Can I Receive Compensation for Injuries in a Taxi Accident?

 Posted on April 10, 2019 in Car Accidents

Large numbers of people use taxicabs for transportation throughout the Chicago area every day. Unfortunately, most people are familiar with the experience of being afraid for their safety while riding in a vehicle operated by a cab driver who has little regard for traffic laws. The desire to complete fares as quickly as possible causes many taxi drivers to put passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Fortunately, taxi companies’ status as common carriers provides those who have been injured in taxi accidents with the ability to recover compensation for their damages.

What Is a Common Carrier?

Companies, entities, or individuals that transport people or property within or through the state of Illinois are considered common carriers. According to decisions made in Illinois courts, common carriers have a duty to provide the “highest degree of care” to their passengers while transporting them or while passengers are entering or exiting a vehicle.

Because of this duty of care, taxi companies may be held liable for passenger injuries which occur because of the negligence of taxi drivers or other employees. In addition to injuries that may occur because of negligent driving, a company may be responsible for injuries caused by equipment failure, negligent maintenance, or failure to follow the proper safety procedures.

Common carrier laws apply to a variety of entities. In addition to taxis, the following are considered common carriers:

• Airplanes
• Ships and boats used for commercial transportation
• Buses
• Limousines
• Amusement park rides
• Trains
• Elevators

As common carriers, the operators of these types of vehicles or devices are all required to exercise the highest level of care to protect the safety of passengers during the normal course of operation. In addition to ensuring that passengers are safe from injuries that occur because of negligent operation or maintenance, common carriers have a duty to protect passengers from assault by operators, from injuries caused by other passengers, and from injuries caused by third parties.

Contact a Cook County Taxi Accident Attorney

At Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC, we are experienced in representing victims of accidents involving taxis and other common carriers, and we have helped our clients receive the verdicts and settlements that fully address their damages. In one notable case, we represented a man who was injured after being struck by a taxi while riding on a scooter, and we obtained a $125,000 settlement on his behalf.

If you have been injured while riding in a taxi, we will investigate the circumstances of your injury and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys today at 312-236-6324 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/100.00.pdf

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2024&ChapterID=57