Miami is a busy city that attracts tourists and business people from all over the globe, which results in high demand for taxis. However, if you have been injured in a taxi accident, you might find it challenging to seek compensation for your damages.
Many Miami residents and tourists rely on local taxi services to avoid the hassle of parking and driving after a night out. However, there are instances where some taxi drivers operate recklessly and without taking breaks, which can increase the likelihood of accidents. As a result, traffic accidents are a common sight in the Miami and Dade County area. Thankfully, in many cases, taxi drivers and their employers can be sued for the harm they have caused.
For a free case evaluation with our Miami car accident lawyers, call The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer today at (954) 751-4258.
Can You Sue a Taxi Company After an Accident in Miami?
Suppose you have been involved in a car accident while riding in a taxi or as a driver or passenger in another vehicle in Florida. In that case, you can seek compensation for any damages incurred. Miami taxi accident attorneys can assist you in holding each responsible party accountable for the damages you suffered. The taxi company might share liability with the driver depending on the situation. However, regardless of who is at fault, it is necessary to file a claim under the personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy to receive compensation for the injuries.
It is important to note that PIP insurance only covers 80% of accident-related medical expenses and 60% of lost wages from missing work due to injuries. While these benefits are usually received much faster than waiting for the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit, severe injuries resulting in extensive time away from work can quickly meet and often exceed the minimum PIP coverage limits. In such cases, Florida law allows filing a claim against the at-fault taxi driver or company to receive compensation for the losses.
If there is no legal action taken beyond a PIP claim, the person involved in the accident is responsible for the remaining losses and expenses related to the accident. Filing a lawsuit against the other party allows seeking compensation beyond PIP to help pay for additional medical treatment costs and replace lost income. Additionally, PIP benefits only compensate accident victims for tangible economic losses. Therefore, victims who take legal action can receive compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses that are more difficult to quantify.
What Can Taxi Companies Be Held Responsible for in Miami?
As per Florida law, taxicab companies are responsible for ensuring that their cabs are maintained safely and securely. This involves registering all of their vehicles with the state, keeping them in a reasonable condition, and carrying adequate insurance coverage to pay for any damages resulting from accidents. Moreover, they must hire well-trained and skilled drivers who do not pose any risk to other drivers on the road.
Furthermore, Florida Statute § 627.733 mandates taxicabs and limousines to carry specific insurance coverage amounts to safeguard their passengers, drivers, and vehicles in case of an accident. This law precedes Florida’s no-fault laws, which primarily apply to non-commercial drivers.
As per this law, every company must have at least $125,000 bodily injury insurance per person, $250,000 for every taxicab accident, and $50,000 in property damage liability coverage, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Taxi Accident in Miami
It’s common for accidents to occur in Miami due to high tourism rates and dense traffic, especially involving taxis. Despite this, there are actions you can take to increase the likelihood of receiving compensation from the liable party in the future.
Call 911
In case you get injured in a taxi accident in Miami, it is crucial to immediately get in touch with the police. The police will conduct a thorough investigation by interviewing all parties involved. The police report will contain critical information such as the taxi driver’s identity, the taxi company’s name, insurance particulars, and the contact details of any relevant parties and witnesses.
Take Photos and Videos
The advent of smartphones has empowered us with the ability to capture compelling visual evidence through photographs and videos. In particular, this evidence can be instrumental in seeking just compensation in the context of a taxi accident lawsuit. If the nature of one’s injuries permits, it is prudent to utilize one’s smartphone to take photographs and videos of the collision and other relevant details that might prove useful at a later time.
It is advisable to err on the side of taking too many photographs rather than too few. By capturing a comprehensive array of visual evidence, one can help to present a convincing case in court. In this regard, our Miami-based taxi accident lawyers can analyze the submitted evidence and craft a compelling narrative of how the accident transpired. Additionally, it is essential to document any injuries sustained during the incident.
Photographing one’s injuries as soon as possible after the accident is crucial, as injuries might heal or improve significantly by the time of the trial. If one’s injuries preclude them from documenting the scene, they might seek the assistance of medical personnel or witnesses. Taking these necessary steps can help build a persuasive case and increase the likelihood of obtaining just compensation.
Get Medical Treatment Quickly
In the event of a taxi accident in Miami, it is paramount that you seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you are not convinced that you have sustained severe injuries, it is highly recommended that you receive medical attention. Timely medical treatment will help to ascertain any latent injuries that might not have been evident initially but could deteriorate over time if untreated.
Seeking medical care promptly can also bolster your legal claims and prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your compensation by contending that your injuries are not severe. Our team is equipped to assist you in obtaining all your medical records and can help you locate further medical care if required.
Reach Out to Our Team
Taxi accidents can be more complex than regular car accidents because multiple parties could be held responsible. Obtaining compensation for injuries can be challenging as taxi drivers and companies have powerful insurance companies protecting their interests.
However, our experienced team can assist in recovering entitled compensation by investigating taxi accident cases and gathering the necessary evidence to win damages. If you have been injured in a taxi accident due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
Our Miami Taxi Accident Attorneys Are Here to Fight for You
Contact The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 for a free review of your case with our Miami personal injury attorneys.
