Speed is essential to taxi drivers. They strive to pick passengers up as quickly as possible and get them to where they’re going as quickly as possible. Speed is also a factor in about a third of the fatal car crashes in Florida. Excessive velocity increases the risk in a collision. It also multiplies the force in a collision. As a result, “fender bender” taxi crashes are somewhat rare. Most of these collisions cause serious injuries.
The dedicated taxi accident attorneys at Payer Law work hard to obtain maximum compensation in these matters. We are committed to the idea that the money these victims need to rebuild their lives should never come from their own pockets. So, we do not relent until we obtain the best possible result under the circumstances.
Duty of Care
When they get behind the wheel, different drivers have different legal obligations. Normally, noncommercial drivers have a duty of reasonable care. They must drive defensively and avoid accidents when possible.
Commercial operators, including taxi drivers, normally have a duty of utmost care. They must bring all their training and experience to bear on every trip. They are not quite insurers of safe conduct for their passengers, but they are close.
This duty extends to passenger safety issues. Taxi drivers must pick up passengers at safe locations. Busy street corners might be convenient locations. But they are not safe locations. During transit, they must require passengers to buckle up and break up petty arguments before they become violent. Drivers must also create a safe environment for passengers which is free from unnecessary hazards. Finally, taxi drivers must drop passengers off at safe locations. Dark side streets are not safe locations.
Electronic Evidence in Taxi Accident Claims
To establish negligence, or a lack of care, our Orlando taxi accident lawyers often rely on medical records, the police accident report, and witness statements. Frequently, however, this evidence is insufficient.
Witness statements are a good example. Many witnesses give compelling statements to investigators. But they are legally incompetent to testify, perhaps because they had a relationship with a party in the case.
In these situations, we often turn to electronic evidence, such as a taxi’s Event Data Recorder. This gadget measures and records operation information like:
- Steering angle,
- Brake application,
- Engine RPM, and
- Vehicle speed.
This proof is almost unassailable in court. Unlike evidence provided by eyewitnesses, as long as the computer was properly working, electronic evidence is never biased or erroneous.
However, there are some hurdles to overcome. Florida has very strong vehicle data privacy laws. Therefore, attorneys usually need court orders before they can access and download EDRs.
That’s assuming this evidence is available at all. Unless attorneys promptly send spoliation letters, the insurance company might “accidentally” destroy a wrecked taxi. If that happens, the EDR, and any other physical evidence the vehicle contains, is gone.
Surveillance video is often important as well. At least one traffic or other camera covers almost every intersection in Orlando. A camera is like an eyewitness who always had a clear view of the wreck and whose testimony is therefore almost always credible.
Reach Out to a Hard-Working Orange County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced taxi accident attorney in Orlando, contact Payer Law. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
