How To Know When You Are Injured In a Taxi Cab Accident

Taxis are still the most popular mode of transport, despite the rise of Uber/Lyft ride-sharing platforms. Taxicab accidents are nothing new. They have been around for many years, and the law and claims process is well-established. The volume of taxi accidents has declined because taxis aren’t used as often anymore.

St. Petersburg Personal Injuries Attorneys Jenkins Law Office specializes in accidents. Over the years, we have dealt with many taxi accident cases and understand the complexities of each case. This article will help you understand your situation if you were in a uber taxi accident. For a complimentary consultation, contact us immediately if you have any questions.

What Happens When a Taxi Hits You?

There are two options for recovering money if a taxi crashes into a vehicle you drive or are a passenger in. The taxi driver and taxi company are your primary claims. This claim is made under the Bodily Injury policy. Florida law requires that taxis carry at least 125k/250k BI coverage. This means that there is a maximum limit of 250k per person and a maximum amount of 500k for each accident if multiple claimants are involved.

You can also file a claim on your own Underinsured Motorist coverage. This would only be possible if your taxi driver/company does not have sufficient insurance to cover your losses.

What Happens If You Are Hit While Riding In a Taxi As a Passenger?

If you are a passenger on a taxi and get injured due to the fault of another vehicle’s negligence, your first claim for damages will be against the driver at fault. This is a claim against the driver’s Bodily Injury policy. You can seek Uninsured Motorist coverage if the at-fault driver didn’t have BI or had insufficient BI to cover your losses. Taxis are not required by law to have UM coverage, and many companies don’t have it. You will need to find your own UM coverage to get relief.

What Should You Do After a Taxicab Accident?

You should follow several steps for every taxi accident.

Step 1: Contact The Police

Don’t let taxi drivers try to take control of your situation. Many of them do. Don’t be intimidated. Just contact the police to investigate. Make sure you are assertive when the police arrive.

Step 2: Take Photos

Photograph the vehicle damage while you’re still on the accident scene. Also, I recommend taking pictures of witnesses and drivers.

Step 3: Gather Contact Information

Although it may be part and parcel of the job of the police officer to gather contact information for everyone, you should not rely solely on them. Obtain the names and numbers for all witnesses to the accident, regardless of whether the officer thinks he has it. This is because officers are known to lose contact information or mistype it. It could become lost forever if that happens.

Step 4: Get Medical Treatment

The history of your treatment is an important part of any injury claim. Your claim will be greatly reduced if you delay in seeing a doctor or if your medical treatment is not up to par. You should immediately get checked out after an accident and follow up with a doctor who specializes in auto accident injuries.

Step 5: File a Claim With Your Insurance Company

Within a reasonable amount of time following an accident, you must notify your insurance company. It is not a bad idea to call your insurance company and the company that insured the at-fault vehicle. However, the insurance company that covers the taxi may want to give a statement. Although it is not uncommon for an insurance company to provide this statement, it is best to ask your lawyer first.

Who Pays For My Medical Bills After a Taxi Accident?

If you are in a taxi and were struck by another vehicle, your no-fault or PIP insurance will pay the first $10,000 of your medical expenses. The coverage is available regardless of the cause of the accident. You will not be eligible for PIP benefits if you were a passenger in the taxi at the time the accident occurred. PIP is not available to taxis in Florida. You will need to either have your own car insurance or the insurance of a relative to be eligible for PIP.

Contact A Local Accident Attorney

St. Petersburg Personal Injuries Attorneys Jenkins Law Offices recommends that you immediately consult with an Accident Attorney after an accident. Multiple insurance companies can make it difficult to file a taxi claim. Many people have difficulty getting the insurance company to answer their questions or return calls. If you allow them to, insurance companies will profit from you.

After we have been retained to handle an injury claim, all communication must be directed to our office. We will determine what insurance policies are available and then set up the claims. We also assist with the arrangement of appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. Our goal in all cases is to help you get well and then obtain maximum compensation. Although we hope you aren’t in a taxi accident if you have any questions or you know someone who is, please contact us.

This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann has the best personal injury attorneys. She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injury. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your individual situation.

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