errors, either their own or other drivers’, that could lead to a crash. Taxi accidents in York can cause serious injuries, and if you have been involved in one, you may be able to recover compensation with the help of an experienced car accident attorney.
At Clark & Howell, we understand that an accident is about more than just hospital bills; the stress of having to deal with the aftermath and the disruption to your life are things that do not have a quantifiable amount. We could ease some of your burdens by taking on the legal work so you can focus on you and your family.
When two regular passenger cars collide, the responsibility lies with the driver who caused the accident, and liability for damages and injuries is on the responsible party. However, when a crash in York involves a cab, determining who is responsible and who is liable can become more complicated. Taxi drivers operate under a higher standard of care than the average driver, and passengers rely on the driver’s skill and experience for safe transportation. As a result, taxi drivers must exercise greater caution than other motorists to prevent collisions. When a taxi driver causes a crash, that driver may bear fault for the passenger’s injuries.
Another driver could also be the cause of a collision with a taxi; even if the cab driver exercises the utmost caution, they are still vulnerable to another driver’s careless behavior. Alternatively, the cab company could be responsible if the cause of the crash was, for example, a poorly maintained vehicle. Commercial transportation companies have a duty to regularly inspect their fleet for mechanical issues and make repairs if needed. Similarly, substandard hiring and training practices could put liability on the company if it allowed an unqualified driver to operate a vehicle.
All these scenarios may contribute to some portion of the fault for causing an accident. A knowledgeable attorney could investigate the incident and determine who was ultimately responsible and the percentage of fault each party shared.
After a taxicab wreck in York, injured people may pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages address emotional trauma and pain and suffering. The taxi company’s insurance policy typically covers these damages because commercial transportation companies must carry this coverage. If another driver shares liability, that driver’s insurance may also contribute to the recovery.
The challenge comes when the insurance companies offer to settle the matter for an amount that is well below what the victim needs. Having skilled legal representation from Clark & Howell to negotiate a fair settlement could ensure that you recover everything you deserve to take care of yourself and your family.
Taxi accidents in York cause more than physical injuries, and the stress and trauma of a collision can take a long time to resolve. Let a lawyer from Clark & Howell handle the insurance companies and the legal process so you can obtain the compensation that you need for your recovery.
We are here to provide support and guidance through this difficult time. Contact Clark & Howell to talk to one of our attorneys about your situation.