Steps to Take After a Taxi Passenger Accident
Taxis are a common and convenient way to get around, and in Chicago, Curb taxis have become a popular mode of transportation. Studies have shown that, “taxi drivers are particularly at [a higher] risk of accidents due to long driving hours and fatigue.” If you’ve been injured in a taxi accident as a passenger, it’s important to act quickly to protect your well-being and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a taxi accident.
Prioritize Your Safety First
The moments immediately following a car crash are overwhelming and disorienting. Your adrenaline is most likely high, but try to stay as calm as possible so you can prioritize your safety. If the taxi is in a dangerous location like the middle of a busy intersection, and it’s safe to move, carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe spot on the sidewalk or shoulder.
Call 911
Call 911 immediately to report the crash. When the police arrive, they’ll secure the scene, and create an official accident report. The police report will be a crucial piece of evidence if you file a lawsuit later. When speaking to the officers, stick to the facts of what happened. Don’t make assumptions that could make it seem like you’re not injured because many injuries don’t show signs until a few days or weeks later. You don’t want something you said to be misconstrued to potentially minimize any compensation you can get.
Evidence & Documentation to Gather
Evidence can disappear once the police clear the accident scene. Try and get:
- Information from all drivers, who the taxi company is, and witnesses involved.
- Clear photos and videos of damage to the taxi and all other vehicles involved, road conditions, weather conditions, street signs, and visible injuries.
Witness statements provide a neutral account of the collision which can influence how insurance companies assign fault. Keeping all this data organized will make filing a claim easier.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
During a traumatic event, your body releases a massive surge of adrenaline and endorphins, which can mask pain. Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions often have delayed symptoms that appear days or even weeks later. Visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or your primary care physician as soon as you can. A thorough medical evaluation ensures you get the treatment you need and creates documentation that links your injuries to the taxi accident. Insurance companies way to minimize their payout, so they’ll look closely at the timeline of medical care. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurer will likely argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
It’s also very important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Go to all follow-up appointments with them and any specialist doctors that are helping with your recovery. Keeping a personal journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your daily life can also strengthen your case.
Report the Accident
After you’ve been seen by a doctor, notify the taxi company as soon as possible. Reporting the accident quickly helps establish an official record of the crash, which is important for determining liability. Provide the taxi company with the date, time, location, and the driver’s name or taxi number. Keep the conversation brief and stick to the facts. The taxi company’s insurance adjusters may try to ask you leading questions to minimize their financial liability.
Notify Your Auto Insurance Provider
Even though you were not driving, you should notify your own auto insurance provider about the accident. Depending on your policy and state laws, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may help cover your initial medical expenses, regardless of who was at-fault.
Who is Liable For a Taxi Cab Accident?
If the taxi driver caused the crash due to speeding or distracted driving, you can file a claim against the taxi company’s commercial insurance policy. If another driver caused the accident, you would file a claim against the other driver’s insurance. In situations where both drivers share the blame, you may be able to seek compensation from both parties. If you were injured in Ohio or Illinois, learn how comparative fault can impact your accident settlement.
Contact Postman Law’s Experienced Taxi Accident Attorneys
Dealing with a personal injury claim can be complex, especially if you have a commercial taxi company and multiple insurance policies involved. You don’t need to navigate the taxi passenger accident claim process by yourself. Postman Law’s taxi accident attorneys will start investigating the accident immediately, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation. If you’ve been injured in a taxi in Denver, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, a Curb taxi in Chicago, or nationwide, contact us for a free consultation 24/7 at 844-POSTMAN or by filling out our online form. We’re here for you. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
FAQs
The taxi driver, another driver, or multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
In most states, you usually have two years to file a personal injury claim, but deadlines can vary.
As a passenger, you can usually file a claim against the at-fault party. Learn more about Illinois personal injury laws, personal injury claims in Minnesota, and Ohio’s car accident laws.
You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Curb is a mobile app, and connects riders in Chicago with professional taxi drivers, similar to other ridesharing apps.
If a taxi driver causes an accident, their auto insurance is usually responsible, but liability depends on the driver’s actions (e.g. speeding, running red lights, or other negligence). Curb may only be liable if there’s a dispatch or app error. If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a Curb taxi, contact Postman Law’s car accident attorneys immediately for a free consultation.
Nothing! Postman Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only charge a fee if we win your case or secure a settlement for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the total compensation you receive.
Postman Law specializes in personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, workplace injuries, and more. Our attorneys have secured over $3 billion for more than 1.4 million clients.
We move quickly to gather evidence, thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court when necessary. You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.
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