Taxis play an important role in everyday life, helping people travel safely and conveniently. However, like any road user, taxi drivers can be involved in collisions. If you have been injured while travelling in a taxi or as a result of a taxi driver’s actions, you may be wondering: can you sue a taxi driver?
The short answer is yes – but how a claim works will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
You may be able to bring a personal injury claim if you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault – i.e. a taxi driver’s negligence caused you an injury. This could include situations where the driver:
- Was speeding or driving carelessly
- Failed to obey traffic signals or road signs
- Drove while distracted or tired
- Carried out unsafe manoeuvres
- Failed to properly maintain their vehicle
If you were injured while travelling as a passenger in a taxi, you are rarely at fault. A claim can usually be made against the taxi driver’s insurance, or another driver’s insurance, if they caused the collision. If the taxi driver failed to take reasonable care and this resulted in a collision, they may be legally responsible for your injuries. Or if another road user caused the collision, your claim would be brought against that party instead. Brian Barr Solicitors are specialist road traffic accident solicitors and carefully investigate liability to ensure the correct person or insurer is pursued.
The same principles apply whether the vehicle was a licensed taxi (a hackney or black cab) or a private hire vehicle, including app-based services such as Uber. The key issue is whether the driver was negligent and insured at the time of the accident.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the collision to start a personal injury claim (limited exceptions may apply). However, it is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible while evidence is still available.
Each claim is assessed on its own facts to ensure fair compensation and may cover:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Care and assistance
If you have been injured in a collision involving a taxi – whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or another driver – you may be entitled to compensation. At Brian Barr Solicitors, we have extensive experience handling road traffic accident claims, including those involving taxis and private hire vehicles. We will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence and deal with insurers on your behalf, getting you the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
