Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers
Skilled Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers Driven to Get Results for Taxicab Accident Victims in South Florida
Taxis are a common sight in the Fort Lauderdale area. Tourists and seasonal visitors often rely upon taxis as their primary mode of transportation. This isn’t surprising for those who are in an unfamiliar area. Unfortunately, taxi accidents occur on a relatively regular basis even though taxi drivers are professional drivers. This means they should know to exercise a much higher degree of caution when carrying passengers. As with any other type of motor vehicle accident, taxi accidents can result in extensive injuries that require expensive and painful medical treatments. Our skilled Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers at Lawlor, White & Murphey understand the complications that often arise in pursuing a claim for compensation after suffering injuries in a taxi accident. Taxi drivers, taxi companies and insurance companies may all be involved in these cases and frequently take steps possible to disclaim any liability.
Contact Lawlor, White & Murphey about Your Florida Injury Claim Today
If you been injured in South Florida, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. We are ready and willing to fight for the rights of you and your family, pooling all of our resources, experience, and knowledge to defend your interests.
To schedule a consultation entirely free of charge, call us today or fill out a quick online form with a brief description of your case. As soon as you do, one of our lawyers will reach out to you promptly.
Special Insurance Requirements for Taxi Drivers in Florida
Florida requires every driver on the roadway to carry a certain level of insurance coverage under its no-fault insurance law. However, taxi drivers are subject to heightened insurance requirements because they are commercial carriers. This means they must purchase much higher levels of insurance coverage.
Under Florida law, taxi drivers must register with the state and carry insurance providing for a minimum of:
- $125,000 for bodily injury claims per person involved in an accident,
- $250,000 total in bodily injury coverage per accident, and
- $50,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.
These limits are much higher than what’s typically required for private drivers. But obtaining the funds from the available insurance policy can still be challenging after a cab accident in South Florida.
Taxi companies and their insurers are dedicated to minimizing their financial responsibility. Further, taxi accident cases can be complicated when the taxi driver is not employed by the taxi company. In some cases, the driver is treated as an independent contractor.
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Common Causes of South Florida Taxi Accidents
You can be injured in a taxi accident while riding as a passenger in the taxi. But injuries also commonly occur when the taxi actually hits your vehicle while you are driving. Taxi accidents can also occur when a taxi hits a pedestrian or bicyclist.
Unfortunately, taxi accidents are often caused by the taxi driver. This isn’t surprisingly given how they may spend excessive amounts of time on the roadways to earn a living. Common other causes include:
- Driver fatigue.
- Driver distraction, often when the driver is using his or her phone.
- Aggressive driving.
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Inclement weather.
- Disobeying traffic regulations, such as stop signs and red lights.
- Vehicle malfunction. This can occur when the taxi company does not maintain the vehicle in a safe condition.
Hear Directly from our Clients
If you’re looking for an Attorney that will fight for you then you should check out Lawyer White and Murphey. They care about you, they care about what is right. They work hard to help you with your case. They become your family not just your attorney. If You come to me and ask me do I know a lawyer I will always recommend Lawlor White and Murphey.
Gran abogado, muy buen personal. Si tiene un accidente y necesita un abogado, Lawlor White & Murphey son muy buenos, me ayudaron y me alegró mucho llamarlos, estarán encantados de ayudarlo.
Me and my friend got rear ended at a stop light,I suffered a neck injury John was very understanding and did a great job on my case
Mr.Lawlor, is an established trial lawyer not just another benchmark or bus stop poster. (Being Very Serious) I am a Veteran Mr.Lawlor, took my traumatic experience and turned the distress and agony of even speaking about it and put it into a legal understanding. My anxiety regarding my situation was turned into a legal matter. I was no longer left feeling emotionally raw and malaise throughout the whole process. HE HAS A LEAVE NO PERSON LEFT BEHIND MENTALITY. If you have a liability matter Mr.Lawlor is the individual that leads the company that you are apart of when his working on your case . He doesn’t judge anyone based on your background , education or ethnicity his what isn’t typical these days – HONEST .
¡Este es un fantástico equipo de abogados! Todos los que trabajaban allí me trataron como si fuera su caso más importante, a pesar de que no era un caso importante de accidente automovilístico. Se aseguraron de mantenerse en contacto durante todo el proceso y me llamaron de inmediato cuando los llamé para preguntarles si no podían atender mi llamada en ese momento. Su secretaria siempre me saludaba muy alegremente en su oficina y sentía que me trataban como a su propia familia. Los recomendaría altamente. ¡Hicieron el trabajo rápidamente y con excelentes resultados!
How the Dedicated Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers from Lawlor, White & Murphey Can Help
Taxi drivers have a duty to provide safe transportation for their clients and keep everyone else on the road safe, too. Unfortunately, taxi drivers often breach these duties in an effort to maximize the number of passengers they can transport each day.
When such a breach harms you, a taxi accident attorney can help you get the compensation Florida law entitles you to. The Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers from Lawlor, White & Murphey can handle every aspect of your claim, including:
- Conducting a full investigation into your accident to uncover all available evidence to support your claim.
- Evaluating the taxi driver’s past safety record.
- Subpoenaing the taxi driver’s phone records to determine whether he or she was distracted by a phone at the time of the accident.
- Locating video surveillance and eyewitnesses to the accident.
- Preparing all necessary formal documentation in your case.
- Negotiating aggressively on your behalf with the insurance companies and defense lawyers.
- Preparing your case for trial if we are unable to reach a full and fair settlement outside the courtroom.
Filing a Claim if Injured in a Cab Accident in Broward County or Throughout Florida
The process for filing a claim will depend upon the circumstances of your accident. However, one of the unique things about getting into an accident with a taxi cab is that the typical “no-fault” rules do not apply.
This means you do not have to seek recovery from your car insurance company first. Taxi cab drivers are exempt from this no-fault rule because they are subject to a higher duty to drive safely.
So if you were a passenger in the taxi at the time of the accident, you can first file a claim with the taxi company’s insurance company. They will assess your claim and start the settlement process. If a settlement is not possible, it may become necessary for you to file a lawsuit in court.
Is the Taxi Driver or the Taxi Company Legally Responsible?
When a taxi driver is negligent and causes an accident, the driver will be legally responsible. So the real question is whether the taxi company can potentially be liable in addition to the taxi driver.
Whether an injured party can also hold the taxi company legally responsible depends on several factors. One of the biggest is the relationship between the taxi company and the driver.
In some circumstances, the driver may be an independent contractor of the taxi company. In this situation, it can be difficult to hold the taxi company responsible for the driver’s negligence. If the driver is an employee of the taxi company, then it’s far easier to also go after the company.
But even if a taxi company claims the driver is an independent contractor, all is not lost. A company classifying a worker as an independent contractor doesn’t automatically make them one under the law. Certain facts can still create a relationship where the company is liable for the actions of its driver.
If you have been injured in a taxi cab accident in South Florida, whether as a passenger or otherwise, our Fort Lauderdale Taxi Accident Lawyers are here to assist you. The skilled attorneys of Lawlor, White & Murphey have decades of litigation experience and can help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries.
To schedule a free initial case evaluation, you can call our offices. Or, you may fill out this online contact form and we will get back to you promptly. During this first consultation, we can assess your case and help you decide what your next step should be in obtaining recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxi Accident Claims in South Florida
How do I file a claim for compensation if I was injured in a taxi accident?
The process for filing a claim will depend upon the circumstances at hand. For example, if you were driving your own vehicle and were involved in an accident caused by a taxi driver, you must prove that the taxi driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident in order to file a claim for compensation against the taxi company’s insurance policy (in other words, you must show that the taxi driver, and not you, was at-fault). If you were a passenger in the taxi at the time of the accident, you can file a claim with the taxi company’s insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company, depending upon which party caused the accident.
Isn’t Florida a no-fault insurance state? How can I pursue a claim against the taxi driver under Florida’s no-fault rule?
While Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that drivers usually must look to their own insurance coverage for compensation, taxi drivers are exempt from the no-fault rule. This is because they are subject to a higher duty to drive safely, as common carriers responsible for the safety of paying passengers in their vehicles.
What should I do immediately following a taxi accident?
If you have been the victim of a taxi accident, if at all possible immediately following the accident you should try to take photographs of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles involved in the accident, the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks on the road, the road lines and traffic controls, and the weather, lighting, and road conditions. Next, you should be sure to seek medical attention for your injuries following your accident; prompt medical treatment may be critical to establishing what injuries you have suffered and proving that they were caused by the accident. Finally, you should speak with an experienced taxi accident attorney who can help you to understand your rights and options and can ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process of seeking compensation.
What are the most common causes of taxi accidents?
Some of the most common causes of taxi accidents that our attorneys have seen include aggressive, careless, or reckless driving by the taxi driver; violating traffic laws, such as by speeding or running red lights or stop signs; texting or talking while driving; using the stereo or navigation system; eating or drinking while driving; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and driving while fatigued.
How do I prove liability in a taxi accident?
In order to prove that a party is liable for a taxi accident, it is necessary to show that he or she was negligent. This means establishing the four elements of negligence. First, you must show that a driver had a duty of care and that he or she breached this duty of care through the operation of their vehicle. Next, you must show that the driver’s breach of his or her duty was a direct and proximate cause of the accident. Finally, you must show that you have suffered some sort of compensable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
What documentation do I need to prove my case?
You will need evidence to establish who was at fault for the accident and the damages that you have suffered from the accident. This evidence can include accident scene photos, the police’s accident investigation report, records from your medical treatment, bills and invoices you incurred in treating your injuries from the accident, and paystubs or income statements to prove the lost wages or earning potential you’ve suffered as a result of your injuries.
In a taxi accident, who is responsible? The driver or the taxi company?
When a taxi driver is negligent and causes a taxi accident, the driver will be legally responsible for his or her own evidence. Whether an injured party can also hold the taxi company legally responsible depends on several factors, including the relationship between the taxi company and the driver. In some circumstances, the driver may be an independent contractor of the taxi company, in which case it can be difficult to hold the taxi company responsible for the driver’s negligence. However, if the taxi company owns the taxicab and provides it to the driver for his or her use, then it is likely that the driver is an employee of the taxi company and the company can be held responsible for the driver’s negligence.
Are taxi companies required to carry injury insurance?
If the taxi company employs a driver to drive a taxicab, Florida law requires the taxi company to obtain for each taxicab bodily injury insurance coverage in a minimum amount of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 in property damage insurance coverage. If the taxi company merely leases vehicles out to drivers who act as independent contractors, the taxi company may place the requirement to obtain insurance on the driver himself or herself.
I was a passenger during a taxi accident. Can I receive compensation for my injuries?
Yes. If you have been injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If a driver other than the taxi driver was responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from that driver. If the taxi driver bears fault for the accident, you can also seek compensation from the driver; depending on the driver’s relationship with the taxi company, you may also be entitled to compensation from the taxi company.
How do I file a taxi accident case?
If you have a claim for compensation following a taxi accident, you will often begin your case by notifying the taxi company of your accident. This will allow you to get in touch with the taxi company’s insurance company to file a claim. Once you contact the insurance companies, you will often begin the process of negotiating a settlement of your claim. If a settlement is not possible, it may become necessary for you to file a lawsuit in court to pursue your claim.
Do I need a taxi accident attorney?
Although you are not required to have an attorney to file a claim for compensation following a taxi accident, it is highly advisable that you have the assistance of an experienced taxi accident attorney. Taxi accident cases can be particularly complex, especially when it comes to trying to determine who was at fault for the accident and, if the taxi driver is at fault for the accident, who can be held legally responsible for the accident. An experienced taxi accident attorney can help you understand who may be responsible to you for your injuries and damages and help you understand your legal rights and options.
What are some problems that could arise in my taxi accident case?
What are some problems that could arise in my taxi accident case?
In pursuing a taxi accident case, you may first run into problems establishing who was at fault for the accident and therefore who may be responsible to pay you compensation. The taxi driver may try to argue that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Thus, your claim will depend on first determining who was at fault for the accident. Even if it turns out that the taxi driver bears some fault for the accident, it can be difficult to determine who you can turn to for compensation. Although you can certainly hold the driver responsible for his or her negligence, whether you can hold the taxi company responsible as well depends on its relationship with the driver. The taxi company can also try to hide the amount of money it has available to compensate you through complex corporate structures and layered insurance policies.
Do taxi drivers get fired for taxi accidents?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances of a taxi accident, the taxi driver can have his or her license suspended as a result of the accident, which will mean he or she can no longer drive a taxi. The taxi company may also decide to fire a taxi driver who demonstrates that he or she is a risk to cause accidents so as to avoid any further liability caused by the driver.
How much can I expect my taxi accident case to be worth?
The amount of money that your taxi accident case may be worth will depend on multiple factors. If you are injured in your accident, you may be entitled to recover the expenses that you incur in treating your injuries. If you miss work due to your injuries or if you are unable to return to your job and cannot earn the same level of income, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages or lost earning capacity.
