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Philadelphia Taxicab Accident Attorney

With approximately 1,600 taxis driving the busy streets of Philadelphia, taxis serve a valuable function for many city residents. Some taxi patrons want to avoid the stress of traffic and parking. Some would rather not take on the cost of owning a personal vehicle. Other taxi passengers are just looking for a ride home after having a few drinks. Unfortunately, taxicab accidents are a serious issue in our city.

Since a taxi hit and killed two people in Center City Philadelphia in 2015, many residents have concerns about what to do in case of a taxi accident. A taxicab accident can have serious consequences, whether a person is hurt while riding as a passenger in a cab, as a passenger in another vehicle, or as a pedestrian. The good news is that the experienced personal injury lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices can help you seek fair compensation for damaged property and medical bills or lost wages that result from injuries.

Causes of Taxicab Accidents

A number of factors contribute to the incidence of taxicab accidents:

  • The pressure to get passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible may cause some drivers to speed or employ aggressive driving tactics.
  • Bad road conditions, such as inclement weather and construction, can significantly contribute to accidents, especially for fatigued drivers.
  • With shifts averaging 12-17 hours, and many drivers working 6-7 days a week, exhaustion is a major contributor.
  • Drivers often face additional distractions from loud or demanding passengers, people on the street trying to get their attention, and dispatches for new fares.
  • Heavy vehicle wear combined with poor maintenance can cause problems such as worn brakes or inefficient power steering, which can contribute to an accident.

Along with the everyday issues impacting a taxicab driver’s ability to drive safely, some taxicab companies don’t do due diligence in hiring and maintaining their workforce and vehicle fleet. If employers don’t evaluate their employees regularly, drivers may be more likely to have problems that interfere with safe driving.

Common Injuries Caused by Taxicab Accidents

Whether you are the passenger in a taxi or in another vehicle, the most common injuries in cab accidents are those associated with many kinds of vehicle collisions:

Along with the immediate expense of medical bills, many people who experience taxicab accidents lose wages or miss employment opportunities because of injuries or chronic pain.

What to Do In the Case of a Taxicab Accident in Philadelphia

Collect as much information as possible at the time of the accident, so that law enforcement and your legal team can determine who was responsible and help you pursue damages.

  • If you are seriously injured, call for medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t seem to have sustained a major injury, be sure to make a follow-up appointment with a doctor. The symptoms of many injuries caused by taxicab accidents take time to appear, and it’s best to have a medical professional’s assessment.
  • Write down the driver’s name, taxi number, and any license information you can get.
  • Gather the names and contact information of witnesses to the accident.
  • Take pictures of the scene to document any important circumstances of the accident.
  • Call police, and ask all parties involved in the accident to stay on the scene. A thorough police report will help document what happened and can help your case should you seek compensation for injuries or damaged property.

If you or someone you love needs legal advice or representation because of a taxicab accident, contact the Philadelphia injury lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices.