Is A Taxi Driver Responsible For Their Passengers' Injuries
Yes. Taxi drivers can be held responsible for their passengers’ injuries if the cause of the taxi accident is the driver’s negligence. The same applies to injuries suffered by other drivers and pedestrians. Normally, individuals who are hurt in accidents involving taxi drivers can file a claim or lawsuit in the same way individuals who were hurt in accidents caused by drivers operating their own vehicles do.
Either way, our South Carolina taxi accident lawyer is prepared to assist you in getting full compensation for your taxi accident-related expenses and damages.
How Taxi Accidents Happen in South Carolina
Speeding, switching lanes without giving a signal, maneuvering through traffic, or taking abrupt U-turns may cause accidents for taxi drivers. Phone use, talking with dispatchers, or tinkering with GPS devices can also distract them. Sometimes, a taxi that is in bad condition can have mechanical problems that can lead to its passenger sustaining injuries.
However, not all passenger injuries are caused by the taxicab or its driver. For example, the taxi driver might have to brake suddenly to avoid a pedestrian who dashes into the street or to avoid another speeding vehicle, which may injure the passenger inside.
Who Can You Sue in a South Carolina Taxi Accident?
The law views taxis as common carriers, meaning that they are required to prioritize their passengers’ safety and security. Usually, taxi drivers and operators are accountable for their passengers’ injuries. If an accident is caused by reckless driving, the taxi driver or their employer can be held responsible.
The taxi driver may not be the only one held liable in this situation. Depending on the specific conditions of the tax accident, you might need to take legal action against the taxi driver, their employer, another driver involved in the accident, or another individual relevant to the accident. The decision to sue the taxi driver or their employer depends on which of them has sufficient insurance coverage and the taxi driver’s relationship with their employer.
In addition, if another driver hits the taxi you were riding in, it might be that the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage to pay the damages for your injuries. In this situation, legal action may be necessary against the other driver and the taxi driver.
Working immediately on your claim is important so that you do not lose the opportunity to get compensation for your damages. In South Carolina, you can file a lawsuit up to three years after the accident. Courts in SC follow this limit strictly. Your case will be dismissed completely if your claim is late, denying you the chance to recover compensation from the liable party.
Speak to Our Experienced South Carolina Taxi Accident Lawyers Today
To learn what you should do after getting injured as a taxi passenger and which party is responsible for compensating you for your injuries and related damages, discuss your case with the South Carolina taxi accident lawyers at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC as soon as you can. You can call 864-242-9008 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with our South Carolina taxi accident lawyers.