Taxis are an easy and convenient way to get around. In a state like Florida, they are essential to transporting people from one place to another. Tourists and locals alike use cabs to get to unfamiliar destinations or to get home after a night of drinking. Unfortunately, sometimes taxis are involved in accidents. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a taxi accident, it is important to speak to a South Florida injury attorney who can assess the merits of your case.
Taxis are considered common carriers. Common carriers are held to a higher standard of care than other drivers. As a result, taxi drivers have certain obligations to passengers, including providing reasonably safe vehicles that are reasonably maintained and employing vigilant drivers who obey traffic laws and drive safely, use caution when transporting passengers, and warn passengers of any potential hazards the driver is aware of.
Under Florida law, different cities have authorization to regulate the operations of taxi companies. Most major cities in Florida have local ordinances governing the licensing and regulation of taxi operations. These ordinances typically mandate that cab drivers go through a licensing process before being able to operate taxis on the road.
In some accident cases, an injured victim may be able to recover compensation from the taxi driver. Since taxis are excluded from Florida’s no-fault insurance law, an injured party will typically seek damages from the taxi driver based on the principles of negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care in one’s actions or omissions. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would behave in the same or similar circumstances. In order to prevail on a negligence claim, the plaintiff must establish the following elements. The defendant must have owed the plaintiff a duty of care, the defendant must have breached the duty of care owed to the plaintiff, the defendant’s breach must have caused the accident, and damages must have resulted.
Taxi accident victims may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, long term disability, rehabilitation expenses, and more. If your loved one was killed in a taxi accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Wrongful death damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of inheritance, emotional distress, and more. Wrongful death claims are extremely complicated, so it is important to speak to an attorney right away if you are even contemplating filing such a claim.
Taxi accidents can be complex. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami car accident lawyers understand the nuances of personal injury law and can assess the merits of your case. We can scrutinize the facts of your situation and develop a legal strategy accordingly. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. Our team proudly represents clients throughout South Florida. To learn more about your legal rights and options, do not hesitate to call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online.
More Blog Posts:
Fatal Car Accidents in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, September 25, 2015
Falling Merchandise Injuries in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, August 31, 2015
Eleventh Circuit Makes Evidentiary Ruling in Florida Slip-and-Fall Case Involving Expert Testimony, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, August 31, 2015