A great amount of trust is placed in the care of bus and taxi cab drivers. Buses and taxis are referred to as common carriers according to the legal protections provided to victims that may be injured in a taxi or bus accident. While all drivers must exercise care on the roadways for the safety of others, buses and taxis are held to a higher standard of care for the safety and protection of individuals they transport as well as others using the roadways.
There are special rules, requirements and laws associated with commercial drivers in Florida. It is important for victims of a taxi accident or bus accident to keep in mind that they may be able to receive compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages suffered in a commercial vehicle accident through the resources and protections provided by the personal injury legal process. Victims may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages depending the specific circumstances of the accident and harm they have suffered.
Different circumstances may lead to a taxi or bus accident, however, victims are typically always protected. It may be defective auto parts, poorly maintained vehicles or negligent behavior of the driver such as a drunk driver, driver who was speeding or may be the result of a criminal or traffic violation which can be used as evidence of the driver’s negligence in causing the accident. In addition, depending on the role of a taxi cab or bus company in the supervision and maintenance of the driver and the vehicle, the company may also be liable to compensate the victim for the damages they have suffered.
Because serious injuries can result from a commercial vehicle accident, it is important for injured passengers and their families to be familiar with the legal protections available to them. Protections are available to ensure they receive the help they need following a commercial vehicle accident.
