Taxis are a mode of transportation that carry passengers for a price to the passengers’ chosen destination. The cost is set by the distance traveled to the destination. A taxicab under New Jersey law includes any motor vehicle that engages in the business of carrying passengers.
When a passenger rides in a taxi, they face the same danger of a motor vehicle accident as drivers and passengers riding in a non-commercial automobile. If the taxi driver causes a collision, the passenger in the taxi and any other involved entities may suffer injuries. The taxi driver may be held liable for the injuries or damage to the passenger(s) or other vehicles involved. If a taxi or its driver are owned or employed by Atlantic City International Airport, the airport may be liable. The company which owns the cab can be held liable as well.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a Taxi at the Atlantic City International Airport, contact Petrillo & Goldberg right away to discuss the case.
Atlantic City International Airport
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is a commercial and general public airport. It began as a naval air station in 1942 on land leased from the City of Atlantic City in New Jersey. In 1958, the city transferred the lease to the Federal Aviation Administration. Later the property was sold to the federal government. The city kept ownership of 84 acres and civilian airport terminal, and its support facilities are currently located. Now it is a joint civil-military airport.
Injured in a Taxi at Atlantic City International Airport
The Atlantic City International Airport provides ground transportation to and from the airport grounds. Taxi service is available at the curbside outside the airport terminal. The airport also has a taxi service desk within the airport located between the baggage claim and the terminal exit.
The Atlantic City International Airport is a busy location. Outside of the airport terminal, numerous vehicles wait to pick and drop off passengers. The congestion around the airport terminals can lead to dangerous accidents.
Accidents can happen in a split second. A taxi driver may not behave with caution and cause an accident. Like drivers in personal vehicles, taxi drivers may cause taxi collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians due to:
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Disobeying traffic signals and signs
- Driving too closely
The injuries suffered by the taxi passenger and/or driver(s) of the other vehicles involved in the collision may range from mild to severe. Some injuries may be temporary or permanent. Some motor vehicle accidents can be a life-changing event and result in diminished use or the inability to use a body part ever again. The most common injuries that can occur from a taxi accident include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Bruises and scrapes
- Burns
Compensation for Injuries in Taxi Crash at Atlantic City International Airport
The taxi drivers at ACY must follow the New Jersey traffic laws. When carrying a passenger, the driver must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the passenger. If the driver causes an accident and the passenger is injured, the driver may be held liable. As the at-fault party, the driver’s insurance may be used to cover all or part of the victim’s injuries and damages. The victim may recover their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress awarded as compensatory damages. If the injured passenger can prove that the driver’s actions led to harm to the passenger, the passenger may recover punitive damages and compensatory damages.
Under New Jersey law, the owner of the taxicab must have motor vehicle liability insurance. The owner has two insurance coverage options and must choose the greater amount. They are:
- Not less than $35,000 of motor vehicle liability insurance; or
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person in a single accident; $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in a single accident; and $5,000 for property damage in one accident.
Often the taxis used and driven for the taxi services at Atlantic City International Airport are owned and operated by the airport. Therefore, anyone in an ACY taxi can file a claim against the airport insurance for their injuries and damages. Under the legal doctrine vicarious liability, the airport may be liable for the actions of the people it employs. Because the airport derives a benefit from the taxi services, it may have to answer for the drivers’ actions and the injuries the victims sustain. If the airport is liable through its employees’ actions, the airport may have to pay all or part of the total award to the injured party.
Hiring an Attorney After a Taxi Collision at Atlantic City International Airport
Personal injury lawsuits can be time-consuming and complex. These types of cases can get even more complicated when involving a Taxi company. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car crash with a Taxi, know that you do not have to face the situation alone. Contact one of our attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg right away.
It is best to let an experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey Taxi accident attorney handle your case. At Petrillo & Goldberg, you do not pay anything until you win your case. Our firm will represent your legal interests and protect your legal rights. Contact Petrillo & Goldberg today at 856-249-9288 for a free consultation to discuss your case.