Gainesville Taxi Accident Lawyer
Even with ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft, taxis remain a convenient and safe way for people in Gainesville to get around. Unfortunately, taxis can get into an auto accident just like any other vehicle on the road and when these crashes occur, victims sustain serious injuries.
The aftermath of a taxi accident is also very confusing, due to the multiple parties involved. If you have been injured as another driver on the road, or as a passenger, our Gainesville taxi accident attorney can help you recover the financial compensation you need during this difficult time. Call us today to learn more about working with our personal injury lawyers in Gainesville.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Gainesville Taxi Accident
Victims of taxi accidents may be eligible to recover several types of damages. Our car accident attorneys will help you pursue the following forms of compensation:
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are those that have a direct financial value. Our legal team will collect bills, invoices, and receipts to prove you deserve compensation for:
- Medical expenses, such as the cost of hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation
- Property damage, if your car or any other personal items were damaged or destroyed in the crash
- Lost income for paychecks you missed because of your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity, if your injuries make it impossible for you to earn as much money as you could before the accident
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic losses are intangible, but our team will prove you deserve fair compensation for them. We can help you pursue:
- Pain and suffering, for the physical pain your injuries and their treatment cause
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities that make your life enjoyable
- Mental anguish, if you now suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of the accident
We’ll gather evidence of these losses, such as your medical records and statements from your friends and family.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost someone you love in a taxi accident in Gainesville, our team offers our sincere condolences. Our Gainesville wrongful death lawyers will help you seek the following types of damages:
- Loss of support and services
- Mental anguish felt by surviving family members
- Medical bills related to your loved one’s fatal injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and protection
Our firm can also help you determine who is eligible to file your case.
Our Attorney Knows the Breaches of Duty that Result in Taxi Accidents
Due to the fact that taxi drivers and companies have the safety of so many people in their hands, they have a number of responsibilities. These are as follows:
- Offer taxis that are in safe working condition and that are regularly maintained
- Hire drivers that have the necessary skills and that have good driving records
- Remain cautious at all times while driving to protect the safety of passengers
- Exercise vigilance and care when transporting passengers
- Comply with all safety laws and regulations on taxi vehicles
- Warn passengers of any dangers the driver is aware of, such as if one of the seatbelts is broken
When taxi drivers or taxi companies fail to fulfill any of the above duties, an accident is likely to occur.
Our Attorney Knows the Regulations on Taxis in Gainesville
Taxi companies are highly regulated in Florida. Under the law, these regulations include:
- All vehicles used for taxi services must be registered with the state
- All taxi companies must purchase taxi insurance
- Taxi drivers or companies are required to carry a minimum of $125,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage, and a minimum of $250,000 per accident, as well as $50,000 in property damage liability insurance
The no-fault insurance laws in Florida do not apply to taxis. However, due to the many regulations, more and more taxi companies have started to treat taxi drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Drivers lease the vehicle used for taxi services and are then responsible for obtaining their own taxi insurance. If the taxi driver is negligent and causes an accident, they are then also solely responsible for paying damages, and the taxi company will be shielded from claims of liability.
Our Attorney Handles Both Types of Claims Involving Taxi Accidents
Accident victims can become hurt by a taxi in one of two ways. The first is when the victim was another driver on the road and was struck by a negligent taxi driver. The second is when a passenger in the taxi becomes hurt, either due to the negligence of the taxi driver or another motorist.
If you were another motorist that was hurt, you can likely claim compensation from your own insurance company, and perhaps from the taxi driver or company, as well. If you were injured as a passenger in the taxi, you can file a claim against the negligent driver or the taxi company.
Filing Your Taxi Accident Lawsuit on Time
You don’t have long to file a taxi accident lawsuit in Gainesville. According to the statute of limitations, Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file your case. You also typically have two years to submit your wrongful death lawsuit.
If you don’t file your case on time, you risk losing your chance to seek compensation at all. Call us today to learn more about suing the at-fault party.
Our Gainesville Taxi Accidents Attorney Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
After a car accident, you have options for claiming compensation, and that includes when you were hurt by a taxi. At Meldon Law, our Gainesville taxi accident attorney will examine the facts of your case, identify liable parties, and help you claim the full settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.
