If I was a passenger in a taxi and was injured in an accident, who is liable?

Taxi accidents can be complex in the same way that Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex, only more so. In some cases, the driver of the taxi is considered an employee of the cab company, while in others, the taxi driver is considered an independent contractor. If you are a passenger in a taxi, and your taxi driver is responsible for the accident through his or her negligence or carelessness, then you may file a claim against the driver, or the claim may be against the taxi company. 

If the other driver is found to be liable for the accident, then you would file for damages against that driver’s insurer. The situation can get even more complicated if poor maintenance on the taxi caused the accident or contributed to the accident. This brings the maintenance company into the mix—unless the maintenance is done by the taxi company or by the drivers themselves. 

But what if the other driver was at fault and it turns out he or she is uninsured or underinsured? In this situation, if the driver had no insurance, you will check your own insurance policy to determine whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy. If you do, then you would file against your own insurer for your damages. If the other driver has insurance, but it does not fully cover your damages, you will then look to your own policy to make up the difference.

If the taxi driver is liable for your accident, then depending on the status of the driver, you might either file against the taxi driver or the taxi company. If either of those turns out to have insurance that does not fully cover your injuries, you would, again, look to your own policy—assuming you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. 

As you can see, it can be complicated to determine who was at fault for your accident and secure a full settlement that covers all your damages. Having a highly skilled personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable in demonstrating liability in taxi accidents can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.   

Do passengers in taxis have any special rights or protections?

Passengers in taxis have the same rights and protections as other passengers in motor vehicles. If you are a taxi passenger, you may have claims against the taxi driver, the taxi company, and the other driver. You may also have claims for uninsured motorist protection from the taxi company’s insurance if that insurance covers passengers. You may also have claims under your own automobile insurance. Any taxi accident has complexities that only a good personal injury lawyer can unravel.

When you have suffered a serious injury from a taxi accident, it is unlikely that the insurance company will really care about those injuries or care about whether you receive a settlement that covers all your damages. This is why you need a strong personal injury attorney who is never afraid to challenge a big insurance company, insisting they pay you what your claim is worth. When you are unrepresented, an insurer is likely to take advantage of that fact, paying you as little as possible. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help determine liability in taxi accidents.

Harmonson Law Firm Can Help Determine Fault in Taxi Accidents

At Harmonson Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping good people who have been seriously injured in bad accidents, and those who have been hurt due to medical malpractice. We take your injuries seriously and will not only help you get the medical treatments you need, but we will also fight zealously for the financial settlement you deserve. We have both the knowledge and experience to demonstrate liability in taxi accidents and protect your claim.

After all, when a negligent driver hits you, perhaps changing your life forever, you should not also have to suffer financial losses due to your injuries. Our attorneys offer compassion for your situation, while never backing down from an insurance company whose only concern is its financial bottom line. 

Contact attorneys Clark Harmonson and Hadley Huchton today for experienced representation for your taxi accident. Please note that nothing herein is meant as legal advice specifically related to your case.