With little public transportation in Lake City, taxi cabs are still a very convenient form of transportation for those who live here. Sadly, taxi drivers are just as susceptible to being involved in an accident as everyone else. When they are, the aftermath is often very confusing. Accident victims are confronted by multiple parties who may be liable, each covered by an insurer looking out for their own best interests. Itās difficult to know who to hold responsible for your injuries and losses.
Also, taxi accidents can result in severe injuries that leave you with excessive medical bills and time away from work while you recover. And if you cannot return to work, you slowly watch your funds disappear without the income to pay for them. Thankfully, a Lake City taxi accident attorney with Meldon Law can help. We can determine who was at fault for your crash and pursue the fair settlement you and your family deserve.
Call Meldon Law today and learn how our Lake City car accident lawyers can help you.
Why Injured Victims Choose Meldon Law After a Taxi Accident
For more than 50 years, Meldon Law has fought for injured Floridians with compassion, skill, and determination. We know how overwhelming it can feel after an accident, which is why we work hard to make the legal process as stress-free as possible.
Our Lake City personal injury attorneys take a personalized approach to every case. We intentionally limit the number of cases we handle so that our clients receive the attention and communication they deserve. When you work with our team, you are never treated like just another case number.
Plus, we wonāt back down when insurance companies try to minimize your claim. Whether through settlement negotiations or trial, we are prepared to fight for maximum compensation for you. From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, our team is here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Additional Factors That Often Contribute to Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents are often caused by the same negligent behaviors that lead to other crashes on the road. These include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving
- Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
However, taxis are unique because of the parties and regulations in place for their operation. Some of the other causes of these crashes may include:
- Poor Maintenance: Taxis that are not regularly maintained and not in proper working condition
- High-Risk Drivers: Inexperienced drivers or drivers who do not have a clean driving record
- Safety Violations: Non-compliance with safety laws and regulations
- Defective Parts: 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.
Multiple Parties May Be at Fault in a Taxi Accident
Accident victims, whether they are passengers in the taxi, the other driver, or a pedestrian, may think the only liable party is the taxi driver. Truthfully, there are many more who may be liable. Fault can lie with such parties as:
- Taxi Companies: Taxi companies may be liable if they fail to properly train drivers, hire unsafe drivers, or maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition.
- Manufacturers: Manufacturers may be liable if a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes or steering components, contributed to the accident.
- Inspection and Maintenance Companies: Inspection and maintenance companies may be liable if negligent repairs or inadequate inspections allowed unsafe vehicles to remain on the road.
- Government Entities: Government entities may be liable if dangerous road conditions, poor roadway design, or failure to maintain safe roads contributed to the crash.
Our personal injury law firm has the resources to investigate your accident and identify all liable parties, seeking compensation from each for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taxi Accidents Can Involve Different Insurance Rules
Because taxis are commercial vehicles, they are often required to carry larger insurance policies ($125,000/$250,000 for bodily injury per person/accident and $50,000 for property damage) to help cover serious injuries and damages after a crash.
Taxis are also excluded from Floridaās no-fault insurance system. This exception allows injured victims to pursue compensation directly from the taxicabās insurance policy, especially when catastrophic injuries are involved, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
While these additional insurance requirements can provide greater protection for injured victims, they can also make personal injury claims more complicated. Insurance companies may dispute coverage, shift blame, or try to reduce what they pay. Our attorneys make it easier to understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After a Taxi Accident?
The moments after a taxi accident can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights. If possible, try to:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Lake City Police Department, the Columbia County Sheriffās Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
- Seek medical attention right away at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital
- Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, and your injuries
- Get contact and insurance information from everyone involved
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurers
- Keep copies of medical records, receipts, and accident-related expenses
- Speak with our legal team before accepting a settlement offer
Taking these steps early can help preserve important evidence and strengthen your claim.
Reach Out to Our Lake City Taxi Accidents Attorney Today
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 taxi accident lawyers at Meldon Law can advise on your case. You pay nothing up front, and we work on a contingency fee basis. We only collect our attorney fees when you win.
Call us now or fill out our online form to request a free consultation.
Lake City Taxi Accident Claim 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.
Does my own PIP coverage apply if I was riding in a taxi in Lake City?
Often, yes. Floridaās PIP statute generally makes your own insurer the first place to look if you own an insured vehicle. If you are not otherwise entitled to PIP, Florida law allows you to seek compensation directly from the taxi. A personal injury lawyer 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 fail to keep the vehicle in safe working condition, fail to warn about defective parts like a broken seat belt, or put unsafe drivers on the road. Our team will also investigate maintenance contractors and parts manufacturers to see 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 driverās insurer may be the primary liability target, but the taxi driverās conduct, the condition of the cab, and any available no-fault coverage should still be examined before the case is resolved. Our attorneys will make sure all potential defendants and policies are reviewed, not just the most obvious ones.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Lawās knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else Iām sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
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
