Taxicabs are a convenient and useful mode of transportation, but just like any other car, they can get into accidents. Despite the recent emergence of ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, Taxicabs can be a better option sometimes. For example, riders may find that taxicabs are a more affordable option for quick, short trips or when demand is high and prices spike.
But what happens if you get injured in a Taxicab accident? If the accident was caused by a negligent taxicab driver, you should seek legal advice from a Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and protect your right to compensation.
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ToggleTypes Of Taxicab Accidents in Colorado Springs
Nobody expects to get into an accident while they are on the way to the airport or going home after a night out. The purpose of a taxicab is to provide a safe and convenient way to reach your destination. However, taxicab accidents happen all the time in Colorado. After all, taxicab drivers are human just like most other motor vehicle operators and are not immune to dangerous collisions.
You can be involved in a taxicab accident in several different ways. It’s possible you sustained injuries in a taxicab accident as a passenger, pedestrian, another driver, or bicyclist. However it happened, if the taxicab driver’s reckless or careless driving caused the accident, you need to speak with a knowledgeable Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney.
Passenger Injuries From a Taxicab Accident
There are two potential types of accidents that can occur when you are riding as a passenger in a taxicab:
- The taxicab can hit another motor vehicle. If a taxicab driver causes the accident, you may be eligible to seek damage compensation from the driver or the cab company.
- Another motor vehicle could hit the taxicab you are in. In this scenario, you would seek compensation from the other driver or their insurance company.
Pedestrian Injuries From a Taxicab Accident
Drivers and passengers are not the only ones who can get into an accident. If a taxicab hits a pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic. As a pedestrian, getting hit by a taxicab or any motor vehicle most likely means you sustained severe injuries. Consequently, you have a right to seek damages from the taxicab driver or the taxicab company.
Who Is Responsible For My Injuries after a Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident?
It depends on who is at fault for causing the accident. For example, if another motorist caused the collision, you would file a claim through their insurance company. But if the taxicab driver is at fault, you would need a Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney to assess your case details. Based on the facts of your case, they can help you pursue compensation either through the taxicab driver or the employer.
Colorado Law for Taxicab Employer Liability
In most cases, taxicab accident injury victims can hold the company accountable for an accident caused by their employee. This doctrine is known as “respondeat superior” in Colorado. It states that employers are liable for their employees’ negligence if the act of negligence occurs while they are working.
So, as long as the taxicab driver is on duty and working for the taxicab company while transporting you, you can hold the company accountable for the accident. However, the legal doctrine “respondeat superior” also specifies that the company can only be liable for damages if the accident happens while the driver is within their scope of employment. So, if the driver causes an accident while they are on a lunch break or while driving the company car but outside of work hours, the employer cannot be held liable for their employee’s negligence.
This is why it’s crucial to have the expert legal counsel of an experienced Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney. They know how important it is to launch an in-depth investigation to get all the details of your accident and collect evidence to prove negligence. Proving that the employee was within their scope of employment when they committed an act of negligence is imperative to successfully obtaining compensation from the liable parties.
Another factor to consider is that some taxicab companies do not technically employ their drivers. Instead, they hire independent contractors, which means they take on driving as a “paid project” from the company but are free to carry out the assignment as they wish. A Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney can help you look into the specifics of the taxicab driver’s title and terms of employment.
These details will be pivotal in determining who to pursue for damage compensation. Sometimes companies will claim that their driver is an independent contractor, but this might be a false classification based on the worker’s schedule and job tasks; that is, depending on the specifics of their work contract, they might in fact be employees rather than independent contractors. A skilled Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney can help you do the necessary investigating to build a strong case in your favor.
When You Need to Call a Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a taxicab accident, it’s best to discuss your case and learn about your legal options with an experienced Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney. You may have been involved in a collision while riding in some of these common Taxicab companies in Colorado Springs:
- Yellow cab
- zTrip
- Springs Cab
- Pikes Peak Cab
With any car accident case, conducting a timely investigation is essential to getting the evidence you need for a strong claim. Our Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorneys want to help you get the maximum financial recovery possible.
Contact a Colorado Springs Taxicab Accident Attorney Today
With multiple locations through Colorado, our personal injury lawyers have experience winning cases for clients who sustained injuries in taxicab collisions. If you were injured in a Colorado Springs taxicab accident and need to seek financial compensation, our attorneys can provide you with the aggressive legal representation you need.
We are committed to helping injury victims get the maximum compensation possible for all of their losses. Call us today to see how we can help you. We offer a free initial case review so you have nothing to lose.