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compensation following an accident
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Being a taxi driver is a big responsibility – always ensuring that people arrive where they want to be at the right time. However, journeys don't always go to plan and unfortunately taxis sometimes become involved in a taxi accident.
Although a taxi driver can't predict how a journey is going to turn out, there are some potential situations to remain aware of that might improve a driver's safety on the job.
Working hours late into the night and early mornings mean that taxi drivers will inevitably have to sometimes deal with drunk, aggressive or abusive customers. In a worst case scenario, a criminal who is intending to steal a taxi driver's takings, or their car perhaps, might get into the taxi.
To help prevent dangerous situations, taxi drivers should, if at all possible, stay away from disreputable and troublesome areas which might present more problems than anywhere else.
Some customers might leave the taxi without paying and it might be an immediate reaction for the driver to get out and pursue them. However, it is far more important to stay in the vehicle. The taxi offers protection against any violence and is a safe place to call for assistance if needed.
Although a taxi is probably prized to its owner, if threatened with violence, the safest option is usually for the driver to hand over any takings and let the police deal with the crime later on. Criminals have, in the past, been known to use knives, CS spray, syringes and even guns, causing some taxi drivers to suffer serious personal injury.
Good customer service in a taxi is essential. From time to time, customers who have had too much to drink might get into the taxi and it is important not to be too judgemental. However, if a passenger's behaviour is likely to cause a hazard on a journey or perhaps the increased risk of a car accident, the taxi driver is entitled to refuse to them pick up.
There are also some extra precautions a taxi driver can take to improve their safety. Locks on door handles can be modified so that the door can only be opened from the inside, and deadlocks can be fitted to be activated in areas notorious for violence.
CCTV in the taxi can sometimes be enough to put criminals off using violent behaviour, and radio communication devices can keep taxi drivers updated about any problems in area.
Ultimately, taxi drivers have the right to decide which hours in day they want to work and which areas they are prepared to work in.
Have you been involved in a taxi accident?
If you have been injured as a passenger in a taxi accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.
For free advice from our legal advisors, call YouClaim on 0800 10 757 95, or call our mobile friendly number, 0333 240 0871.
