While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity, taxi cabs remain a common mode of transportation in many California cities. Unfortunately, taxi accidents can still happen, leaving passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists with serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a taxi cab accident, understanding your rights and the insurance rules that apply is essential.
Common Causes of Taxi Cab Accidents
Taxi accidents often occur in busy urban areas with heavy traffic, tight deadlines, and frequent stops. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (dispatch devices, phone use)
- Speeding to pick up or drop off passengers
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
- Driving while fatigued after long shifts
- Failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists
- Poor weather or road conditions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), commercial drivers, including taxi operators, are held to higher safety standards. Learn more here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety
Who Is Liable in a Taxi Cab Accident?
Liability in a taxi accident can involve multiple parties:
- The taxi driver – for negligent or reckless driving
- The taxi company – for unsafe hiring practices, poor maintenance, or failure to train drivers
- Another motorist – if a third party caused the crash
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer – if a defect contributed to the collision
In California, taxi companies are generally required to carry commercial liability insurance, which typically provides higher coverage limits than personal auto policies.
Compensation Available in Taxi Accident Claims
Victims of taxi accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Steps to Take After a Taxi Cab Accident
- Call 911 and request a police report
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicles, and visible injuries
- Get the driver’s name, taxi company, license number, and insurance details
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Contact a California taxi cab accident lawyer before speaking to insurers or company representatives
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Taxi accident claims can be more complex than standard car accidents because they often involve corporate insurance policies, multiple liable parties, and commercial regulations. At Hillstone Law, we have the experience and resources to investigate your case, prove fault, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a taxi cab accident in California, our legal team is here to help.