Marc A. Jackson v. Amigo Taxi LTD.

In October 2015, plaintiff was a taxicab passenger when the taxicab driver ran a red light and caused a collision. Plaintiff experienced severe physical injuries resulting in high medical expenses. Several months later, plaintiff sued the taxicab driver, the taxicab owner, and the taxicab business.

Against the taxicab company, plaintiff brought claims alleging that the driver was an employee of the company and that the company was responsible for her negligence. Alternatively, plaintiff alleged that the taxicab company’s website gave rise to an apparent agency relationship and constituted an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Plaintiff also brought a claim for negligent selection or hiring of an independent contractor as well as for punitive damages.

Defending the taxicab company, our attorneys, J. Matthew Little and Justin May, succeeded in having the apparent agency and unfair and deceptive trade practice claim dismissed on summary judgment. As a result, court submitted the question of employment and, alternatively, of whether the taxicab company was negligent in hiring or selecting the taxicab driver. During a weeklong trial, the court dismissed the employment claim on a directed verdict, leaving only the negligent hiring or selection of an independent contractor claim.

After the presentation of evidence, the jury returned a defense verdict in less than thirty minutes.