Taxi Accidents: Who is at Fault?

Taxi is a public transportation service which isaccident.
mostly popular in many urban areas. And unlike2. Unexpected events which are beyond the
some common carriers, this vehicle providescontrol of everyone (earthquake, landslide)
people with privacy during their travel.3. Defective goods
Because of the growing number of taxis, these4. Other drivers have caused the accident
have become an iconic symbol in the cityscape.5. The pedestrian did not follow traffic rules which
Meanwhile, road accidents involving taxis continueresulted to the accident.
to rise due to driver negligence and recklessness.In a court proceeding and investigation, liable
Another reason why taxi drivers are oftenparties may be:
involved in accidents is that some of them are1. Operators of common carriers – they are
notoriously known for violating road safety rulesrequired by the law to ensure the safety of their
by cutting in traffic and beating the red light justpassengers. This means that they should only hire
to get faster to their destination.qualified taxi drivers and make sure the vehicles
To avoid accidents, the state law is very lenientare well-maintained and in good condition.
when it comes to giving professional driver’s2. Taxi drivers – it is their responsibility to
license to common carriers including buses, ships,provide safety to their passengers and should
and taxis.follow traffic rules to make the road safe for
When it comes to safety traffic rules, drivers ofeveryone.
common carriers are also required to follow3. City government – it has the responsibility
stricter rules compared to other people who areto maintain the roads in good condition and
driving private cars.provide traffic warnings and other signs.
According to California state law, common carrier4. Other driver – the law requires them to
drivers are prohibited from using cell phones,follow traffic rules for the safety of other people.
either texting or calling, while there are5. Pedestrians – they should follow pedestrian
passengers inside the vehicle.rules such as crossing in a specially designated
Who is to Blame?place for them.
Because a taxi is considered as a common carrier,6. Passengers – they should not obstruct the
the law requires operators and drivers to practiceattention of the person behind the wheel.
due diligence and provide safety for theWhen there are Los Angeles Taxi Accidents,
passengers. This means that when an accidentfollow this procedure:
happens, taxi operators and drivers are usually• Get relevant information including the name
held liable.of the involved parties including the witnesses
In Contract of Carriage, there is presumption that(with their contact details and address) and license
when a passenger rides in a common carrier,number of the vehicles.
there is a special contract between him and the• If possible, take a picture of the wreckage.
operator which obligates the latter to provideIf you have been involved in Los Angeles taxi
safety travel.accidents, consult with our skilled personal injury
Meanwhile, this presumption does not coverlawyers. Visit our website and avail of our free
special cases such as:case analysis.
1. The passenger’s act has caused the