Many people rely on taxis as a safe source of transportation. You may assume that when you climb into a cab, the driver will get you safely to your destination. Unfortunately, that may not always prove accurate. Taxi accidents in Woodbridge can mean substantial damages, including serious injuries and immense losses.
Our dedicated car accident attorneys could help you go over your rights and recover compensation.
Liability for Taxi Accidents
Assessing liability for a taxi accident in Woodbridge is a critical part of determining who will pay for the damages associated with the crash. If the injured person was a passenger in the taxi at the time of the accident, they generally do not bear any liability for the incident. However, they may need to work with lawyers and insurance companies to get a clear picture of who does bear liability for the accident.
Another Driver
Sometimes, a taxi accident may result from the actions of a driver other than the taxi driver. In that case, the injured passenger would need to start by pursuing compensation through their insurance company.
The Taxi Driver
Many crashes occur due to a driver’s negligence. A taxi driver may hold liability for a collision if they drive while distracted, speed, disregard traffic laws, fail to yield, or otherwise create a hazard that leads to an accident. In some cases, a claim may go through the driver’s personal insurance; in others, the cab company’s policy may provide coverage.
The Taxi Company
Some errors that lead to an accident can leave liability with the taxi company. That can include:
- Employing a driver who has a history of unsafe practices
- Unsafe policies, including requirements related to driver speed
- Failing to properly maintain a vehicle that belongs to the company
Clearly identifying the taxi company’s errors can help injured individuals file a claim directly against the taxi company. A lawyer could prove essential in collecting that evidence.
Compensation for Taxi Accidents
The damages in taxi accident claims in Woodbridge encompass both the financial losses faced by the injured person and their non-financial losses. Compensation for taxi accidents can depend on the extent of those damages and the insurance policy that covers the liable party; however, working with a lawyer often increases the injured person’s ability to recover compensation.
Damages typically include:
- Pain and suffering
- Any wages lost because of the taxi accident injuries
- The anticipated cost of future medical treatments
- The cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident
- Lost earning potential, if taxi accidents permanently prevent the injured person from going back to work
Going over those damages with a lawyer could help injured individuals understand what they should include as part of a taxi accident claim. Since insurance companies do not always provide fair compensation as part of their initial offer, a lawyer can prove essential in understanding and fighting for that compensation.
Discuss Your Case After a Taxi Accident in Woodbridge With a Lawyer
Taxi accidents in Woodbridge can mean serious injuries and a long road to recovery. Unfortunately, recovering compensation for those damages can prove unexpectedly difficult as you deal with the insurance company and fight to lay out the losses you face.
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we understand the difficulty you can face in that process and strive to help you recover just compensation for your losses. Contact us today for your free consultation.
