You can find several different taxicab companies in Cartersville. Although cab drivers have training, they are not immune to accidents. If a taxicab accident left you injured, you have rights. Talk to a Cartersville taxicab accident lawyer today.
You might wonder about your legal options after a taxi accident. If you were a passenger or another driver, you might be entitled to full compensation. You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of the crash.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped countless taxi accident victims win what they deserve. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Five Common Taxicab Accident Questions in Cartersville
After a taxicab accident in Cartersville, you might not know what to do. You’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and more. You probably have a lot of questions, too.
Here are some of the most common questions clients ask us after an accident.
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1. Who Is Responsible for My Taxicab Accident?
Taxicab accidents are more complicated than most car accidents. When two drivers get into an accident, the at-fault driver is usually responsible. The injured driver can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
When a taxicab accident happens, the legalities are less straightforward. That’s because taxicab drivers are “on the clock.” Plus, many of them are independent contractors.
The at-fault party could be the taxi driver, the taxicab company, or another driver.
Holding the Taxicab Driver Responsible
If the taxi driver is an independent contractor, they are not an employee. You probably cannot hold the taxicab company responsible. The driver would be likely liable for their own actions.
You would need to file a claim with the taxicab driver’s insurance company. Doing this might limit your options. An independent driver will have less insurance than a large company.
Holding the Taxicab Company Responsible
In rare cases, you might be able to file a claim with the taxicab company. This could be an option if:
- The taxi driver is an employee of the company.
- The taxicab company owns the driver’s vehicle.
- The taxicab driver was acting within the scope of their employment.
You might also have a case against the company if they were negligent in hiring a driver. For example, maybe they saw that the driver had a criminal record, or the company did not provide proper training.
Talk to a Cartersville taxicab accident lawyer to know for sure. Your lawyer can determine if the driver or taxicab company is responsible. They can also help you file a claim or lawsuit for compensation.
Holding Another Driver Responsible
Maybe the taxicab driver did not cause your accident. Another driver could have been negligent. For example, you could have been a passenger in the cab when another driver crashed into you.
If another driver is at fault, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You will also need to prove how the driver was negligent.
2. What Insurance Will Cover My Costs?
Drivers must carry the minimum auto insurance requirements for Georgia:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Most taxicab drivers only have to carry the minimum insurance. Unfortunately, the minimum is not very high. If the driver doesn’t have enough coverage for your damages, you might need to sue.
If your insurance policy has uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, that might help. If the driver does not have enough insurance to pay for your costs, your insurance could cover some.
No matter what, it’s best to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will know your best options based on the facts.
3. How Can I Recover My Taxicab Accident Costs?
As an accident victim, you can pursue damages as compensation (Georgia Code Section 51-12-4). Your damages are the costs of your injuries. You can recover damages through your personal injury claim.
Here are two main types of damages: special and general.
Special (or economic) damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
You will need to prove these losses. Thankfully, proving special damages is relatively easy. You can provide medical records, bills, and more. Your lawyer will help calculate these costs.
General (or non-economic) damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
General damages cover the emotional impact of your injuries. They are not easy to calculate since they don’t have a dollar amount. Thankfully, taxicab accident lawyers use a formula to decide the worth of your general damages.
4. How Long do I Have to Seek Compensation?
You must file your claim within the statute of limitations. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident. If an accident were property damage-only, you would have four years.
It’s best to get started on your case as soon as possible. You will need time to gather evidence and calculate your damages. Plus, your lawyer might need to negotiate for a fair settlement.
To get started today with a FREE consultation, call John Foy & Associates. We’ll listen to your story and discuss your legal options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
5. What does a Cartersville Taxicab Accident Lawyer Cost?
When you work with John Foy & Associates, you owe nothing upfront. Plus, you won’t owe anything unless we win your case. If we win you money, our fee is simply a percentage of your settlement or award.
You don’t have to worry about any out-of-pocket expenses. You can start seeking compensation immediately.
Talk to a Cartersville Taxicab Accident Lawyer at No Cost Today
Taxicab accident cases are complicated. But you don’t have to handle yours alone. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll take care of the legal details for you. You can focus on healing and being with loved ones.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form