Cab Driver’s Responsibilities
Drivers of taxis are required by the state to take extra care and be more cautious while driving at road. It is because they are carrying passengers and it is their duty to secure the public’s safety.
When a taxi got involved in an accident, it is assumed that the driver acted without due care and attention. This is constituted in the Contract of Carriage.
What about contract carriage?
Contract of Carriage is a special contract or agreement between the driver and the commuter. This compels the taxi driver to ensure safety at any time a passenger rides his cab. He must also assure to drive along the right destination keeping the passenger safe and unharmed.
However, contract of carriage does not apply in all circumstances. It also has exemptions such as:
• Accidental causes or actions that are inevitable and out of the driver’s control.
• Enemies along the road- co-drivers, big trucks
• Faulty and defective goods
Guidelines for taxi operators
Aside from obliging drivers to be diligent while at road, they are also required to follow certain guidelines.
Taxi operators need to have a professional driver’s license because this will assure that they are trained. Cabs are also required to be insured and are subject to assessment and inspection of the city.
These requirements are in utmost importance to avoid accidents. This is because, Los Angeles’ roads are becoming crowded and swarmed by more taxis and other vehicles.
According to the Department of Transportation, there are more than 2, 400 taxis operating in the city. And a lot of them are not observing traffic rules and regulations.
Further, there are great numbers of cab drivers who are operating illegally. There are also taxis that have no license or proper insurance.
From these violations, accident may be the result.
While you ride a taxi for comfort and convenience, you are on the other hand not sure of your safety. Accidents may happen anytime, at an unexpected time.
If involved in a taxi accident, you may seek the assistance of respective and proficient lawyer. It is better that he is a taxi accident lawyer.
Your attorney will determine your claim and how are you going to recover what has been lost due to the accident. This may include:
• Medical bills for your treatment
• Loss of wages due to inability to report for work
• Other expenses related to the accident
Avoiding Accidents
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation advices the commuters to follow the following tips if you do not want to risk yourself in an accident:
• Do not ride in a taxi if it does not have the seal of Department of Transportation.
• Do not ride a taxi if you are not comfortable with the driver’s actions and behavior.
• Make sure that when you ride a cab, you remember the name of the taxi company or if possible, know the name of the driver
• It is better if you will ride among the authorized franchise taxis in the city
Here is a list of taxi service companies:
1. Bell Cab
2. United Checker Cab Company
3. Beverly Hills Cab
4. City Cab
5. Checker Cab
6. Yellow Cab
7. Independent Taxi
8. United Independent Taxi
9. United Taxi of San Fernando Valley
To help you pursue claims in accidents such as taxi accidents, you can consult with our expert Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyers. Visit our website to avail of our free case analysis.
