Collisions involving Atlanta taxi cabs can leave victims with serious injuries, significant medical bills, and an inability to work. Whether you were a passenger in the cab or hit by a taxi, you could be entitled to compensation through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The experienced car accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt can advise on the best options based on your circumstances.
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our law firm has what it takes to help you demand maximum compensation. Our track record includes over $300 million in verdicts and settlements for Atlanta accident victims. Fighting against stubborn insurance companies is where we excel. Firm founders Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt formerly worked in insurance defense, so we know how to anticipate the tactics insurers use to deny even the most valid injury claims.
Let us help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Atlanta taxi cab accident lawyer.
What Are Some of the Causes of Taxi Cab Accidents in Atlanta?
Taxi cab accidents occur for various reasons, including driver negligence. The most common accident causes are:
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
- Poor maintenance
What Types of Injuries Happen in a Taxi Cab Accident?
Taxi cab accidents result in injuries similar to any other type of motor vehicle accident, including:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue injuries to ligaments, tendons, and muscles
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Who Can Be Held At Fault for an Atlanta Taxi Accident?
Multiple parties could be at fault for a taxi cab accident in Atlanta, including:
- Taxi driver – Negligent taxi drivers can be liable for the harm they cause to passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Taxi companies – Businesses can sometimes be liable for harm caused by their employees due to negligent hiring practices, failure to perform background checks, and inadequate supervision.
- Maintenance providers – Poor vehicle maintenance can expose mechanics to liability if they fail to make necessary repairs.
- Other motorists – If other negligent drivers collided with the taxi, they could be liable for your injuries.
In some cases, more than one party could be responsible for the wreck. You may need to file multiple insurance claims to recover full compensation in these situations. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you identify the liable parties and negotiate with all relevant insurers.
Can I File an Accident Lawsuit Against the Atlanta Cab Company?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could be able to file a lawsuit against the Atlanta cab company that caused your injuries. O.C.G.A. § 51-2-4 allows victims to hold taxi services liable for harm caused by their employees in certain situations, including:
- When the employee injures someone while furthering the business goals of their employer, such as when picking up and transporting a fare
- When the employer’s negligent business practices contributed to the accident, such as if the taxi company hired a driver with a poor driving record
However, the law only applies if the driver is an employee, not an independent contractor. Many cab drivers are self-employed, so you would file a claim with their personal auto insurance company rather than the company’s.
What If Another Driver Caused the Taxi Crash?
If a third-party driver caused the taxi cab accident that harmed you, you can file an auto insurance claim with their insurance provider or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver directly. Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents they cause. Minimum coverage includes:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
What Should I Do if I Am in an Atlanta Taxi Cab Accident?
If you suffered an injury in an Atlanta cab accident, take the following steps to protect your right to seek compensation:
- Seek medical treatment – Follow all treatment recommendations to prevent the insurance company from saying it isn’t reasonable or necessary.
- Gather insurance information – Get the names and insurance information from the taxi driver and any other drivers involved in the accident.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the crash site and any visible injuries.
- Save your medical bills – Keep track of all health care expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, co-pays, prescription medication receipts, and any rehabilitative services you received.
- Stick to the facts – Do not admit fault for the accident or provide a statement to the insurance company without first speaking to an experienced car accident lawyer.
- Consult a Georgia car accident attorney – The best way to protect your rights is to hire a proven personal injury lawyer with experience handling taxi accident claims.
What Compensation Could I Recover from a Taxi Accident Claim?
A successful taxi accident claim in Atlanta could include money for:
- Medical bills – Money for your past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages – Compensation for lost income and benefits
- Reduced earning potential – If the accident resulted in disabilities that prevent you from working or damaged your career prospects
- Pain and suffering – Money for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience due to the injuries
You can only recover compensation up to the responsible party’s insurance policy limits. A car accident attorney will investigate your case and explore all potential sources of compensation for you. Your lawyer may discover another liable party you didn’t realize played a role in the wreck, such as a government entity.
How Long Do I Have to File My Taxi Cab Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 gives taxi accident victims two years to take legal action against the at-fault party(s). Some exceptions apply that could shorten or extend the deadline, so check with a lawyer about the time limit for your case. Failure to file on time could prevent you from seeking compensation forever.
Contact an Atlanta Taxi Cab Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a taxi cab accident, you deserve battle-tested legal representation with a history of representing Georgia clients in personal injury matters. At Bayuk Pratt, our Atlanta taxi accident lawyers will fight for results that count. Contact us today for a free consultation.