Washington DC is no stranger to taxicab accidents. According to the most recent data from the Department of For-Hire Vehicles*, over 1,300 active taxi drivers operate in the District each month, ferrying residents and tourists through congested streets and surrounding highways. The potential for crashes is high — and if you suffered injuries in a taxi accident, you could be entitled to compensation.
Dealing with the pain, medical bills, and time off work is only one problem on the path to compensation after a taxi crash. Where do you turn to file a claim for the money you need: the taxi driver, the dispatch company, the other driver, or your own no-fault car insurance policy? The experienced Washington DC taxi accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison can answer all your questions in a free consultation.
Our law firm has represented injured people in the DC Metro region for over 100 years. Our highly skilled team of 30 personal injury lawyers is supported by more than 100 personnel, including research attorneys and private investigators, so we have the resources to build and win even the toughest car accident cases. Contact us today to speak with a Washington DC taxi accident lawyer about your legal rights to compensation in a free case review.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Washington DC Taxi Accidents?
The following are among the most common causes of taxi accidents in Washington DC:
- Distracted driving – Taxi drivers can become distracted by GPS devices, mobile phones, or conversations with passengers, impairing their reaction times or causing them to overlook road hazards.
- Speeding – Taxi drivers who speed to pick up or drop off passengers may not have enough time to avoid a crash.
- Reckless driving – Unsafe maneuvers such as frequent lane changes, abrupt stops, or failing to yield can lead to collisions. Reckless driving is particularly dangerous due to DC’s crowded streets.
- Fatigue – Long shifts and inadequate rest are common problems for taxi drivers, impairing their reaction times and decision-making abilities.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, or malfunctioning lights can make taxis unsafe to drive.
What Are Some Injuries That Result from DC Taxi Crashes?
Like any motor vehicle accident, a taxi crash can result in serious injuries like:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Washington DC Taxi Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be to blame for a taxicab accident in DC:
- Taxi driver – The taxi driver may be liable if the collision resulted from negligent driving, like speeding, running traffic signals, or making unsafe left turns at intersections. Taxi drivers are often independent operators, meaning their commercial liability policy should cover your expenses.
- Taxicab company – If the taxi driver is someone else’s employee, this person or company could be liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Additionally, the company may be responsible for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain vehicles.
- Other drivers – A driver who collided with the taxi might be to blame if their negligence caused the crash.
- Vehicle manufacturer – Defects to critical components like brakes, steering systems, or airbags could make the manufacturer of that component liable for the accident. One recent news report found 1 in 6 DC taxi cabs have open recalls requiring manufacturer repairs.
While Washington DC follows a no-fault insurance model for car accidents, the policy is active while the driver is operating a vehicle and covers anyone in the car with them. As such, your initial claim will likely be covered by the taxi driver’s insurance coverage.
What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Washington DC Taxi Crash?
The steps you take after a taxicab accident in Washington DC can greatly affect your ability to recover fair compensation. If possible, you should:
- Call 911 to bring police and paramedics to the accident scene.
- Get the contact and insurance information of everyone involved in the crash.
- Take photos and videos of the scene if you’re not too hurt to do so.
- Seek medical attention as soon as you’re able.
- Keep any bills, receipts, and proof of lost wages.
- Be careful what you say when speaking with insurers, and never agree to give a recorded statement.
Finally, contact an experienced Washington DC taxi accident lawyer to help you file your claim and seek maximum compensation.
Who Could Be Compensated in a DC Taxi Collision?
You could be entitled to compensation for a DC taxi accident if you were a passenger in the cab, the occupant of a vehicle hit by a taxi, or a pedestrian hit by a taxi.
As a passenger, you are covered under the taxi driver’s no-fault policy. You could also be entitled to additional compensation from the cab driver or another party, depending on who was responsible for the crash. If you were in another vehicle, your own no-fault policy could cover your initial claim. The cab driver or another at-fault party may be additionally liable. A Washington DC car accident lawyer can help you determine liability and represent you during the claims process.
What Sort of Damages Could Be Recoverable from a Washington DC Taxi Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical bills and cost of ongoing care
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Visible scarring or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Washington DC Taxi Accident Claim?
Washington DC law has a time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims. Under this law, you have up to three years from the date of a taxi accident to file suit against the liable parties (DC Code § 12–301). Failure to do so will likely result in the loss of your right to demand compensation, so don’t wait too long to take action.
Contact a Washington DC Taxi Accident Lawyer
Did you sustain injuries in a taxi accident in Washington DC? Pursue maximum compensation with the help of a personal injury law firm that has been taking injury cases and winning them since 1911. Contact the DC car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison today to get started.
*recent data from the Department of For-Hire Vehicles
