Dunwoody has many different taxi services for residents and visitors. Even with the rise in ridesharing, taxicabs transport people to their destinations every day. But taxi drivers are not perfect. If you’ve been in an accident with a taxicab driver, you need to speak with a lawyer.
John Foy & Associates will make sure you know your rights. As one of the largest and most respected personal injury firms, we know what to do. Our lawyers are not afraid to fight for the recovery you deserve.
We do not charge a fee unless we win your case. To schedule a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Expect After a Taxicab Accident
If you suffered injuries in a taxicab accident, you might be:
- A passenger
- Another driver
- A pedestrian or bicycle rider
No matter your role, you shouldn’t pay for the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault. It’s crucial to take the situation seriously. You are probably eligible for financial recovery, but you’ll need to act fast.
Get Information at the Scene
Make sure you have the taxicab driver’s information. Get their name, contact information, cab number, and employer’s name. Then, call the police to report the accident.
If there were witnesses, talk to them. Ask for their names and contact information. Also, take pictures of the entire accident scene. Snap photos of your injuries and vehicle damage (if you were driving).
See a Doctor
If you or someone else has severe injuries, call for an ambulance. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as possible. You will need records of your medical treatment when you file the insurance claim.
Waiting too long to get treatment will hurt your case. Even if you feel okay or seem to have minor injuries, see a doctor.
Call a Lawyer
Taxicab accidents are complicated. You can protect yourself by talking with an experienced taxicab accident lawyer. With a lawyer’s help, you’ll know your full legal options and how to protect your rights.
Get the strong arm
Common Causes of Taxicab Accidents
Taxicab drivers are not immune to mistakes. In fact, the stressors and demands of the job can increase the risk of accidents. Taxicab crashes often happen because of:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to yield
- Drunk driving
Sometimes, the taxicab driver is not at fault. For example, you might have been injured as a taxi passenger when another driver was at fault. You’ll need to know who was at fault and how they caused the accident.
An experienced lawyer will get to the bottom of what happened. To schedule a free consultation with John Foy & Associates, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Filing a Claim Against a Taxicab Company in Dunwoody
The negligent driver in an accident is responsible. If the driver has insurance coverage, that coverage should pay for the damages. Under Georgia Code § 51-12-4, you can seek compensation from the insurance company.
The responsible party in a taxicab accident could be:
- The taxi driver
- The taxicab company
- Another driver
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A government entity
Insurance claims can be confusing with taxicab accidents. For example, some taxicab drivers work as independent contractors. If so, the driver’s own insurance might cover the accident. If the driver is an employee, the taxicab company’s insurance probably applies.
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance company is responsible. In some cases, a vehicle defect or poor road condition might lead to the accident. You will need to research what happened to know who is at fault.
When you know the at-fault party, you can file a personal injury claim with their insurance company. But it’s important to have all the facts first. If you need help, contact an experienced Dunwoody lawyer.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Georgia has modified comparative negligence laws under Georgia Code § 51-12-33. These laws base compensation on who was at fault for an accident. If two or more parties are at fault, both have a chance of receiving compensation.
You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. For example, say you were 10% at fault for an accident. You would be responsible for 10% of your total damages. But you could still recover 90% of your costs.
Damages Available in a Taxicab Accident Claim
If you didn’t cause your accident, you have recover costs like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
The damages from a taxicab accident can be great. Plus, you might have emotional injuries that you can’t see on paper.
It’s best to work with a taxicab accident lawyer who can calculate all of your accident costs. That includes any future or ongoing medical treatment you need.
How Long You Have to File Your Case
You usually have two years from an auto accident to file a personal injury claim. In some cases, the deadline is shorter.
It’s crucial to work fast so that you don’t miss the statute of limitations. Your lawyer will help you stay on track while building a strong injury claim. Memories and details can fade with time, so don’t wait to get started.
How to Handle the Insurance Company
Insurance companies take about one thing the most: profit. You should know that the other side’s insurance company isn’t on your side. They are looking for ways to pay less than you deserve.
Insurance adjusters will try to settle a claim as fast as possible. They might offer you a very low upfront settlement. At the time, it might even seem like an okay deal. But it won’t come close to covering all of your costs.
The best way to handle the insurance company is by hiring a lawyer. You can direct any communication straight to your attorney. If the insurer offers a low settlement, your lawyer will be ready to negotiate or go to court.
Speak with a Dunwoody Taxicab Accident Lawyer Today
After a taxicab accident, life can feel uncertain. You might wonder what to do first and how to get started. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it all alone.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have practices throughout Georgia and over 20 years of experience. Our lawyers do not charge you unless we win your case.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for you.
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