Risk Management and Liability Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'trip manifest' or ride log in taxi operations from a risk management perspective?

Answer: It creates a verifiable record that can support the driver in disputes or accidents

A trip manifest provides documented evidence of routes, times, and passengers, which is invaluable if a dispute or incident arises.

A passenger slips on wet flooring inside your taxi and is injured. Under premises liability principles, you could be found liable because:

Answer: You have a duty to maintain a safe interior environment for passengers

Drivers and operators have a duty to keep the vehicle interior reasonably safe, and wet flooring they knew or should have known about can establish liability.

Which of the following MOST reduces a driver's exposure to assault-related liability?

Answer: Installing a security partition, dash cam, and panic button

Physical barriers, recording devices, and panic systems deter assaults and provide evidence, significantly reducing both risk and liability.

When a driver's commercial auto policy lapses, what is the immediate consequence regarding liability?

Answer: The driver operates without required coverage and is personally liable for all damages

A lapsed commercial policy leaves the driver fully personally liable for any damage or injuries that occur while operating without valid coverage.

What does 'negligent entrustment' mean for a taxi company that allows an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle?

Answer: The company can be held liable for entrusting a vehicle to an unqualified person

Negligent entrustment holds companies liable when they knowingly allow incompetent or unqualified individuals to operate their vehicles.

A driver refuses to transport a passenger with a service animal. What legal risk does this create?

Answer: Potential ADA discrimination claim and license sanctions

Refusing a passenger with a service animal violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and can result in civil complaints and regulatory penalties.

Which scenario BEST illustrates 'respondeat superior' liability in a taxi context?

Answer: A taxi company is sued because its employed driver caused an accident while on duty

Respondeat superior holds employers vicariously liable for employee torts committed within the scope of employment, such as an on-duty accident.