Taxi companies are responsible for ensuring that their cabs are in proper working order and their drivers have the proper training and certification to operate a taxicab in Miami. After hours upon hours of working on the road in a taxi, it isn’t surprising that many taxi drivers can become distracted and tired, which can lead to serious car accidents. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash while riding in a taxi or because they were hit by a taxicab, talk to a car accident lawyer about your case today. Miami taxi accident lawyer Prosper Shaked represents victims in car accident injury cases and fights to get them the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For a free consultation on your case, contact Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676.
Suing a Cab Company for Injuries in Florida
In many cases, your rights as a taxi passenger are protected. Miami-Dade County lists 44 certified taxi companies that are licensed to operate in Miami. These taxi companies are responsible for their passengers, and Miami’s rules dictate that you have the right to have your driver obey all traffic laws, treat you with respect, and otherwise provide “outstanding service.” If your driver causes a car accident while you are riding as a passenger, you could be entitled to sue the taxi company for the injuries you face.
Alternatively, you may have been involved in a car accident with a taxi. This could include being hit by a taxi in a pedestrian accident or while you were the driver or passenger in another vehicle. In these cases, you may also be able to sue the taxi driver and the taxi company as the at-fault party in a car accident.
Whenever a driver causes a car accident, they may be held liable by the injured parties. This means that the driver him/herself is responsible for paying for any medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering they caused. However, “vicarious liability” rules may also allow you to hold the taxi company liable for the injuries.
Whenever an employee causes an accident or injuries while on-the-job, you might be able to sue their employer to have them cover the damages. This often helps in cases where the individual, e.g. the taxi driver, might not have the funds to cover the injuries in full. To prove that the taxi company should be made to pay for your injuries, you must prove that the taxi driver was responsible for the crash and that the driver caused the injuries while working for the company.
As long as they were performing their job tasks for the benefit of the taxi company when the crash occurred, you should be able to sue the taxi company alongside the driver. However, this may mean you cannot sue the taxi company if the driver was off-duty or violating company policy when the crash occurred. Instead, you might only be able to sue the taxi driver.
Does Insurance Cover Taxi Crashes?
Florida has a no-fault insurance system. This means that you can receive compensation through your insurance company without needing to prove the other driver was at fault for the crash. These rules may apply whether you were a passenger or another party in a taxi accident. In cases where you face minor injuries or only suffer property damage, this might be helpful. However, if you face serious, long-lasting injuries like spinal cord injury or injuries with significant medical expenses, you might be entitled to take your case to court instead.
When you file through insurance, there may be significant funds available to cover your injuries. Most taxi companies carry insurance policies capable of covering high damages, with many companies carrying policies that cover up to $1 million per accident. However, any time you file through insurance, you might only be entitled to a portion of the damages you deserve. While insurance companies cover damages for medical expenses and lost wages, they may only cover a fraction of the damages. Since you may be required to use your own insurance first before accessing the taxi company’s insurance, you might also have to pay a deductible, meaning higher out of pocket costs.
When you take your case to court, you can claim all damages that arose from the taxi accident. This means claiming the full value of any medical bills you faced and wages you lost because of the injuries. In addition, you can claim direct compensation for the pain and suffering you faced. Florida personal injury protection coverage does not cover pain and suffering, so taking your case to court might expand the types of damages you could be entitled to.
Miami Taxi Accident Injury Lawyer Offering Free Consultations
After a taxi accident, it is important to explore your options to receive compensation. Miami personal injury lawyer Prosper Shaked represents victims of car accidents and taxi accidents in Florida and fights to help them maximize the compensation they might be entitled to. For a free consultation regarding what your case might be worth and how Prosper Shaked can represent you, call (305) 694-2676.