Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft dominate the market, but traditional taxi companies still exist. Unlike the large rideshare companies, taxi companies often own their fleet and sometimes employ their drivers instead of hiring independent contractors. These subtleties make a big difference when trying to get compensation after taxi accidents in Avondale.
It would be best if you worked with an auto collision attorney who understands the unique issues that arise in taxi accidents to get the best possible outcome.
Phillips Law Group has been providing skilled legal representation to the community for decades. Our lawyers have the experience to ensure you receive reasonable compensation after an accident involving a negligent taxicab driver.
The At-Fault Driver Is Responsible for Paying Compensation
Arizona has a fault-based system for managing car accident claims. The driver who causes the accident must pay the losses of others involved in the wreck.
Obtaining damages in a car wreck case requires proving someone was negligent. A person, company, or government agency is negligent if they do not use an appropriate degree of caution and someone sustains losses resulting from their failure.
An Avondale attorney can review police reports, witness statements, crash scene photographs, dashcam footage, and other evidence to confirm which driver was responsible for the taxi crash. Our team can also investigate whether other factors might have contributed to the wreck and assert claims against other negligent parties.
Holding the Cab Company Liable for an Accident
Every registered vehicle must be insured. Insurance pays the losses of others involved in a crash when the driver of the insured vehicle is at fault for the accident. The minimum coverage is $25,000 in personal injuries to one person. $50,000 aggregate for personal injuries to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. When the taxi driver is at fault in the accident, the insurance coverage available is an important consideration because it plays a role in how much compensation an injured person could potentially receive.
When a taxi driver is an independent contractor, an injured person might have to claim against their own personal vehicle insurance. When the at-fault driver is an employee of the taxi company, the company’s insurance usually pays. Taxi companies often have commercial business insurance with higher coverage limits than personal policies.
Even when a driver is an independent contractor, our Avondale attorneys can investigate whether the taxi company negligently contracted with the driver or failed to train them properly. If so, the company was negligent and could be held liable. The taxi company also might be liable if they fail to maintain the taxi properly.
Pursuing a Taxi Accident Claim
Anyone involved in a taxi accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or the driver of another involved vehicle, should call the police to the scene. Taxi companies often aggressively defend accident cases and a police report can be critical evidence.
Contact an Avondale attorney as soon as possible after a taxi accident. Arizona Revised Statute §12-542 allows an injured person two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit, but it is unwise to wait that long to get legal representation. The earlier in the process a legal professional gets involved, the more evidence will be available, and the stronger a case is likely to be.
Submitting a claim to the at-fault parties’ insurance company starts the negotiation process. Most claims settle for reasonable amounts before a trial. However, when an insurer refuses to offer an appropriate settlement, Phillips Law Group attorneys are always prepared to go to trial.
Contact an Avondale Attorney After a Taxi Accident
Collecting reasonable compensation after a traffic accident is often more complicated than it should be. The involvement of a taxi adds another layer of complexity.
Work with a lawyer from Phillips Law Group when you are involved in any taxi accidents in Avondale if you’re looking for outstanding legal representation in the aftermath. We have been achieving excellent results for local accident victims for decades.
Reach out today to learn more during a free initial consultation where we can discuss all of your options with you. We look forward to hearing from you and you are under no obligation to work with us after this meeting. Please contact us today to learn more!
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