From rushing to airports to getting customers to work on time, taxi drivers take risks that many of us do not take when we operate a motor vehicle. What’s the result of this? An increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents that involve a cab driver. If you were involved in an accident with a Los Angeles taxi, or any taxi, you should act with a sense of urgency by following several logically sequenced steps.
Taking care of any injuries should be the most important thing you do after a motor vehicle crash. That being said, you also have to gather evidence that includes receiving a copy of the official police report, as well as the photographs shot of the damage done to your vehicle. It is important to specify that, if you sustained any injuries—particularly severe injuries or pain of any kind—from your accident, gathering your evidence should come after you seek medical help. Finally, the last step on the road to receiving just compensation for the damages caused by an auto accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer.
How to React to an Accident with a Los Angeles Taxi
What you do in the aftermath of any type of motor vehicle crash determines whether you receive just compensation. If the accident resulted in serious injuries to you or anyone else involved in the crash, immediately call 911 to notify and activate emergency services and the Los Angeles Police Department. A law enforcement officer will take a statement from you, the driver of the taxi, and every witness. You should ask for a copy of the official police report, as it represents the most convincing piece of evidence filed during a civil court hearing which is very important.
If your injuries do not require emergency care, you should stay at the scene of the accident to collect evidence for submission to a personal injury attorney. Even if law enforcement interviewed witnesses, you should do the same to ensure there is a consistent account of what transpired before, during, and after the motor vehicle crash. In order to obtain the most accurate statements, you must interview witnesses as soon as possible after the accident. Additionally, you should be taking photographs of the accident scene. These photographs should pay special attention to the damage inflicted on all vehicles that have been involved in the crash. Finally, it is important that your photos capture the the road conditions at the time of the accident.
Types of Damages Awarded in Auto Accident Cases
The most common type of compensation awarded in auto accident cases is called Compensatory Damages. Medical bills quickly turn into financial nightmares that a cab company might be on the legal hook to pay off. The damage done to your vehicle might also qualify you to receive Compensatory Damages. Serious injuries that result from a car crash can force you to miss work for weeks, if not months on end. Compensatory damages awarded in a civil court case often include money to make up for lost wages.
Your lawyer might conclude the driver of the cab company was negligent in causing the motor vehicle accident. Negligence can include driving too fast, not paying attention to the road, and/or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Punitive damages represent the money awarded in a civil case that makes the Los Angeles taxi company, or any taxi company, legally liable for causing the accident.
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*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against a Los Angeles Taxi, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
