Most of the time, catching a cab to travel around the busy streets of London offers both business commuters and tourists the ultimate in convenience, taking us to our destinations without incident. But while many of us know the basics of what to do after a car accident or other incident on the road, how to react to being involved in a taxi accident is not such widespread knowledge. In five years on Oxford Street alone, there were 55 pedestrians injured by a taxi, and you may have heard about the incident Covent Garden last year where several pedestrians were injured after a black cab mounted the pavement. Add to this the fact that there are over a quarter of a million private hire vehicles on the road, both pedestrians and passengers travelling around London could benefit from having a clearer idea of how to respond to such situations. Here are some tips on what to do should you find yourself involved in a taxi accident.
Check Injuries
As ever with a road accident, the first priority should be the welfare of all parties involved. If you are injured, tell the driver and anyone else present, and check whether they are injured too. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, make sure to seek it before you do anything else. Even if you do not feel injured, or have only sustained mild injuries, be sure to get checked over by a medical professional and ask them for documentation regarding your visit, as this will act as crucial evidence, should you need it.
Gather Information
As soon as it is safe to do so, collect as much information as possible about all the circumstances of the accident. This should include names, addresses and phone numbers of all people involved, and anyone who witnessed the accident. Be sure to collect as much information about the vehicle itself as you can, including make and model, registration number, the cab number and if possible, the driver’s licence number. If you are able to, take photos of the scene as well. Next, ensure the accident is reported to the police and ask them to give you copies of any documents they draw up, and if medical assistance is sought, ask for copies of their paperwork too.
Seek Legal Advice
Whether or not you are considering making a claim for compensation, it can be worthwhile getting the perspective of a legal expert. Present all of your evidence and documentation to them and talk them through what happened. They will then be able to give you an idea of the best course of action to follow next, and whether you may be entitled to compensation. If you decide to pursue a compensation claim, your legal professional can explain to you how to claim compensation for a taxi accident and guide you through proceedings.
Nobody should have to suffer the aftermath of a car accident, particularly when it was caused by someone else’s negligence. So if you have been involved in a taxi accident, or find yourself in that position in the future, be sure to follow these steps to ensure that you reach the best possible outcome that will set you on your journey to recovery.