If you were hurt in a taxi accident, you might wonder where to turn for compensation. A taxi accident lawyer can help you hold a negligent or reckless driver or company to account if they are responsible for your accident. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for help with your taxi accident claim at (844) 730-0233.
Reasons for Taxi Accidents
Accidents with taxis can happen for a number of reasons such as driver-related causes, bad weather, road construction, as well as others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most accidents occur due to driver-related reasons. Some of the main reasons for motor vehicle accidents include:
Distracted driving
A taxi driver may be negligent if they were driving distractedly when the accident happened. Distracted driving can include anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road such as texting while driving, eating or drinking, checking the GPS, or interacting with passengers.
Speeding
Speeding accounts for around 33 percent of driver-related crashes. A driver may also be speeding if they drive within the speed limit but weather or road conditions are unsuitable for the posted speed limit. A driver is responsible for adjusting their speed to road and weather conditions.
Driving Fatigued
Driving fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel can cause devastating accidents. If a taxi driver does not take adequate rest periods and is driving long hours, or their company is rushing them, they may be driving fatigued.
Driving Under the Influence
Accidents can occur if a taxi driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some prescription drugs may also have an influence on a taxi driver’s capability to operate a vehicle safely.
Violating Traffic Laws
A taxi driver may be responsible for an accident if they violated any traffic laws such as ignoring traffic signs and signals, failing to yield the right of way, or any others.
Vehicle-Related Causes
An accident is not always a driver’s fault. Sometimes, a defective vehicle or lack of maintenance of a taxi can result in accidents. Common reasons for vehicle-related crashes can be faulty tires, faulty brakes, and problems with the steering or engine, according to the NHTSA.
While there can be a multitude of reasons for a taxi accident, if you suffered injuries and a driver or company is to blame for the accident, you could receive compensation. Your taxi accident lawyer can offer advice and determine whether you have a case against a driver or company.
Injuries in Taxi Accidents
Sometimes, injuries suffered in taxis can be more severe when compared to other car accidents. Some taxis are exempt from seatbelt laws, so passengers may not be wearing seatbelts. There could also be more severe injuries due to the partition between driver and passengers. Some injuries that occur in taxi accidents include:
- Bone fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
Some accidents end fatally for the passengers. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or you lost a loved one in an accident with a taxi, you could potentially sue the taxi company. A taxi accident lawyer can advise you on your legal options.
Liability in Taxi Accidents
In order to receive compensation for any injuries or wrongful death in a taxi accident, whether you are the driver of another car or a taxi passenger, you will have to prove that the driver or company acted negligently. However, taxi accidents can be somewhat complicated as there could be several parties wholly or in part responsible for your damages, including:
- The driver
- The taxi company
- The taxi manufacturer
- The company servicing and fixing the taxis
It can be challenging to determine responsibility in a taxi accident and recover compensation for your damages. Investigating an accident, especially if it involves multiple cars, may require a great deal of research and technical expertise. A taxi accident lawyer can help you establish negligence in a complicated taxi accident.
Evidence you may need to prove negligence and liability can include accident reports, witness statements, black box data, traffic or dash camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene, among other evidence. Your taxi accident lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents as well as help you understand the legal processes and insurance policies in connection with your claim.
Call today for a free consultation.
Compensation in Taxi Accidents
Do not wait too long to find help for your taxi accident case. Most states have firm time limits for filing personal injury or wrongful death cases. If you do not file a case within these time limits, you may be unable to recover compensation. Your taxi accident lawyer can advise you on the laws and time limits that apply in your state. Some of the compensation you could receive with a taxi accident claim can include:
Medical Expenses
Medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, out-patient treatments, medical devices, and transportation costs can all be included in a settlement. Depending on your injuries, you may also be able to recover costs for a home health aide. Any future medical costs should also be covered in a fair settlement.
Lost Income
If you lost any wages due to being unable to work as a result of a taxi accident, you could recover lost income as well as future lost income and lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
As well as economic damages, you could receive non-economic damages such as awards for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of life quality, or disfigurement. If your injuries are serious or life-changing, your non-economic damages could be considerable.
In order to receive sufficient compensation for your losses and suffering, you will need to calculate your damages accurately. This should include potential future costs that could arise from the accident and your injuries. A taxi accident lawyer can help to calculate your economic and non-economic damages with the aim to secure a fair settlement for you, whether it is out-of-court or with a lawsuit.
Let Us Help You
Taxi accidents can be complicated, but help is available. Ben Crump Law, PLLC can be by your side and help you build your case against a negligent taxi driver and/or company. Call us now and speak to a team member to find out how we could help you recover compensation at (844) 730-0233.
