Tampa Taxi Accident Lawyer

August 14, 2020 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman

Taxi Accidents Can Cause Confusion About Who Is to Blame

Suffering injuries in any car accident can cause confusion and a feeling of helplessness. When your car accident involves a Tampa taxi cab, that only adds to the confusion. Whether you were driving your car when you were suddenly struck by a taxi, or you were a passenger in a taxi that was involved in an accident, contact our Tampa Taxi Accident Lawyers at The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA to find out if the law could entitle you to compensation for your injuries.

Tampa streets are crowded with taxis, meaning any resident is at risk of injury due to a taxi collision every time they leave home. If you are involved in a regular car accident that the other driver caused, it is pretty clear who you can hold liable for your injuries and your medical bills. But when taxis are involved in car accidents, you may be unsure of who to hold liable for your injuries. All you know is you will have medical bills, but you may not know who should pay them.

These questions can confuse anyone and, in the worst-case scenario, cause a delay in your claim so much that you may never collect any damages from the at-fault party. The best way to avoid this situation is to work with a trusted Florida taxi accident attorney who can help get you every dollar you deserve.

That's why you need to speak with a trusted Tampa taxi accident attorney at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer can answer all of your questions and relieve your confusion, all while helping you collect every dollar you deserve. Not all law firms are created equal, however. Make sure you choose a firm you trust.

About Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

Our affiliated law firms have collected millions of dollars for our clients over the years, including $1 million for a car accident victim and $1 million for the family of a rideshare victim who died. Not every case can generate such damages, but regardless of the size of the case, we fight hard for our clients and we communicate with them every step of the way so they can help make informed decisions about their cases. Call us today and see if the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA are the right firms to handle your Tampa taxi accident case.

State Taxi Regulations

For individual vehicles, Florida law requires no-fault insurance, but taxis are exempt from this law.

Other regulations apply to taxis specifically, including:

  • All taxis must be registered with the state
  • All taxicab companies must carry taxi insurance
  • Taxis must carry bodily injury liability coverage

However, many taxi companies have taken the approach of ride-sharing services like Uber and made their drivers independent contractors. This means the driver leases the cab, but operates as a separate company and must carry their own insurance. And if you suffer serious injuries in an accident, their insurance coverage may not be enough to pay all of your medical expenses.

This could result in you having to pay out of pocket for medical expenses coming from an accident you did not cause. To avoid this, work with an experienced Tampa taxi accident lawyer. The right legal representation can help you maximize your compensation.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft should not be confused with Taxi services in Florida. While Florida law is starting to recognize ride-sharing services, there are distinct differences between them. When you suffer an injury in a ride-sharing car, it limits your options for holding the rideshare company liable. Taxi companies are regulated somewhat differently. Not only does this result in confusion, it also makes it difficult for you to know who is to blame for your accident and who should pay your medical bills.

Avoiding confusion is key to your successful recovery. Using the services of a skilled Tampa taxi accident attorney is the best way for you to ensure you have the legal representation you deserve at your side working hard to protect your rights and collect every dollar you deserve.

Common Causes of Tampa Taxi Accidents

Taxi accidents happen either when the cab you are riding in comes into contact with another vehicle or if you are driving your own car and are hit by a taxi. Either way, the resulting accident could leave you confused about what comes next and which party is at fault and liable for your injuries.

It helps to know what caused your accident. Often, taxi accidents result from:

Understanding how your accident happened can shed light on what steps to take next. To help you with this, the right taxi accident lawyer in Tampa can investigate your taxi accident and get to the root cause of what happened.

Choose a Tampa taxi accident attorney you feel comfortable with to handle your case. The right lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your Tampa taxi accident claim.

Common Tampa Taxi Accident Injuries

Taxi cabs provide an effortless way to get around town. Whether you are visiting Tampa and are not sure of how to get around, or you are local, cabs, in any event, provide an efficient mode of transportation. When riding in a taxi, you expect the driver to not only know their way around town so they get you to your correct destination, but you also expect them to get you there safely. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Whether the fault of the taxi driver or another driver, accidents happen. In fact, more than 29,000 accidents took place in the Tampa area in one recent year

Depending on the type of accident you were in, you could suffer severe injuries. About 20,000 persons sustain injuries and about 200 die in Tampa-area car accidents every year. While not every car accident will result in death, this shows the extreme nature with which your life could change in a moment.

Injuries vary but can include:

  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Bruises
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Amputation

With increased severity of injuries comes not only higher medical bills, but also a greater likelihood that your life will forever change. Because of your injuries, you may never return to work in the same capacity which could greatly reduce your ability to provide for yourself and your family. This loss can create unnecessary burden and stress on your family as they try to cover the loss of your income.

But you and your family should not worry about this. You are a victim of a tragic accident and the negligent driver should cover your medical expenses and any other financial losses. To achieve that goal, work with a seasoned taxi accident lawyer in Tampa who can help you maximize your financial compensation.

Determining Who Is at Fault in a Tampa Taxi Accident

When you suffer injuries in an accident involving a taxi, you may be uncertain about who is at fault. While the taxi driver may have carried appropriate insurance, if your injuries are severe enough, it likely will not cover all of your expenses.

So what you want to determine is whether you can hold the taxi company liable for the accident.

There many reasons you might hold the taxi company held liable include:

  • Inadequate hiring practices
  • Inadequate driver training
  • Improper vehicle maintenance

As discussed above, the taxi company may have determined the driver is not an employee but an independent contractor instead. While this might seem to limit the taxi company's liability, a taxi accident attorney in Tampa can help you prove the taxi company misclassified the driver and show the driver is really an employee. Doing so could make it more likely that you can hold the taxi company liable for the accident and your subsequent injuries.

Damages You Could Collect From a Tampa Taxi Accident

Your ability to collect damages for your suffering depends a great deal on the knowledge and skill of your chosen lawyer.

When you work with our experienced Tampa taxi accident attorney, we may try to get you compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of life enjoyment
  • Present and future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs

The value of your Tampa taxi accident claim will depend on many factors. One of the most important is your ability to return to work. In many cases, taxi accident injury victims like you never return to work at your previous capacity. Many must only work part-time and some, not at all. This can lead to greatly reduced earning potential and financial support for your family.

Your lawyer can work with you to help you create an accurate estimate of your future financial needs. This includes your lost wages but also your future medical bills. When injury victims first hear from the insurance company representing the at-fault driver, they get excited about the opportunity to settle their case quickly and put this all behind them.

Unfortunately, many victims fail to realize the insurance company is not looking out for their best interests. Insurance companies are in the business of making money and if they pay out the full value of your accident injury claim, they cut into their profits. When they call you soon after your accident, they know you want to put this experience behind you so they offer you a quick settlement.

What they will not tell you, however, is that the settlement funds likely will not cover all of your future financial needs. That's why it's so important that you work with a knowledgeable Tampa taxi accident attorney who can help you create an accurate estimate so you do not get taken advantage of by an insurance company. If you take the settlement offer, you will waive your right to bring any future claims against the insurance company for this accident.

That means, in the future, when you realize the settlement funds were not enough to cover all of your needs, it will be too late and you cannot bring another claim for damages. Having a lawyer at your side to review the settlement offer and advise you on what steps to take next are invaluable.

Your lawyer's goal is aligned with yours, not the insurance company. Your attorney should fight to get you every dollar you deserve, so you do not have to worry about how your bills will get paid. The insurance company wants to make you go away for as little money as possible. You need a lawyer at your side who is not afraid to take on the big insurance companies and aggressively work to maximize your recovery.

You Have Limited Time to File Your Tampa Taxi Accident Claim

You only have four years from the date of your injury to file your Tampa taxi accident claim against the at-fault party.

That might seem like a really long time, but think about everything you will face during that time:

  • Extended hospital stays
  • Multiple surgeries
  • Extended periods out of work
  • Time in rehabilitation

Not only that but the longer you wait, the fuzzier witness memories become. Start working with an experienced Tampa taxi accident injury attorney as soon as possible after your taxi accident. Doing so will give you a leg up by making sure your legal team is working hard to protect your rights while you focus on what really matters—your recovery.

Part of your ability to recover is determined by your ability to focus on your well being. By lifting the stress and worry about your legal claim, your attorney can help you focus on your recovery. You can rest assured that while you are recovering, your advocate is doing everything in their power to get you every dollar you deserve, so you do not have to worry about how your bills get paid and how your family copes with the loss of your income.

Your Tampa Taxi Accident Lawyer Matters

That's why the lawyer you choose matters. Not only can the right Florida taxi accident attorney help you recover the compensation you deserve, they can also help you focus on your physical well being by handling the complex aspects of your case. Your life may be different today than it was yesterday, but that does not mean you have to suffer more than you already have.

While most Tampa taxi accident claims do settle out of court, and this is certainly a common goal, sometimes insurance companies refuse to be reasonable, and you might need to take your case to trial to obtain the compensation you deserve. You likely want to wrap this up quickly, but it's important not to settle for less than a fair amount. That's why your lawyer should work hard to protect your rights by investigating your accident, speaking with witnesses, working with expert witnesses, negotiating with insurance companies, and defending your rights at trial.

Even though trial is a last resort, you still want a lawyer at your side with trial experience. Waiting until your case proceeds to trial to get the right trial lawyer will only cause further delay and frustration. Choose your lawyer carefully, and choose a Tampa taxi accident lawyer with proven experience settling and trying cases.

Tampa Taxi Accident Lawyer Answers Your Questions

How do I file a Tampa taxi accident claim?

After your taxi accident, you likely face numerous challenges because of the injuries you have suffered; but to receive compensation for your injuries, you must know who is at fault. That's how you begin the process of filing a Tampa taxi accident claim.

The best way to make sure you file your claim against the right party is to hire a knowledgeable Tampa taxi accident injury lawyer. You want to make sure your lawyer has experience helping taxi accident injury victims like you. Not every Tampa taxi accident lawyer has the skill needed to investigate your accident and help you maximize your recovery. Make sure you speak with a lawyer who has helped taxi accident victims in the past.

It may initially be unclear to you if you have a case against the taxi driver or the taxi company. In some instances, it could be both.

In Florida, taxi companies must:

One point to make clear here is that some taxi companies are going the way of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Under the law, taxi companies and rideshare companies are not the same. But rideshare companies do not employ any of their drivers—they are all independent contractors. This often limits the liability of the rideshare company in the event of an accident.

Taxi companies have taken notice. Many taxi cab companies now classify drivers as independent contractors and make them lease the vehicles. This does not mean the taxi company is immune from liability, however. The taxi company may have misclassified drivers as independent contractors, when they should really be employees. The complexities of pursuing compensation following an accident with a taxi are exactly why Tampa residents injured by a taxi should consult an experienced taxi accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I was driving another car?

You do not have to have been a taxi passenger to bring a claim against the taxi driver or company. You may have been injured as the driver of another car that was struck by a taxi. This scenario is entirely possible, as Tampa is subject to urban sprawl and many of us drive everywhere. However, we are also a vacation and business destination. Those visitors often use the services of a taxi cab and those taxis may end up causing you harm by getting into an accident with you.

Whether you were driving your own car or you were the passenger in a taxi, there are certain steps you should take immediately after your accident to help your recovery and your Tampa taxi accident claim.

  1. Seek medical attention. You may be unaware of your injuries. After an accident, your adrenaline is usually pumping fast. This can mask symptoms of injuries, especially internal injuries. Do not refuse medical attention at the scene of the accident. Make sure you also see your regular doctor. They know your medical history better than anyone and can help you chart a path for recovery.
  2. Call 911. Even in minor accidents, it's good to call 911. When you do, the police will rush to the scene and create an accident report by speaking with all parties involved in the accident and to any witnesses. This objective police report can make the difference in your Tampa taxi accident claim. While the police may not assign fault, your legal team can use the report to show who was at fault.
  3. Take pictures and speak with witnesses. If you are able and it is safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. This can help document the scene immediately after the accident and can help prove who was at fault. Also, speak with witnesses to at least get their contact information. Many witnesses will not stick around and wait for the police to arrive and give their statements. While the police may not contact them, your lawyer will want to speak with them to get a better picture of what happened in your accident. Witnesses often shed light on what happened in the moments leading up to your accident.

The most important thing is your well being. After your taxi accident, you need to make sure you are alright. Many people just want to go home and remove themselves from the situation. We understand but that could hinder your recovery. Once you have made sure you are healthy or you have received the medical attention you need, that's when you call an experienced taxi accident injury attorney in Tampa.

How long do I have to file a Tampa taxi accident claim?

In Florida, you only have four years from the date of your accident to file a Tampa taxi accident claim against the negligent driver or taxi company.

Four years might seem like a long time, but think about all you might be required to endure:

  • Extended hospital stays
  • Time out of work
  • Multiple surgeries
  • Doctor visits
  • Rehabilitation

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be out of work for a long time, or even permanently. In some cases, taxi accident injury victims can't return to work in the same capacity, leaving them at a substantial financial loss. None of this should be your burden to bear. Besides that, it puts additional stress on your family to cover the financial losses.

All of this, including the medical expenses you face, should be the sole responsibility of the negligent party. To hold that party responsible and liable for your suffering, you need to bring a Tampa taxi accident claim against them. To help you in your endeavor, the right Tampa taxi accident lawyer can give you the leg up you need.

Working with skilled legal representation gives you the chance to fully understand what your case is worth. You do that by creating an accurate estimate of your future needs. Many taxi accident victims only see the medical bills on their kitchen table and do not account for all of their lost wages and lost earning potential. You and your lawyer can work together to fully understand the financial impact this unfortunate accident will have on your life. Then, your lawyer will help you compensate for those life changes by working hard to help you recover every dollar you deserve.

How much is my Tampa taxi accident case worth?

This question is the most frequently asked question we receive from Tampa clients. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. The value of your Tampa taxi accident claim depends on many factors. One of the biggest factors is the severity of your injuries and how that impacts your daily life.

Your lawyer will work with you directly, and can help to obtain compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of life enjoyment
  • Present and future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs

All of these, and more, play into the total value of your Tampa taxi accident claim. Your ability to maximize your financial recovery depends a great deal on the legal representation you choose. The right lawyer can help you show the impact of the taxi accident on your life and help you recover every dollar you deserve.

What if I cannot return to work after my Tampa taxi accident?

If your taxi accident has rendered you can't return to work, your injuries are likely severe. Not only do you face a long road to recovery and extremely high medical bills, you also have no income. This all plays into the total value of your Tampa taxi accident claim.

If you cannot return to work, we can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses but also help cover your lost income and earning potential. This is an important component of your Tampa taxi accident claim because it directly impacts your quality of life. You played no part in causing the taxi accident, so you should bear none of the financial burdens you now face. That burden should fall squarely on the shoulders of the taxi driver, taxi company, or both.

Should I take a quick settlement after my Tampa taxi accident?

Many taxi accident injury victims want to put this tragic experience behind them as quickly as possible. We understand. This is not any fun. All you want is to get back to your regular life and forget this accident ever happened.

Many victims also jump at the chance to take a quick settlement. They need the money to help cover their bills, but it also serves the purpose of putting this experience behind them. We strongly urge caution here.

Insurance companies are not eager to settle your case for a fair amount—it cuts into their profits. They want to settle your case for as little as possible to make you go away. The insurance company representing the at-fault party in your taxi accident may contact you soon after the accident and offer you a quick settlement.

They do this because they know you need the money, and they know you want to put this behind you. They also know you may not yet have hired a lawyer who will tell you this is not the insurance company's best offer. Besides that, your lawyer would also tell you that signing the settlement offer means you waive any future right to bring a claim against the insurance company for this accident.

That is important because, many times, the initial offer from the insurance company is a low-ball offer, and does not include enough settlement funds to cover all of your medical expenses, let alone your future medical bills and all of your lost income. If you sign the low ball settlement offer, you will have no recourse when you realize you need more money.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans who file bankruptcy each year do so because of medical bills. Do not let yourself become a statistic. You deserve to hold the negligent party liable for your injuries, your suffering, and your financial losses. The best way for you to maximize your compensation is to work with a skilled Tampa taxi accident attorney.

Why do I need a Tampa taxi accident lawyer?

The right lawyer can help you get every dollar you deserve by educating you on the Tampa taxi accident claims process and helping you hold the taxi driver, taxi company, or both liable for your injuries. Your lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to settle your case quickly, and for a fair amount that does not leave you paying out of pocket for your medical expenses. Choosing the right lawyer for your taxi accident injury case is important—it can play a crucial role in your ability to recover.

Call Our Tampa Taxi Accident Attorneys Now

If you or a loved one has suffered any injuries after a taxi accident, you deserve to have a legal team surrounding you who have your best interests at heart. You deserve nothing less.

With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach our Tampa personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, and Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH), or you can write to us using our online contact page. Our Tampa taxi accident lawyers are standing by to talk to you right now.

Tampa Office
13513 Prestige Pl. Suite 103
Tampa, FL 33635
(813) 303-0916

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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