Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Taxi Cab Accident
Sometimes, being a passenger in a Taxicab is somewhat like being strapped into a ride at Disneyland – except Taxi drivers usually don’t care if you’re belted in securely.
You’ve probably had some close calls as you rolled around in the back of a cab, and in most rides, it takes only a few minutes for passengers to become acquainted with the location of the ‘Oh Jesus!’ handle. You know the one.
Some cab drivers are so intent on working hard and getting people where they need to be as quickly as possible (and squeezing in as many different rides as they can), that they compromise the safety of their passengers and others on the road.
Others are more cautious, but the very nature of their job – being on the road all the time – increases their likelihood of becoming involved in an automobile accident. Additionally, they tend to operate in places where there is tourist activity, which means there are other people on the road who are not familiar with the area, and may be confused or distracted.
Downey, California is no stranger to either taxis or people from out of town. Its close proximity to downtown LA equals tourists, and it houses a notorious intersection that puts it on the map: Downey is home to the 4th most dangerous intersection in California, as determined by California traffic report analysis.
If you’re involved in a taxi cab accident, here’s what you need to do:
1. Make sure you – and everyone else is safe
Before you do anything, make sure you and the others involved are ok.
You want to be mindful of scene safety as well. A crash site can become even more deadly with rubberneckers, pools of gasoline mixing with potential ignition sources, etc.
If you’re able to, call 911. Chances are someone else may as well. However, more and more people are beginning to assume others are calling 911 when an accident occurs, which leads to no one calling at all.
Be aware that you’ll likely have a ton of adrenaline flooding your system, which may make you feel as though you’re ok.
Don’t trust it.
It’s a good idea to have a doctor evaluate you, even if you feel fine. Whiplash, and other ramifications can take days to manifest, and it’s better to be checked out by a doctor to be on the safe side.
Additionally, having documentation showing that you sought medical care may help with a personal injury claim (if it comes to that), especially if symptoms slowly become severe enough that they interfere with work and other activities of daily living.
2. Get contact info
It’s vital that the scene be investigated, even if there are no serious injuries.
If the taxi you were riding in is at fault, the driver or the company they work for may be held responsible for your injuries.
Make sure you know which agency investigated the crash, and ask the officer for a card and a case number.
Additionally, if there are witnesses on scene be sure to get their contact information, as well as that of the other people and drivers involved.
Ask the taxi driver for their info as well. Be sure to include their badge number or some other identifiable source.
If at fault, Taxi companies have been known to try and evade responsibility, minimize the event, or otherwise do what they can to avoid compensating someone who was injured due to their negligence.
3. If you’re hurt, consider a personal injury attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney in Downey, California – working with a firm who is knowledgeable when it comes to car crashes and accidents involving taxi drivers – is your best bet to get properly compensated for your injuries.
There have been far too many cases of people who think they’re okay directly after an accident and shrug it off, only to discover that the injuries they sustained were hiding behind a surge of adrenaline.
Even if you’re not bleeding, your internal organs and brain suffer trauma from the sudden impact of something slamming into you at a high rate of speed.
Take it easy after the accident, and pay attention to how you’re feeling.
A personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation if you were injured due to the negligence of someone else, and help you receive the funds needed for recovery, such as time you’re unable to work, and expensive medical treatments.
Conclusion:
Accidents are scary, and the physical and emotional trauma can be a lot to bear. If you’re struggling, don’t forget: help is available. There’s no need to let the ramifications of the accident become worse than the accident itself.