6 Factors That Lead to Taxi Cab Accidents

People in Houston often use taxi cabs to commute to and from work. But the cab drivers are often in a hurry to secure as many rides as possible.

22:13 13 April 2023

People in Houston often use taxi cabs to commute to and from work. But the cab drivers are often in a hurry to secure as many rides as possible to earn more money. Such intentions can lead to reckless driving and put everyone’s lives in danger. Lately, the number of car accident cases in Houston has been rising, with a whopping 68,932 crashes in 2019 involving 253 fatalities.

Being a highly urban area with extensive roadways, Houston is prone to accidents. So, if you are involved in a crash and are seeking legal counsel, you must talk to a taxi accident lawyer. They will pursue compensation on your behalf by negotiating with the insurance company.

Knowing your legal rights in a taxi crash is vital, but so is understanding the factors causing it. This article will familiarize you with the six factors that lead to taxi crashes. So, let’s begin!

Distraction While Driving

Distraction is a dangerous thing, especially when you’re driving a cab. It is among the most common factors leading to accidents. Distraction is caused by a cell phone urging a person to call or text as soon as it rings. Since taxi drivers use their cell phones to schedule pick-ups daily, they must take measures to avoid getting distracted by them.

Overspeeding

Driving within the speed limit is okay. But if a driver overspeed the vehicle in the hope of reaching the destination quickly, it can be deadly for their and the rider’s lives. Some drivers overspeed to transport a passenger to their destination and schedule the next ride to make more money.

However, over-speeding is as dangerous as a distraction because sometimes, the driver is unable to slow down, causing accidents. In such a case, the injuries are catastrophic due to the high force of the impact caused by an overspeeding taxi.

Intoxication

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited everywhere as it can lead to unnecessary accidents and injuries. Riding in a vehicle after consuming drugs is deadly because an intoxicated person has no sense of judgment or vision. They might indulge in unnecessary fights and show reckless behavior, such as driving on the wrong side, making abrupt turns, or making false lane changes.

Lane Change

A sharp lane change is another common cause of taxicab accidents. All drivers must obey traffic laws, including running red lights, using a turn signal, and making safe lane changes. If a driver disobeys the law and makes unsafe lane changes or aggressively weaves between lanes, the court can hold them responsible for the accident.

Reckless lane changes are dangerous when driving on a highway, as it is full of truck drivers transporting heavy loads.

Driver Fatigue

Since cab drivers often work long hours, they are often too tired to drive safely. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. People must get 7-8 hours of all-night sleep before getting behind the wheel. Otherwise, they might injure themselves or the rider in their greed for earning more money.

Poor Upkeep

Regular maintenance and inspection of a cab are crucial to keeping it running safely and in proper working condition. If the taxi company fails to follow regular maintenance schedules for its vehicles, the court can hold them liable for negligence.

Although the cab driver must drive safely, the company must check for faulty brakes, lights, pads, tires, and other components. It helps ensure the vehicle is always under the control of the driver.

Wrapping Up

Getting into a car crash can be extremely scary and stressful. Some people lose their sense of right and wrong after such an incident and are left with broken bones, head injuries, spinal fractures, and whiplash. But they can recover money for the medical bills, lost wages, and more from the culprit with the help of a personal injury lawyer.