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Getting about by taxi is one of the primary means of transport for many people who are reliant on wheelchairs for their basic mobility. However, there are particular risks associated with wheelchair taxi travel if basic safety precautions are not taken – indeed, a taxi accident can cause death or serious injury for the user of an unsecured wheelchair.
The guidance on safety procedure is very clear and unambiguous. The following is taken from Transport for London's safety advice leaflet:
"Wheelchair users should be carried facing the rear of the taxi with their back to the partition. The attachment belts, that are designed to ensure the safety of wheelchair users, will only work properly if the wheelchair is in this position."
However, in order to prevent confusion and complacency and to help reduce the risk of serious personal injury from occurring in a taxi accident, all wheelchair-licensed taxis must carry a sticker bearing both a diagram and the following message:
"The safest way to travel in a taxi is with your wheelchair properly secured and facing backwards. For your own safety we advice you to travel in the position shown. Please ask the driver for assistance."
Those drivers that fail to follow the correct safety measures risk the lives of their passengers as well as prosecution. In 2010 a driver from Walsall was convicted of endangering the safety of a passenger by failing to secure a wheelchair in a hackney carriage. He was fined £275 and had a 3-point penalty put on his DVLA license. In addition, he was ordered to pay costs of £600, as well as a victim surcharge of £15.
In addition, those drivers who fail to ensure correct safety procedure for wheelchair passengers risk being liable for injury compensation claims in the event of a road traffic accident.
Claim taxi accident compensation
YouClaim are UK leaders in personal injury compensation.
We have an outstanding success rate in resolving claims in our clients' favour and win or lose provide a completely charge free taxi accident claim service.
This means that you are never billed a single penny for our services, while our 100% compensation promise means that no cut will ever be taken from any settlement you receive.
All our personal injury solicitors work under the governance of the Law Society's SRA.
To find out more about how we can help you call a legal advisor in confidence on 0800 10 757 95 or on our mobile-friendly 0333 240 0871.
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