Taxi Company Pays $1.5 Million
A Gaston County jury ruled that the estate of James Lafayette Taylor Jr. is entitled to $1.5 million after Taylor was hit and killed by a cab that belonged to Gastonia's Metro Cab in 2007. The cab driver, Rodney Charles Garrett, is partially blind and has a club foot. Police say he was walking in the middle lane and wearing dark clothes. He was also carrying a white cane to indicate he was blind. The jury found that Taylor was not negligent in the indicent. The cab, a 1997 Ford, struck Taylor shortly after 5 a.m. on June 15, 2007, as he was walking on South Marietta Street in front of the Gaston County Courthouse. He suffered a head injury when he hit the taxi's windshield, police said at the time. Taylor suffered severe brain injuries when he was hit by the cab. Taylor's head injuries lead to his death eight months after the accident.
Defendant Rodney Charles Garrett was driving for Gastonia’s Metro Cab. The wrongful death suit also named as defendants Subhan Chaudhary, owner of Metro Cab; Shaukat Ali, owner of the taxi Garrett was driving when he hit Taylor; Metro Cab; and SS Metro Enterprises LLC. The suit against the driver, car owner and cab company owner also claimed Ali allowed his car to be used by Metro Cab without a background check or assurance from Chaudhary that drivers were competent.
The police report estimated Garrett was going about 28 mph in the 35-mph zone when he hit Taylor. The cab left 40 feet of tire marks on the street before hitting him. The wrongful death lawyers said he does not believe the police report gives a full account of what happened the morning Taylor was hit by the cab. He added that the civil suit did not accuse the defendants of criminal acts, but of negligence in causing Taylor’s injuries that lead to his death.
If you or someone you know would like to talk about a wrongful death claim, it would be wise to consult with a good wrongful death attorney. Our experienced Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyers at The Mace Firm are ready to talk to you about your claim and help you get the settlement you deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
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