Unlike typical car crashes, taxi accidents often involve unique circumstances and challenges, from understanding liability to dealing with multiple parties, such as the driver, the taxi company, and other vehicles.
After an accident, it is important to understand your legal rights. An experienced Seattle taxi accident lawyer can help protect your rights, ensure a thorough investigation, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Seattle auto collision attorney at Bernard Law Group has the knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We have successfully represented countless victims of taxi accidents and are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.
Common Causes of Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents can happen for many reasons, and while some of these causes might seem similar to other vehicle collisions, there are factors unique to taxis and commercial driving. Here are some of the most common reasons taxi accidents occur:
- Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, GPS Usage): Taxi drivers often rely on GPS systems to travel through Seattle’s busy streets. Unfortunately, this can lead to distractions, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, drivers may be distracted by their phones, passengers, or external factors.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Taxi drivers are often pressured to pick up and drop off as many passengers as possible, leading some to engage in risky behaviors like speeding or weaving through traffic.
- Inexperienced or Unlicensed Taxi Drivers: Not all drivers have the necessary experience to handle Seattle’s roads, especially during high traffic or inclement weather. Some may not even have the proper licensing, putting passengers at risk.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Taxi companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in safe working condition. However, failure to maintain brakes, tires, or engines can lead to mechanical failure and accidents.
- Traffic Violations and Dangerous Road Conditions: Taxi drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines and might ignore traffic signals, fail to yield, or drive aggressively. Additionally, poor road conditions, such as construction zones or potholes, can exacerbate the likelihood of an accident.
- Third-Party Negligence: Sometimes, a taxi accident is caused by another driver or pedestrian. Even if the taxi driver is careful, a reckless third party can create a dangerous situation.
In each of these situations, determining fault is essential, and this is where a taxi accident attorney in Seattle can provide invaluable assistance for protecting your rights. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference in proving who was responsible and obtaining compensation.
Liability in Taxi Accidents
One of the trickiest aspects of taxi accidents is determining liability. Several parties can be involved in a single accident, and figuring out who is at fault is not always straightforward.
- Determining Fault in Taxi Accidents: In some cases, the taxi driver may be fully responsible for the accident due to reckless driving or negligence. In other cases, fault may lie with the taxi company if they fail to maintain their vehicles or properly vet their drivers. Third-party drivers or even pedestrians could also share liability if their actions contributed to the crash.
- The Role of the Taxi Company: Taxi companies are responsible for ensuring their fleet is safe and their drivers are qualified. If a taxi company fails to perform proper vehicle inspections, train drivers, or ensure that the driver has a valid license, it could be liable for the accident.
- The Role of Insurance Companies in Taxi Accident Claims: The taxi company’s insurance and your insurance might be involved in settling the claim. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, so having a Seattle accident attorney on your side is vital to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Injuries in Taxi Accidents
Injuries from taxi accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations and bruising
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Burn injuries
Proper medical documentation is essential in taxi accident cases, as it will help substantiate the severity of your injuries and ensure that you receive compensation for immediate and long-term medical expenses.
Our injury lawyer in Seattle understands the importance of thorough medical records and will work with you to gather all necessary documentation for your case.
The Role of a Seattle Taxi Accident Lawyer
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle taxi accident lawyer is committed to helping you through every stage of the legal process. Here’s how we can assist:
- Investigating the Accident: We will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding your accident, gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong case.
- Handling Negotiations: Insurance companies often try to offer settlements far less than you deserve. We will negotiate to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: Our team is prepared to take your case to court if negotiations fail. We will represent you in legal proceedings and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After being hurt in a taxi accident in Seattle, the damages you can recover will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Some of the most common damages that victims can recover in Seattle taxi accident cases include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future medical treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
Don’t face the challenges alone if you’ve been injured in a taxi accident. Contact our Seattle taxi accident lawyer at Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you need to cover your losses and expenses.
Why Choose Bernard Law Group for Your Taxi Accident Case?
When choosing a taxi accident attorney in Seattle, experience and dedication matter. At Bernard Law Group, we offer:
- Proven Experience Handling Taxi Accident Cases: Our firm has successfully represented numerous taxi accident victims, securing compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Client Testimonials Showcasing Our Success: Our clients trust us to fight for their rights, and their positive reviews reflect our commitment to obtaining the best possible outcomes.
- Commitment to Personalized Legal Representation: We understand that every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet each client’s specific needs. Our goal is to provide personalized, attentive service throughout your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a claim after a taxi accident?
You may have a valid claim if you were injured in a taxi accident due to someone else’s negligence—whether it was the driver, the taxi company, or a third party. Consulting with a Seattle accident attorney can help determine your options.
They can assess the evidence, review police reports, and gather necessary witness statements to establish liability. A thorough legal evaluation is essential to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Washington follows comparative fault laws for car crashes. This means that you may still recover compensation even if you share some of the fault, though your settlement may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
If you’re found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. A Seattle auto collision attorney can help ensure that fault is accurately assigned and you still receive fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim for a taxi accident in Seattle?
In Washington, you typically file a claim three years from the accident date. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and avoid missing critical deadlines. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation, so working with an injury lawyer in Seattle early on can help you meet all the necessary legal requirements.
Contact Our Seattle Taxi Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a taxi accident, you must not wait to seek legal help to protect your rights and interests. The aftermath of such incidents can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.
At Bernard Law Group, our experienced Seattle auto collision attorney is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging process. We offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and outline your options.
Our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re here to advocate for you every step of the way during this difficult time.
