What to Do After a Collision with a Taxi Driver

Whether you are headed home after a night out or need a safe ride to the airport, taxis seem like an accessible and affordable mode of transportation. However, taxi drivers need proper training and a strong knowledge of Washington driving laws to safely transport passengers. Unfortunately, many collisions involving taxi drivers happen every year, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

If you are involved in a collision with a taxi driver, it can be difficult to know what to do next. In these situations, it is necessary to stay calm and seek help. Take the following steps after your collision to protect yourself and your future injury claim.

Seek Medical Treatment

After a taxi accident, one of the most important things to do is to go to the hospital and receive treatment for any injuries that you or your passengers may have. Some injuries are very obvious and cause immediate symptoms, while other injuries may not start showing symptoms for a few hours or even days.

To protect yourself from any complications, seek medical care as soon as you can. Always save any medical records or documentation from your visits. These documents will be very important in proving your claim against the taxi driver and the taxicab company.

Call the Police

You should also contact the police and have them come to the area of the accident. The responding officers will ask questions, examine the scene, and create a report that will include important information about the crash. You can ask the officers for their information so you can obtain a copy of the report later; this document will also serve as important evidence in your claim.

Collect Information from the Taxi Driver

In the event of a taxi collision, you have the right to file a claim against the driver and possibly his or her employer. To initiate your claim, you want to gather the driver’s name, the name of his or her employer, and the taxicab’s insurance information. You will also want to get the driver’s license, taxi registration number, and license plate number. 

If you can, approach the driver after the accident and ask for these details. Keep the interaction brief and do not say anything about how the accident happened or if you have sustained any injuries. Anything you say could be used against you in the future.

Gather Evidence

If you are able, you should gather as much evidence from the accident as possible. Take photographs and videos of your vehicle damage, the entire accident scene, and the area around the collision. If any witnesses saw the accident happen, ask for their names and contact information so you can contact them later. 

Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer

Finally, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible following your taxi collision to discuss your legal options. An attorney with experience handling claims involving commercial vehicles, like taxicabs, can provide invaluable support and guidance during your case. Your attorney will handle your claim from start to finish and advocate aggressively for your maximum settlement.

As soon as possible after your collision, schedule a free case consultation with a Washington car accident lawyer and take your first steps toward compensation.