Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 7/29/2009

Question
This accident happened in Washington DC. The passenger-side door of a standing taxi-cab suddenly opened and hit my car on the front right passenger side. The taxi door got jammed into my car and I had to reverse to free it. The damage caused to my passenger right door is heavy. My insurance company tells me it is not my fault, but the cab-driver's insurance company is not being responsive. Grateful if you could please advise whose fault it is and what I can do to recover the damages.

Answer
Hi Aman,

This accident is not your fault. A person exiting a taxi is supposed to exit on the curb side of the car. The insurance companies that insure taxi cabs tend to be very shady operations. If you have collision coverage on your own policy, you should file the claim with your insurance company. Although you will have to pay your deductibe, this may be the fastest and easiest way to get your car repaired. If you prefer to not involve your insurance and or do not want to pay the deductible, then you must be very active in calling the taxi insurance comapny every day. The more you bother them the more chance you will get some action.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh