Next to buses and trains, taxis are the prime source of transportation for those who lack a vehicle of their own. When you get into a taxi, you’re putting your safety in the hands of the driver, but they do not always live up to expectations. South Florida taxi drivers, in particular, have a reputation for driving a bit reckless and aggressive. Every so often, their unsafe driving behaviors result in a vehicular collision, potentially injuring both passengers and other drivers.
If you were injured in a taxi accident as a passenger or driver of another vehicle, you may have legal options. The Fort Lauderdale taxi accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP can evaluate the facts of your case and help you pursue the most favorable route of financial compensation.
Florida Insurance Laws for Taxi Accidents
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that when drivers become involved in a car accident with another insured driver, they must go through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy for compensation. However, getting into an accident with a taxi is a bit different. In a taxi accident, you have the legal freedom to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver, his governing company, or both.
For-hire vehicles like taxis are required to have liability insurance under state law. This policy must cover at minumum:
- $250,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $125,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for property damage
Identifying the liable party in a taxi accident can be a struggle, but it ultimately comes down to the structure of the taxi business. If the driver works independently, we can pursue compensation for accident-related damages through their state-mandated insurance policy. If he works for a larger company, it’s possible to hold both the driver and his employer liable for the accident.
No matter the business type, the Fort Lauderdale taxi accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP will handle the claims process from start to finish and ensure that your rights are protected.
Recovering Compensation After a Taxi Accident
The damages you may pursue a claim for depends solely on the specifics of your car accident. However, before one can file a claim for any damages, they must establish negligence on behalf of the perceived liable party. The four factors needed for one to be considered to have acted negligently are as follows:
- The person had an obligation to operate their vehicle in a reasonable manner
- The person failed to meet that obligation
- The person’s failure to meet the obligation directly caused the accident
- You suffered injuries and financial losses as a result of the accident
As straightforward as they may appear, establishing these factors in court can prove to be an overwhelming task. Our Fort Lauderdale taxi accident lawyers are here to take on that responsibility while keeping your best interest at heart throughout the process. Contact us today at 954-467-8622 for a free case evaluation.
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