If you were hurt in a taxicab accident in Fort Lauderdale, it can be confusing to know what to do.
When you rely on a taxicab to get you to your final destination, you expect a safe and enjoyable ride. Unfortunately, there are some instances where a taxicab driver and/or taxicab company cut corners and put your safety at risk. Going up against a taxicab driver, taxicab company, or insurer can be really overwhelming. If you are also dealing with potentially permanent injuries, getting the compensation you deserve after the accident can feel hopeless.
You do not have to pursue your case alone. Call the Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers. You will work directly with our partners. Call us today at (954) 476-1000 to speak about working with a Fort Lauderdale taxicab accident lawyer.
Types of Taxicab Accident Injuries You Could Have Suffered in Your Taxicab Accident
The same laws that apply to regular passenger vehicles apply to taxicabs also. This means they must obey traffic signals, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, refrain from speeding, and stay focused on the road. A taxicab driver has to juggle a lot of things behind the wheel, like speaking with dispatch, talking to the passenger, and trying to find their destination. This creates plenty of opportunities for accidents to take place.
Here are a few reasons why your taxicab accident could have happened:
Driving Aggressively
Some drivers may speed or weave in and out of traffic to get to the next destination or to pick up as many fares as possible.
Driving While Fatigued
Many taxicab drivers work long hours or work a second job, making it difficult for them to find adequate rest
Eating While Driving
If a driver does not want to take breaks and decides to have a meal behind the wheel, it can become a serious distraction.
Breaking Traffic Laws
Taxicab drivers sometimes cut corners—this may include violating traffic laws.
Driving Under the Influence
If a taxicab driver is intoxicated on the job, he or she may be completely unable to respond to changing traffic conditions or to operate the taxi safely.
Lack of Adequate Training
Some taxicab accidents also happen when a taxicab driver is first starting out. Like in any job, taxicab drivers need to have some training before they can take passengers safely.
Using Their Cell Phone
Additionally, far too many people text or talk on the phone while behind the wheel. Whether communicating with the dispatcher or a personal contact, this dangerous practice can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to cause an accident. Florida bans texting while driving according to Florida Statutes §316.305.
Regardless of the reasons that your taxicab accident took place, it is important for you to receive the compensation that you deserve. You do not have to cover all of the expenses that arise as a result of the crash. A Fort Lauderdale taxicab accident lawyer at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can assist you with figuring out what caused your accident and whether you can bring a lawsuit to recover compensation.
Call today at (954) 476-1000 to speak to one of our team members about your potential claim.
Fort Lauderdale Taxicab Accidents Lawyer Near Me (855) 529-0269
For a free legal consultation with a taxicab accidents lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale, call (855) 646-5468
Proving Fault in Your Taxicab Accident Lawsuit
Just like other drivers, taxicab drivers have a duty to drive with a certain level of care when looking for their next fare or transporting passengers. Florida drivers must use ordinary care and skill when operating a vehicle on a public roadway. This means paying attention to the road, obeying traffic signals, and not texting or driving behind the wheel. If a driver does not act according to this standard and an accident happens as a result, then that driver is negligent.
After you show that a driver operated the vehicle negligently, you must also show that the defendant’s negligence was the main cause of your injuries. It is also important to note that in a taxicab accident, their employer may also be responsible for your injuries. Like any company, a taxicab company has a duty to make sure that the drivers it hires are safe drivers with clean records.
If a driver has a bad driving record but their employer hired him or her anyway, this puts passengers at serious risk. A taxicab accident lawyer can help you with this aspect of your case by investigating the company that employs the driver (and any other potential defendants).
One of the most important parts of your claim is making sure that you receive enough compensation to cover the expenses from the accident. A lawyer can help you with this aspect of your case. There are many different types of damages that you can collect in a Florida personal injury case. Some examples include:
- Medical Bills. Any medical expenses that you had to pay because of your accident can be recovered in the settlement or judgment.
- Future medical expenses. If your injuries are permanent or severe, you may need medical care for a long time. It is important to make sure that you will have enough compensation to cover the costs.
- Lost wages. If you had to take time off from work to recover, you can receive compensation for any wages that you lost.
- Pain and suffering. Florida also allows plaintiffs in a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for the emotional stress and suffering that the accident caused.
In the unfortunate situation that you lost a loved one as the result of a taxicab accident, Florida Statutes §768.21 allows the surviving family to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to recover for their loss. The trauma that comes after a wrongful death accident can be one of the most overwhelming things that a family can experience. Our compassionate team will ensure that your family is taken care of during this difficult time.
Fort Lauderdale Taxicab Accident Lawyer Near Me (855) 646-5468
How to Get Help for Your Fort Lauderdale Taxicab Accident
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we understand how badly a taxicab accident can cause stress and disruption for your family. At our firm, you will work directly with our partners to hold a taxicab driver and/or company responsible. Our team works hard so you do not have to.
Call today at (954) 476-1000 to learn more about how a Fort Lauderdale taxicab accident lawyer can assist you with your lawsuit. There is no obligation and we do not recover any compensation unless you do.
Call or text (855) 529-0269 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form