If you were injured in a taxi accident in Litchfield as a passenger, pedestrian, or motorist, you deserve the chance to hold the at-fault driver or taxi company responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Fighting for compensation against insurance companies and large taxi companies can be frightening and disheartening, but a taxi accident lawyer can provide much-needed support and guidance to improve your chances of financial recovery.
The auto collision attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have been helping injured clients in and around Litchfield for over 100 combined years. Our unparalleled dedication and commitment to our clients, along with our extensive experience and legal knowledge, make us a strong ally in your taxi accident claim.
The Code of Federal Regulations states that a motor carrier can be for-hire or private, and Connecticut’s state law defines a commercial motor vehicle as a vehicle used to transport passengers or property. Taxis fall within both of these definitions, and this is relevant if you are injured in a taxi accident because Connecticut’s common law imposes a higher duty of care on drivers of these vehicles than on other motorists. Duty of care is a foundational element of an injury claim since motor carriers must make an effort to prevent foreseeable risks that could cause harm to passengers, pedestrians, and other people sharing the road.
Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury claims, including taxi cab accidents in Litchfield. This rule establishes that:
Navigating the aftermath of a Litchfield taxi accident is challenging. Any type of accident presents numerous barriers and complexities for injured victims to overcome, but when a taxi driver and company are involved, there are often additional difficulties when seeking compensation.
If the taxi driver or taxi company is at fault for the accident, their insurance would be responsible for paying the costs associated with your injuries and damages. Determining which negligent party is at fault is an important part of your taxi accident claim. Drivers may cause accidents when they speed, drive under the influence, fail to yield the right of way, or otherwise drive in a negligent or reckless manner. Taxi companies may contribute to the accident if they did not properly screen the driver or did not provide proper maintenance on the vehicle.
All Connecticut drivers are required to carry a minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. If the taxi driver caused your accident while they were off duty or were not transporting a passenger, their insurance would likely be responsible. However, the taxi company’s insurance generally covers accidents that occur while the driver is on duty, and their coverage likely has higher limits. For rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, if the app is on and the driver is not providing a ride the limits are typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident; however, if the driver is providing a ride then the limits increase to a minimum of $1,000,000.
If you have questions about your claim, personalized answers are the most helpful. Contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free consultation and discuss your taxi accident in Litchfield.
