What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Taxi or Car Accident

By: SmithSEO | Posted: 05th February 2010

Did you know that an accident involving a taxi cab is far more likely to result in personal injury or death? Statistics indicate the probability for such an occurrence is several times higher than that of an accident involving a standard automobile. The reason for this? Far fewer taxi cab passengers wear seatbelts.

In major cities, throughout the United States, commuting to and from work by taxi is a way of life. But these commuters never consider the increased possibility of an accident resulting in a personal injury. But these accidents do happen - and frequently.

You need to be aware that serious injury (or death) can be avoided in many cases by just remembering to use a seatbelt whenever you're a passenger in any vehicle. Being in a taxi cab does not exempt you from becoming involved in an accident. However, even if you are wearing a seatbelt, injury can still occur that may result in injury or the loss of time on the job, medical expenses, etc.

The thing to remember, that just as with any vehicle-related accident, you should follow certain procedures in order to protect yourself and minimize the traumas associated with being in an accident. Whether you are a frequent taxi cab passenger or planning to ride in one for the first time, here are a few items to assist you, should the vehicle become involved in an accident:
If you are able - make sure to write down as much information as possible regarding the driver of the taxi. This will include the driver's name and phone number. The name and phone number of the company that is employing the driver and the taxi cab registration number and license plate number.
You'll also need to obtain the names and contact numbers (emails, if possible) of any other drivers that were involved in the accident. You should also get this same information from any witnesses to the accident, in order to obtain written statements from them, later.

If you happen to be carrying a camera (or camera phone) - take pictures of the accident scene and of any injuries that you may have sustained.
If police are involved, get their precinct number and any information that you may need to obtain a copy of the police report.

Finally - get immediate medical attention! Some vehicle accident-related medical issues may not be readily apparent and may not even show up until the following day (such as whiplash). Proceed immediately to your doctor or to the nearest hospital - even if you feel OK.

Finally you have the right to seek the advice of experienced legal professionals in order to determine what your options are, in a situation such as this.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

Becoming involved in an accident while riding in a taxi cab may be the last thing that you would expect. But it does happen. If you find yourself the victim of a personal injury involving a taxi cab, you may wish to seek quality, professional counsel.

Additional Legal Resource: New Orleans Personal Injury Law Firm Bloom Legal assists clients that have been involved in motor vehicle accidents.
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Tags: job, way of life, probability, phone number, occurrence, several times, traumas, united states, medical expenses, contact numbers, accidents, personal injury, automobile, commuters, major cities, taxi cab, registration number