Taxi drivers are some of the most at-risk road users, not least because of the sheer amount of time they spend on the road. If you’re in the profession, it’s more than likely that you are put in harm’s way more often than the average road user.
As a result, it’s important to be aware of your rights when it comes to car accident compensation. Like any other motorists, you are entitled to pursue claims where you’ve been involved in an accident, whether it was partly your fault or none at all.
Taxi drivers’ rights and responsibilities
Any taxi that is driven on the roads of New South Wales needs to be run by an operator. They are required by law to ensure that you have an insurance policy in place to cover you in the event of damage to the vehicle.
In situations where you’re involved in an accident, the operator’s insurance company might be able to pay for the damage sustained. This will only be the case, however, if your operator decides to pursue a claim.
Every taxi must carry a copy of the current insurance policy. When an accident occurs, this needs to be shown to whoever has been involved in the collision so they can write down the necessary details.
In the event of an accident, you will need to decide whether you are willing to seek partial liability for what occurred. Bear in mind that if you do this, the amount you are awarded in car accident compensation could be severely reduced.
You will need to provide certain pieces of evidence to support your application for compensation, such as details of your injuries. Having medical records to hand can assist in this, as can any supporting notes from your doctor.
Enlisting the services of a motor accident compensation lawyer can help ensure you have all the right evidence when presenting your claim. In some cases, you might also be entitled to a pay-out under the workers’ compensation scheme.
Types of compensation taxi drivers can pursue
There are various different types of compensation that you might be entitled to as a taxi driver. They include:
- Reimbursement of hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Compensation for future medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident
- Compensation for past economic loss, such as loss of wages during the recovery period or when your ability to work has been seriously reduced
- Lump sum compensation if you have suffered a permanent impairment as a result of your injuries, or as a result of your pain and suffering
For help with achieving the level of compensation you deserve, get in touch with our team today.
