Baltimore Taxi Accident Lawyers

Taxi Accidents In Baltimore City

When a taxi driver is involved in an accident in Baltimore City, they are subject to the same motor vehicle laws that any other motorist that caused a car accident. Essentially, this means that they are required to be registered, have insurance, and have proper identification of the company they are working for. However, due to the complex and confusing nature of navigating the many regulations and laws surrounding taxi accidents, it can be intimidating to go after a taxicab company. Luckily, a skilled Baltimore taxi accident lawyer can help you identify whose responsibility it is to pay for the damages suffered in an accident and hold the taxi driver and company responsible. At Hyatt & Goldbloom, we commonly see these types of accidents in our crowded city streets. We understand the necessary steps that must be taken in order to secure the highest amount of compensation possible for your taxi accident. Call our law office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you.

Common Carrier Laws In Maryland

Common carrier laws were created for companies in charge of passengers utilizing their transportation services, for example, buses, trains, planes, and taxis. These common carrier companies are subject to strict regulations if they are transporting passengers and are regulated for the protection of passengers. As such, there are minimum requirements that must be met by these companies, including requirements of insurance and the ability to identify the carrier in the event of an accident.

In Maryland, taxi cabs are deemed to be a common carrier and subject to the rules and regulations of the commission. The commission promotes the guidelines, standards, rules, and regulations for common carriers. As a result, this impacts the rates that the taxis can charge, the hours they can operate, and the manner in which they can operate. Additionally, the commission requires that taxis must register, keep insurance, provide proper identification of the company, proof of insurance, and otherwise adhere to all of the other regulations that exist for the protection of the passengers they carry. Failure to abide by these regulations can lead to liability on the taxi company’s end and if an accident occurs that injures a passenger, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed against them.

Common Causes Of Taxi Accidents In Baltimore

Like most major cities, mass transit systems are a necessity and transport thousands of people every day. These mass transit systems include buses, subways, taxis, and trains. Commuters and city-goers also frequently use Uber or Lyft, which is not quite public transportation but still falls within a secondary form of transportation. The point is, any mass transit method, unfortunately, is vulnerable to accidents and leaves many victims confused about how to proceed with an injury claim. In fact, trains, taxis, and buses tend to be worse than others because of the size of the vehicles and the number of other passengers on board. These forms of transportation also generally do not provide the safety measures a personal vehicle would like airbags or seatbelts. Many commuters on trains or subways stand during rush hour, which makes them even more vulnerable in the event of an accident. Taxi accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but below are some of the more common causes that we see at our law firm:

• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Hazardous road conditions
• Aggressive driving
• Drunk driving
• A driver running a red light or stop sign
• Failure to yield
• Defective vehicle components 

Common Injuries In Taxi Accidents

As with any serious car accident, the injuries sustained in a taxi accident can be severe and life-changing. Even at low speeds on congested Baltimore City roads, a common rear-end accident can cause life-altering neck and back injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see among victims in Baltimore taxi accidents include the following:

• Fractures
• Burns
• Facial injuries
• Catastrophic injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Taxi Accidents As A Passenger

As mentioned above, taxicabs are considered common carriers in Maryland, similar to buses, trains, and airplanes. As a common carrier, taxi companies owe their passengers a duty of care and safety must be considered at all times. If the taxi company is found to of breached that duty of care and injured a passenger or other motorist, then the driver and the taxi company may be liable. Some of the liabilities the at-fault party could be responsible for include physical damages, medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a taxicab accident in Maryland, it’s okay to be confused about what’s next. Although these accidents happen more than you might think, most people have never encountered one. Luckily, Hyatt & Goldbloom routinely represents taxi, Uber, Lyft, and other niche accident types for the injured victims of Baltimore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Liable For A Taxi Accident?

With any accident, the most important factor that must be proven is fault. Taxi accidents are no different, in order to receive compensation for any injuries or wrongful death, you will have to prove that the driver or company acted negligently and caused your injuries. However, compared to standard car or truck accidents, taxi accidents can be somewhat complicated as there could be several parties that played a role in the accident occurring. Some of the most common parties involved in taxi accidents include the following:

• The driver
• The taxi company
• The taxi manufacturer
• The company servicing the taxis

However, it can be challenging to determine responsibility in a taxi accident, especially when there are multiple parties that could be at fault. Luckily, an experienced Baltimore taxi accident lawyer will have the resources you need to make sure no stone is left unturned. Don’t settle for anything but the best representation when seeking to hold another party accountable for the irreversible physical and mental pain you’ve sustained. 

What To Do After A Taxi Accident In Baltimore?

Once a taxi cab accident has occurred, it’s crucial that you first seek medical attention if necessary. Any medical costs and time spent in the hospital can later be leveraged in your personal injury claim to account for pain and suffering caused by the accident. It’s also very important to write down any notes or information about the accident that provide details of the crash. We understand that all of this can be confusing and hard to remember directly after a car accident. That’s why we’ve developed the Hyatt & Goldbloom app that details exactly what to do after an accident to best protect you in the future when seeking compensation for your injuries. It’s recommended to immediately contact a knowledgeable Baltimore taxi accident lawyer who has experience dealing with car accidents involving common carrier parties to protect you and fight for your rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact Hyatt and Goldbloom today for a free consultation and to begin the personal injury claim process.

Contact A Baltimore Taxi Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a taxi accident in Baltimore City, you’re likely confused about the next steps. The aftermath of an accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re forced to deal with your injuries and vehicle damage while also fighting for the taxi company to take responsibility. In many cases, a taxi company will attempt to deny liability and refuse to pay for your injuries. Additionally, their insurance company may not be any better and try to trick you into a low offer settlement. It’s important that you have experienced legal representation to make sure your rights are protected and you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. At Hyatt & Goldbloom, our Baltimore taxi accident lawyers understand these types of cases and the nuances involved. Call us today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.