Steps to take if your taxi cab gets into an accident, part 1

On behalf of Noland Law Firm, LLC posted in commercial vehicle accidents on Sunday, May 1, 2016.

A quick note before diving into this topic: “taxi” in this posting refers to a taxi cab in the traditional sense. More specifically, it refers to a car that charges metered fares and adheres to the guidelines and laws that govern taxi use in the state in which it’s being driven. This post is not meant to refer to rideshare programs such as Lyft or Uber, as they may be subject to different regulations.

Taxi drivers may hold commercial driving licenses, but they’re still human beings tootling around in a conveyance composed of many thousands of pounds of metal. And they are not exempt from car accidents. If you ever find yourself riding in a cab that gets into an accident, it’s important to know what steps you should take.

If the accident is severe, the first step will always be to call 911 and request medical help. Getting yourself or any other injured parties medical attention should always be the first priority no matter who was at fault. Second, even if the cab driver tells you it is not necessary, you should give the police a call. The police may decide it’s not necessary for them to come to the scene, but they should be the ones to make that decision. In the event that you need to tangle with the insurance companies over payment, a police report can be an extremely useful tool.

Kansas is considered a no-fault state. This means that your insurance should pay your claims. That being said, you may eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit depending on the severity of your injuries. A lawyer can advise you of your rights and handle the negotiations on your behalf.

It is also always important to wear a seatbelt when riding in a taxi. Remember that taxis are no different than other cars on the road and your health and well-being should always be your own first priority.