Tax Cab Claim Accident Lawyer?
Taxi cabs in Florida are regarded as common carriers. This means that operators owe a high standard of care to their customers. There are several different scenarios in which a taxi cab driver or taxi cab company can be held liable for an accident that led to the injury.
If you were driving your own car and were involved in an accident with a taxi, you then have the burden of proving negligence on the part of the taxi driver. In this case, you will need to file your claim with the taxi’s insurance company. However, if you were the passenger in a cab that was in an accident, you would be able to file claims with the insurance companies of all the drivers involved, unless one was obviously not at fault.
Taxicab drivers have the duty to stop in a reasonably safe place for passengers to enter or exit the cab. If a driver stops in a place that violates safety rules or traffic regulations, that driver is putting passengers at risk. If you are injured due to the driver’s neglect of traffic rules, you may be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance.
In most circumstances, the cab driver does not need to assist a passenger who is entering or exiting the vehicle. However, if a need is apparent and the driver chooses to ignore it, the driver may be liable for injuries sustained by the passenger. For example, an elderly passenger may request assistance or a person overwhelmed by bags may require help getting in or out. If a passenger requested help and the cab driver did not comply, a court may find that the driver is liable for injuries.
Additionally, it is up cab owners to maintain their vehicles. If a passenger is injured due to an accident caused by some kind of maintenance defect, the owner, whether it’s the cab driver or the cab company, can be held liable for injuries.
The state of Florida requires taxis to carry liability insurance. This means that if you are injured due to the negligence of a cab driver or company, there is compensation available for your injuries. Taxi accident claims can be complex, so it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Contact the taxi cab accident attorneys at Wolf & Pravato to schedule a consultation — 1-954-633-8270.
