Chicago Taxi Cab Accident Attorneys

Experienced Taxi Cab Accident Attorneys

Chicago is known to be one of the busiest cities in the world with a complex public transportation system.

Common Taxi Cab Accidents

Taxi drivers may tend to change their directions unexpectedly, weave in and out of traffic, or speed. Such driving behavior can cause injuries to pedestrians or bicyclists. Some of the most common scenarios of taxi cab accidents include:

• A pedestrian is hit by a taxi driver who pulls in or out of the curb. The taxi driver may also hit a pedestrian when failing to reduce the speed or apply brakes when a pedestrian is near the street.
• A bicyclist is hit by a taxi driver who fails to notice him or her in time.
• A taxi driver may cause an accident while trying to quickly get a customer to a required location.
• A taxi passenger may get injured in a collision.

Liability in a Taxi Cab Accident

Taxi companies are required to purchase insurance so that they can provide compensation for injuries in case of an accident that is caused by a taxi driver. Whenever an accident involving a taxi occurs, both the driver and the taxi company may be held responsible and may be required to provide compensation to the injured person.

Taxi drivers often lack the insurance to cover the full amount of compensation. A Chicago car accident lawyer can help an injured client seek compensation from the employer of the taxi driver. It may be challenging to get the employer to accept the liability and pay for the accident, but with an experienced attorney on your side, this can be achieved.

Whenever there is a taxicab accident and someone gets injured, there may be several parties involved. The victim may be able to draw a claim from multiple sources depending on the circumstances of the case. It is important to note that many cab drivers are independent contractors and they are treated as separate legal entities. For this reason, the taxicab companies often contend that the liability for an accident and the car accident claim should be limited to the cab driver’s policy. This makes it difficult for a victim to get full compensation for injuries and losses. Talk to a Chicago auto accident attorney for legal advice. Call Willens & Baez at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.

What to do if you are Involved in a Taxi Cab Accident in Chicago

The first step you should take in an accident is to call the police so you can get a police report. This is often used to determine which party was at fault and to memorialize what occurred. Next, document the scene by taking pictures if it is safe to do so. Take pictures of any vehicles that were involved, the surrounding area, and any injuries sustained. Finally, if you sustained any injuries, seek out medical treatments immediately. Symptoms may develop over time as shock may delay your awareness of the injury, but treatment sooner rather than later is always better for your health as well as your case.

Taxi cabs are required to carry much higher levels of insurance–$350,000 compared to $40,000

When you step into a taxi, you are putting your trust in the taxi driver. Some taxi drivers are among the best drivers in Chicago, but others are either unskilled or reckless, which can result in serious car accidents. When a taxi gets into an accident, it can cause damage to other vehicles, injuries to passengers, and even injuries to pedestrians and innocent bystanders.

If you have been hurt in an accident caused by the reckless driving of a taxi driver, you may be eligible for compensation.

Insurance Company Has Incentive to Fight

Although there are many reasons why taxi accidents are similar to other car accidents, there is one very significant difference. Taxi cabs are required to carry much higher levels of insurance–$350,000 compared to $40,000—and this gives the insurance companies a greater incentive to fight your claims. You need the help of an experienced lawyer to help you get the compensation you need to pay medical bills and make up for lost wages.

Victims of Taxicab Accidents

When taxicab drivers drive dangerously, they do not just put their life at risk but also that of others. Victims of taxicab accidents include:

• Pedestrians: It is not uncommon for cab drivers to speed through stoplights at the last minute. Sometimes, they are not able to make it through the intersection before the red light turns red. This puts Chicago pedestrians at risk and the chances of an accident are high, especially if the driver is not paying attention.
• Passengers: It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of passengers and help them reach their destination. Whenever there is a taxicab accident involving another vehicle, the passengers are often the first victims.
• Bicyclists and motorcyclists: In many cities including Chicago, there are numerous motorcycles and bicycles sharing the road with vehicles. Whenever a cab driver abruptly changes lanes or runs a stop light, bicyclists and motorcyclists can become the victim of a crash.
• Other drivers: Other cars that share the road with taxicabs driving dangerously are at risk of crash. The other drivers and their passengers may suffer injuries ranging from minor to severe.