| Taxicabs provide an important source of
transportation in
Pennsylvania; tourists visiting our major
cities often rely upon them for quick trips around town, they
transport the elderly to and from doctor appointments, and taxis
can prevent people from driving while intoxicated. However,
taxi accidents can be extremely dangerous to passengers,
pedestrians and other drivers with whom they share the road.
Just like all motor vehicles, taxicab operators are required to
follow traffic laws and meet safety standards – but when they
fail to do so, serious injuries can often result.
Pennsylvania taxicabs must be licensed by the Public Utility
Commission in order to legally operate. Taxicab operators are
required to follow certain guidelines set by the PUC, including:
- Adequate insurance coverage
- Charging fees approved by the PUC
- Adherence to the commission’s driver and vehicle safety
regulations
- Following the shortest route to any requested destination
- Providing a receipt upon request
- Maintaining a sanitary passenger area and trunk
- Meeting all Pennsylvania equipment and inspection standards
- Keeping the vehicle properly marked with PUC number, vehicle
number and company name
- Sealing the meter
Although PUC officials inspect taxicabs, and can revoke
licenses for those drivers who fail to meet standards, there are
still unsafe vehicles in operation and drivers who fail to
follow all current guidelines. When a mechanical problem or
driver inattention causes a traffic accident, innocent people
get hurt. Unlike a passenger car, a taxicab is considered to be
a form of mass transit – and thus, the PUC may be involved in
any legal action in addition to the taxi company. If the taxi
accident occurs in
Philadelphia, taxicabs in that city are
governed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, so that agency
will also become involved.
If you are injured in a taxi accident, understanding who is
legally responsible for your injuries can be complicated. An
experienced transportation injury lawyer familiar with taxicab
cases can help review your case to determine which company and
government agency should be contacted. A lawyer can also assess
your particular situation and recommend the best strategy for
obtaining damages to compensate you for your injuries. Any legal
action against a transit agency can be challenging, so
consulting a knowledgeable legal team can make a difference in
the outcome of your claim – and the amount of your compensation.
The Pennsylvania transportation injury lawyers at Munley,
Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have more than 40 years of experience
in handling accident cases. Our goal is to provide exceptional
legal services to our clients.
We have offices conveniently located in
Stroudsburg,
Carbondale,
Hamlin,
Hazleton,
Scranton, and
Wilkes-Barre,
PA. If
you have been injured as a result of a taxi accident, please
contact us by e-mail or telephone 1-800-318-LAW1. For more
information about our firm, please visit
www.munley.com. |
