Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Numerous taxi cab companies operate within the city limits of Chicago, transporting passengers from one end to another, from home to work, or from school to home. Though the cab companies may vary in some respects, in many respects they are required to comply with standards applicable to all taxi companies, including fare structures, maximum occupancy, and certain insurance requirements. The City of Chicago also has other means to control the cabs that travel their streets, thus restricting the overall number of vehicles and trying to keep the market from becoming flooded. One of the methods to control cabs is through the issuance and requirement that cabs operate under medallions, a basic licensing requirement for those who wish to run a taxi in the city.
The regulations imposed on taxi cabs are designed to control the actions of cab drivers as well as increasing the safety for passengers, motorists, and pedestrians in the area. Yet the taxi specific regulations are not the only ones facing cab drivers; additionally, all traffic rules and regulations must be followed, and failure to abide by the law may lead to traffic or criminal charges. Often, the severity of any punishments levied increase when a collision results and one or more people involved sustain injuries. In addition to charges brought by local or state officials, though, cab companies and cab drivers who cause accidents may be held financially liable for the injuries that result if a victim chooses to bring a civil claim for a monetary recovery. A personal injury lawyer who handles Chicago taxi accidents on behalf of victims may be able to provide you information regarding your rights if you have been hurt in a collision.
A collision between a taxi cab and a pedestrian in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago back in August turned fatal when the victim died on Friday morning. According to witnesses, the crash took place in the 1400 block of North LaSalle around 2:00 a.m. on August 30, 2014 . A cab traveling in the same area as a pedestrian came upon the pedestrian, a 26-year-old female, and struck her, leading to serious injuries that required extensive medical care.
Police responded to the scene of the collision and spoke with witnesses and reportedly the driver of the cab. Thus far, the driver has been cited for failing to reduce the speed of the vehicle to avoid a crash with a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care. It is possible that additional charges will be issued following Friday’s passing of the victim though there has been no official word from local authorities on that point at this time.
Both taxi cabs and pedestrians can be found in every corner of the city and at times, they may occupy similar space, though they should never occupy the same space at the same time. When an error, negligence, or a mistake occurs by one or more individuals, a collision may result and may cause serious or even fatal injuries.
Victims should not have to worry about how they will obtain the medical treatment they need or how they will provide for their families while they are unable to work, but the reality of car accidents mean that many victims must confront these issues every year. The legal process in Chicago is designed to help victims obtain the relief they need and to hold those at-fault for a collision responsible, but many victims are unaware of how to seek this relief.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call and help you understand what your taxi accident means, whether you were hurt while a passenger in a cab, while in another vehicle, or while walking as a pedestrian. We offer a free case consultation regarding the particular facts of your accident and we provide it without any obligation on your part.
If a taxi accident has left you or your loved one injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Four Car Collision in Schaumburg Injures 6, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 17, 2014.
Resource:
Suburban woman dies weeks after being struck by cab in Old Town, by Carlos Sadovi, Chicago Tribune, published September 21, 2014.