What To Do If You’re Injured While Riding A Taxicab

Even the safest drivers get into accidents; taxi drivers are no exception. Taxicab accidents can be caused by aggressive driving, poor weather conditions, or even overworked and exhausted cab drivers.

Dealing with any car accident can be confusing and draining, but a taxicab accident can be even more stressful as you have to deal with both the taxi company and its insurance adjuster. If you have been in an accident involving a taxi, it’s important you know your rights.

Our team of experienced lawyers has received many fair settlements in automobile accidents, and we’re ready to help you. 

If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a taxi, call Zinda Law Group at (888) 541-6041 for a 100% free case evaluation with our taxi accident attorneys.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TAXI DRIVER

Before you leave the accident scene, you should gather as much information as you can. Collect the names and contact information of all people involved and of any witnesses. You should also take pictures of the cars, the accident scene, debris, and any other relevant details. Additionally, you should call the police so the details of the accident will be preserved in a police report.

You can file a claim with the taxi’s insurer. However, if you are seriously injured, you may benefit from speaking with an attorney and proceeding with a personal injury lawsuit.

Learn More: What To Do After An Accident With a Taxi

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AT-FAULT AND NO-FAULT

The laws governing taxi accidents are different from state to state, which makes it particularly important to find a taxi accident attorney who is well-versed with the laws of the state in which your accident happened. 

In no-fault states, each person’s insurance coverage will typically pay for the medical bills and damages of their own insured driver, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, no-fault states may have procedures by which a driver who suffers severe injuries can sue an at-fault driver.

When accidents happen in an at-fault state, the insurance companies of both drivers analyze the details of the accident and determine which driver should be held responsible. If the situation is clear-cut, then the at-fault driver’s insurance will typically pay for any property damage and medical bills. When the situation is murkier, a claims adjuster will get involved to dig deeper into the question of who caused the accident.

YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU GOT HIT BY A TAXI DRIVER

After being hit by a taxi driver, at the most fundamental level, you have the right to be treated fairly and seek the compensation that you are entitled to under the law. 

However, an unfortunate part of the process is that insurance companies and taxi drivers will use any means at their disposal to pay you as little as they are legally obligated to. A taxi accident lawyer may be able to help you fully understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

TAXI COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The responsibility of taxi companies to have certain kinds of insurance will vary from state to state. Even within state rules, there are a number of different factors that may ultimately determine what responsibility a company has to have insurance; including what city the company operates in, the age and types of their vehicles, and the age and driving history of the individual drivers.

CAN I SUE A TAXI COMPANY AFTER A TAXI ACCIDENT?

Just like many of the other components of a taxi accident, the answer of whether you can sue a taxi company after a taxi accident depends on a number of factors. 

Including, again, the laws of the state in which the accident happened, how the taxi driver’s employment is structured with their company, and whether or not there was a passenger in the cab at the time of the accident. In some circumstances, it may be possible to sue the taxi company after an accident, but it’s not the most beneficial course of action.

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO SUE A TAXICAB OR TAXI COMPANY?

Suing a taxi company may present a number of challenges. For one, they may purposefully structure their company in a way that makes them more immune to lawsuits by categorizing their drivers as independent contractors as opposed to employees of their business. 

While employers are typically liable for the actions of their employees while they are on the job, they may avoid liability for the actions of independent contractors who are working for them under certain conditions. 

There are limits to what taxi companies can do to avoid liability, however, an attorney with experience in this area may be able to help hold the right people accountable for your injuries and damages.

WHAT DAMAGES CAN YOU SUE FOR AFTER A TAXI ACCIDENT?

Victims of car accidents may incur significant expenses following a wreck. In addition to worrying about medical bills and property damage, a car accident victim may also incur lost wages due to missed time from work.

Fortunately, victims may take legal action to recover for the injuries and damages they sustained. Damages is the term used to refer to the monetary compensation which may be awarded to a victim of a car accident. The damages that may be awarded to a victim of a car accident can be separated into two broad categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Economic damages are calculable costs incurred as a result of the wreck. In automobile accident cases, economic car accident damages available to the victim may include:

• Medical expenses (present and future bills, pharmacy costs, rehabilitation services, etc.)
• Lost income and wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repair costs and personal property damages in the collision)
• Rental car costs

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES

In contrast, non-economic damages are characterized as intangible losses that cannot be easily calculated. Rather, non-economic damages are evaluated by a jury in a lawsuit. In car accident cases, the victim may be awarded non-economic damages such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of affection or companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

RECOVERING DAMAGES IN A TAXI ACCIDENT CLAIM

There are a number of ways to actually recover compensation for your damages after a taxi accident, whether that be negotiating with the insurance company or filing a personal injury claim. 

Working with an experienced tax accident lawyer to go through the details of your specific circumstances will likely be the best way to move forward with recovering damages after your taxi accident.

HOW DO I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM AGAINST A TAXI?

The first step in filing a personal injury claim starts before the claim is ever filed. 

After the accident occurs, it is important to document it as thoroughly as possible, gathering all of the evidence and documentation related to the case that may become important later on. 

After that, speak with an accident attorney with the right expertise and the capacity to be able to fully and adequately fight for your rights.

NEED HELP? CONTACT ZINDA LAW GROUP

At Zinda Law Group, our auto accident attorneys have helped thousands of victims seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve. We understand how life altering a car accident can be, and we want to get you back on track.

We are ready to help you navigate the insurance claims process, build the strongest case possible, and put this accident behind you.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a crash, contact us at (888) 303-6347 for a free consultation with our cab accident lawyers.