When you’re a taxi driver, you need to know how to protect yourself. This applies not just to protection from other motorists and unruly passengers, but also legal protection. A lawsuit could come more easily than you anticipate and result in you getting tied up in a stressful, prolonged legal battle. These are four things you can do to not get sued as a taxi driver.

Obey the Law

Following all road instructions doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be involved in an accident. However, it can keep you from being at fault. For instance, if you have the right of way but someone hits you because they turned without looking, a lawsuit wouldn’t have any merit.

Have a Dashcam

The other parties to an accident can be so focused on figuring out how to spread blame around that they can gaslight you into thinking something was your fault. This could lead to you starting to doubt your memory. That’s why you should have a dashcam installed that provides an objective account of what’s occurred. Showing this to law enforcement can help to keep the narrative of an accident from being controlled by people looking to make a financial score without merit.

Watch for Pedestrians

Someone doesn’t have to be in a vehicle to be affected by your negligence. Hitting a pedestrian can happen in a split second due to not being 100 percent attentive. Even if you spot them, your vehicle might not be in the best shape to ensure you stop in time. Make sure you keep your car in good condition and get brake pad replacement services in case yours are getting worn. There is never any reason to accept substandard vehicular gear, especially not when it could lead to someone being injured or killed.

Non-Discriminatory Practices

The taxi industry is about customer service. This shouldn’t be based on any one type of customer. To avoid lawsuits, you need to pick up anyone you’re able to. Driving past someone who’s clearly trying to be picked up when you have an empty cab and are still on the clock is a definite act of discrimination, because there’s no other reason to bypass them. Besides keeping you out of legal trouble, not discriminating is the moral thing to do.

Driving a taxi lets you provide an essential service while also getting to know people from all kinds of origins. You don’t have to live in dire fear of a lawsuit, especially not if you know how to be respectful and safe. It just takes treating every passenger, pedestrian, and fellow motorist with awareness and regard.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan