Taxi Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts

Taxi Accidents and Commercial Carrier Liability

Traditional taxi companies in Massachusetts are licensed transportation providers that employ or contract with drivers to carry passengers for hire. When a taxi driver causes an accident that injures a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, the taxi company bears vicarious liability for that driver’s negligence committed during the course of their work. Taxi companies are required to carry commercial insurance with higher limits than personal auto insurance, limits that reflect the greater risk created by professional passenger transportation operations.

Passenger Rights in Taxi Accidents

As a taxi passenger, you are a paying customer who placed your trust in the transportation company to carry you safely. You bear no fault for the accident. If the taxi driver’s negligence causes a crash that injures you, you have a strong claim against both the driver and the taxi company. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents taxi passengers injured through driver negligence and pursues the full commercial coverage available for their injuries.

Taxi Company Hiring and Supervision Obligations

Beyond vicarious liability, taxi companies have direct obligations to properly screen drivers before hiring them, check driving records and criminal backgrounds, ensure drivers are properly licensed, maintain vehicles in safe mechanical condition, and supervise driver conduct on an ongoing basis. A company that hires a driver with a history of reckless driving, or that allows known performance problems to continue without intervention, is directly negligent in addition to being vicariously liable for the driver’s acts.

Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Defects

Taxi companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicle fleets in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts caused by inadequate maintenance, malfunctioning safety equipment, and other mechanical defects that contribute to accidents create direct liability for the company. Attorney Lavey examines vehicle maintenance records in every taxi accident case to determine whether inadequate maintenance played a role.

Comparison to Rideshare Accidents

Traditional taxi and rideshare accidents involve different liability structures. Taxis typically have a direct employment relationship between the company and driver, making vicarious liability analysis more straightforward. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft use app-based contractor models with layered insurance coverage. If you are uncertain whether the vehicle involved in your accident was a traditional taxi or a rideshare, Attorney Lavey will identify the correct framework from the operator’s licensing and insurance documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions