Getting from point A to point B around Lexington should be an easy process when you get into a taxi cab. Unfortunately, accidents involving taxis do happen, and victims may struggle to recover compensation. At Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., we know how to win injury claims. We have a decades-long record of successfully recovering compensation for vehicle accident victims, and we will not back down from aggressive taxi companies or their insurance carriers.
Why Taxi Accidents Lead to Challenging Injury Claims
Taxi cab accidents often lead to particularly challenging injury claims for several reasons. First, multiple parties may be involved, including the taxi driver, the taxi company, other drivers, and even municipal entities responsible for road maintenance. Determining liability can be complex, especially when parties attempt to shift blame.
Additionally, taxi companies and their insurance carriers often have strong legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, argue that the taxi driver was not at fault, or try to settle your claim for far less than you deserve.
The nature of taxi cab operations adds another layer of complexity. Taxi drivers in and around Lexington often work long hours, leading to fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents. In some cases, drivers may not receive adequate training or may have a history of traffic violations. Taxi companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are safe for passengers and that their vehicles are properly maintained, but negligence in these areas can contribute to accidents.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Taxi Crash in Lexington?
When a taxi cab accident occurs, determining who is responsible is crucial for recovering compensation. Several parties could hold liability, depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- The Taxi Driver. If the taxi driver’s negligence caused the accident—whether due to speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or failing to follow traffic laws—they could be held responsible for the resulting injuries. Taxi drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with a high degree of care, and failure to do so can result in liability.
- The Taxi Company. Taxi companies may also be held liable for accidents involving their vehicles. Under the idea of “vicarious liability,” employers can be responsible for the actions of their employees. If the taxi company failed to properly vet, train, or supervise the driver, or if they neglected vehicle maintenance, they could be held accountable.
- Other Drivers. In some cases, another driver’s negligence may have caused or contributed to the accident. If another driver’s reckless or careless behavior led to the collision, they could be held liable for the damages.
- Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers. If the accident was caused by a defective vehicle part, the manufacturer of the taxi or the company responsible for its maintenance could be held liable. This might include brake failures, tire blowouts, or other issues resulting from improper maintenance or manufacturing defects.
- Government Entities. Poorly maintained roads, faulty traffic signals, or other hazardous road conditions can contribute to taxi cab accidents. If a government entity responsible for road maintenance or traffic management was negligent, they could be held partially liable for the accident.
Types of Compensation You May Receive
Victims of taxi cab accidents in Lexington may be entitled to various forms of monetary compensation, which can include:
- Medical Expenses. Compensation for medical expenses includes coverage for all needed treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity. If your injuries caused you to miss work, you might be entitled to compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
- Property Damage. If there was property damaged during the collision, you could recover the cost of repairing or replacing it. This may include damage to your vehicle (if you were driving another car at the time of the accident) or any belongings damaged in the collision.
- Pain and Suffering. Beyond the financial losses, accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to address the non-economic impact of your injuries, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and the overall reduction in your quality of life.
- Punitive Damages. In cases where the taxi driver or company’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Speak to an accident attorney in Lexington to learn more.
Call a Taxi Car Accident Attorney in Lexington Today
If you or a loved one have been harmed in a taxi cab accident in the Lexington area of Kentucky, reach out to the team at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. for help as soon as possible. Whether seeking to secure compensation through an insurance claim or filing a civil personal injury lawsuit against the taxi company, we promise to handle your claim diligently and with the utmost urgency. When you need a Lexington taxi cab accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling us now at (866) 984-0133.
