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Taxis have long been a common way to get around Chicago, but their ubiquitous presence on roadways does not just mean convenience for travelers—it also means that many taxis are involved in crashes. As a result, their passengers or those in another vehicle may sustain injuries.
If you have been hurt as either a taxi passenger or someone in a car involved in a wreck with a cab, you need to understand the legal liabilities placed upon Chicago taxicab services. Additional requirements for taxis can impact the legal process to get compensated for injuries and damages. Call McCready Law today to speak with an experienced auto collision attorney about your taxi accident in Chicago.
Taxicab usage in Chicago is primarily governed by the Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-112. This code covers several details of the legal operation of a taxi in the city, including rules about everything from chauffeur licenses to the permitting of advertising signs. For those who have been in taxi crashes in Chicago, the most relevant sections of the code concern taxi safety requirements and insurance responsibilities.
Vehicles used as taxicabs in Chicago must first undergo an inspection and be deemed safe. This inspection includes checks for specific safety features required of taxis and that the vehicle is safe and clean for passengers and drivers. Taxicabs five years or newer are required to undergo an inspection annually, while older vehicles are required to be inspected semiannually.
This inspection process also disqualifies several vehicles from being used as taxis, depending on their age and previous status. For example, any vehicle with a “salvage” or “junk” title cannot serve as a taxi.
Additionally, the Chicago code requires that vehicles operating as taxis meet all insurance requirements at the state and federal levels and carry liability insurance with a minimum of $350,000 in combined single-limit coverage per occurrence.
If you have been involved in a taxi wreck in Chicago — either as a passenger or driver — you may be facing extensive medical bills and personal property damage. Receiving fair compensation for these losses can be complicated by the legal web of considerations applicable to taxis.
As with any car crash, investigators will work to determine who is at fault. When a taxi is involved, this investigation will likely include considerations of the driver’s status (such as being legally licensed to operate the taxi), the condition of the vehicle, and whether it was in compliance with all required safety inspections.
A tenacious, informed lawyer in Chicago could make the process of receiving compensation for a taxi accident easier and quicker. The attorneys at McCready Law could help by managing paperwork for insurance claims, ensuring that any violations of the law are thoroughly investigated, and keeping their clients informed about the process throughout. A lawyer could also negotiate with insurance companies on any settlement and advise clients on what settlements to accept.
Following a taxi accident in Chicago, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Our legal team could assist with the insurance claims process and ensure that the potentially complicated case is handled correctly.
This can improve your chances of getting fair and sufficient compensation for your injuries and damages. Call now to speak with an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney who is ready to discuss your case.