With little public transportation in Lake City, taxis are still a very convenient form of transportation for those that live here. Sadly, taxi drivers are not immune from being involved in an accident and when they are, the aftermath is even more confusing. There are many different parties involved, making it difficult for accident victims to know who to hold liable for paying damages.
Taxi accidents also result in serious injuries that leave you with high medical bills, and without an income to pay for them if you cannot return to work. A Lake City taxi accident attorney will determine who was at fault for your crash, and help you claim the fair settlement you deserve.
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents are often caused by the same negligent behaviors that cause other crashes on the road. These include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and more. However, taxis are unique because there are many other common causes of these crashes. These may include:
- Taxis that are not regularly maintained and so, are not in proper working condition
- Inexperienced drivers, or drivers that do not have a clean driving record
- Non-compliance with safety laws and regulations
- Failure to warn passengers of defective taxi parts, such as a broken seat belt
These causes are unique to taxis, and they also pose distinct challenges when trying to determine liability for a taxi accident.
Determining Fault for Taxi Accidents
Occupants inside a taxi may think there are very few parties involved in a crash but truthfully, there are many. Liability, or fault, can lie with many parties, and they are as follows:
- Taxi drivers: Taxi drivers can act negligently, just like any other driver. They may drive while impaired or distracted, speed, or fail to obey traffic law.
- Taxi companies: The companies that own the taxis and hire drivers must ensure they provide proper training and that they only hire experienced drivers. These companies must also ensure their vehicles are in good working condition. If they fail in any of these duties, they can be held liable.
- Manufacturers: Manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure the products they make are not defective or faulty. If a defective part, such as the braking system, causes a crash, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Inspection and maintenance companies: It is not uncommon for taxi companies to outsource the inspection and maintenance of their taxis. Any third party responsible for inspecting and maintaining taxis must do so properly in order to avoid being found liable for a crash.
- Government entities: Just like in other motor vehicle accidents, if an improper road condition caused a crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining that roadway can be held liable.
No Win, No Fee—Let Our Lake City Taxi Accident Lawyer Fight for You!
Call Our Lake City Taxi Accidents Attorney in Lake City for a Free Consultation
Taxi accidents cause serious injuries, and the aftermath is often difficult and chaotic for victims. Whether you were a passenger in a taxi or another driver, our Lake City personal injury attorney at Meldon Law can advise on your case. Call us now or fill out our online form to request a free consultation.
Lake City Taxi Accident FAQs
Who pays if I was injured as a passenger in a taxi crash in Lake City?
More than one source of recovery may be involved. Initial PIP benefits may apply first, but liability beyond that can fall on the taxi driver, the taxi company, another driver, a maintenance company, or even a manufacturer depending on what caused the crash. A Lake City taxi accident lawyer can identify every available insurance policy before the case is valued.
Does my own PIP coverage apply if I was riding in a taxi in Lake City?
Often, yes. Florida’s PIP statute generally makes your own insurer the first place to look if you own an insured vehicle, and if you are not otherwise entitled to PIP, the insurer for the vehicle you were occupying may have to provide it. A taxi accident attorney can determine the correct order of coverage and prevent delays.
Can a taxi company be responsible if the cab that hit me in Lake City had bad brakes or a broken seat belt?
Yes. Taxi companies can be liable if they failed to keep the vehicle in safe working condition, failed to warn about defective parts like a broken seat belt, or put unsafe drivers on the road. A Lake City taxi accident lawyer may also investigate maintenance contractors and parts manufacturers if the defect helped cause the crash or worsened your injuries.
What if another driver caused the taxi accident while I was riding through Lake City?
You can still pursue a claim. Another driver’s insurer may be the primary liability target, but the taxi driver’s conduct, the condition of the cab, and any available no-fault coverage should still be examined before the case is resolved. A taxi accident attorney will make sure all potential defendants and policies are reviewed, not just the most obvious one.
Meldon Law
Address: 2941 W US Hwy 90 Suite 117, Lake City, FL 32055, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help
