Accidents involving taxis are not uncommon. However, determining liability after an accident involving a taxicab can be challenging. Just like any other type of vehicle accident, crashes involving taxis must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement and insurance carriers. Here, we want to discuss taxi liability issues that you need to be aware of in the aftermath of these incidents.
In the aftermath of an accident involving a taxicab in Colorado, the most important aspect is seeking medical care. Regardless of whether you were in the taxi when the accident occurred or in another vehicle impacted by the collision, you need to make sure you are evaluated by a doctor. Seeking immediate medical care helps ensure your well-being and establishes a link between your injuries and the taxicab crash.
Determining liability for a taxi accident is crucial, and this situation will play out much like every other vehicle accident that occurs on Colorado roadways. There will be an investigation that typically begins right when an accident occurs. Various evidence will be gathered at the scene of the crash, including photographs of damages, debris, skid marks, causes of the crash, injuries, and more. The names and contact information of any eyewitnesses need to be written down so they can be contacted later on.
However, there may be other information available to help prove the liability of a taxicab accident that is not typically available in other types of incidents. This could include any device the taxi driver uses to communicate with the dispatcher (there may be recordings) as well as mobile device and GPS data dispatchers use to communicate with the taxi driver. Some taxis even have enhanced electronic recording devices, similar to a black box that you think of for plane accidents.
Proving liability for a taxicab accident can be challenging. If an investigation discovers that the taxi driver was at fault for the incident, there may be a few options to recover compensation for accident victims. If the taxi driver works for a taxi company, then the company will likely ultimately be liable and have to pay out of their own insurance or assets. However, it is not uncommon for taxi drivers to operate as independent owner-operators of these vehicles. In these cases, the driver will be held directly responsible, but they should have enhanced insurance to abide by Colorado law.
We strongly encourage any person who has been injured in an accident involving a taxicab in Colorado to work with an attorney immediately. A skilled car accident lawyer will use their resources to conduct a full investigation into the incident. They will gather the evidence needed to prove liability while also exploring the ownership of the taxicab and all of the insurance policies involved.
Ultimately, all taxicab accident victims should be able to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost income, property damage losses, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more. In the event insurance carriers refuse to offer a fair settlement or deny the claim, a Denver car accident attorney will prepare the case for trial in civil court in front of a jury.
