Maryland Taxi Accident Lawyer
Whether in Baltimore, Annapolis, or any other city in Maryland, there are always scenic views to experience. While not as ubiquitous as they once were, taxis still provide an affordable way to get around town. One of the many benefits of taxis is that they do not “surge” in prices like Uber or Lyft might. Thus, they still have advantages over common rideshare apps. Moreover, you may receive a level of professionalism that is not available from part-time rideshare drivers. However, negligence still occurs inside a cab. Suppose you are injured due to the negligent conduct of a taxi driver. In that case, immediately contacting a Maryland taxi accident lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and ensure proper compensation.
Taxi accidents can be complex. Multiple cars may be involved, and you may need clarification on who is at fault. As a passenger in a taxi, it is reasonable not to be paying attention outside of your car. You are paying a driver to get you to your destination safely, and it is not your responsibility. However, if you get into an accident, a Maryland taxi accident lawyer can help you determine liability. Understanding your rights after a cab accident in Maryland is critical. Generally, the sooner you act, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation. A taxi accident can disrupt your business trip in Maryland or the night out with friends.
Contact a Maryland taxi accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb today to discuss your options.
Determining Liability in a Maryland Taxi Accident
Several parties may be at fault if you are in a taxi accident in Maryland. You may blame your driver, the taxi company, or the third parties involved in the accident. Determining liability is critical. If you are a passenger in a taxi accident, there is a very low likelihood that you are at fault. However, you still must determine who is liable. If you sue the wrong person, you will lose if they are not joint and severally liable for the accident. Thus, by failing to determine liability, you are wasting your time and resources and possibly the chance of recovering compensation for your injuries.
Determining liability is equally as imperative if you are a driver in a taxi cab accident. For example, suppose you are in an accident, but the adverse driver flees the scene. You may know that you are not at fault for the accident. However, if you wish to make an uninsured motorist claim, you still must convince your insurance company that you did not cause the accident. You may only make an uninsured claim if you did not cause the accident. Moreover, you want your premium to stay the same rate. While identifying the adverse driver is ideal and something you should always do when possible, you must at the least show that you did not cause the accident. A seasoned Maryland taxi accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb can assist you with this part of your case.
Compensation for Taxi Accident Victims
Our Maryland taxi accident lawyers calculate the value of your case in a formulaic manner. First, we look at the medical expenses you incurred because of the injuries you sustained in your taxi accident. So long as you are not at fault and meet another essential qualification, you are entitled to compensation from the defendant or their insurer to cover your medical expenses. But note that your medical expenses must be causally related to your accident. So, if you spend weeks or months at a doctor but never tell them that you were initially injured in a taxi accident, then you may not be able to receive compensation for that medical bill. A second essential part of the formula for your compensation is your wage loss.
This includes more than you might think. Many understand that you can recover lost wages if you miss time from work. Of course, your missed time must be excused by your doctor. Your doctor must be willing to testify that you were unable to work for a given period because of your injuries. However, also consider your loss of future earning capacity. For example, if you worked in construction for ten years before your taxi accident and injured your back, you may no longer be able to work in construction. We must prove that you cannot work in construction because of your injury at trial. Suppose that the highest paying job you can get is $10,000 less per year.
You may be entitled to compensation for that $10,000 difference multiplied by the years you are expected to work. This is not a simple equation and is only available to some plaintiffs due to various factors. However, a skilled Maryland taxi accident lawyer will explore this option on your behalf.
Noneconomic Damages
Above, we discussed the economic damages you incurred in a Maryland taxi accident. However, there are noneconomic damages that are just as legitimate. When you are in a taxi cab accident, and you have to go to the doctor to treat your injuries, there is no question that the injuries cause you a great deal of pain. You are entitled to compensation proportionate to that pain. Of course, proving the monetary value of an injury is subjective. Generally, the more pain you are in, the more compensation you are entitled to.
Steps to Take After a Taxi Accident
The best thing to do is speak with a Maryland taxi accident lawyer. Every case is different, and getting attention from an experienced and skilled attorney is critical. Below, we provide a general guideline to reference should you be in a taxi accident. However, it is essential to note that every accident is different, and the steps you should take may differ from those listed below.
- Check for injuries
- Contact the police and report the accident
- Exchange information
- Document the scene
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an attorney
- As a taxi driver, speak with your insurance company about the property damage to your vehicle.
Challenges in Taxi Accident Claims
While a Maryland taxi accident attorney can assist you in your claim, these cases come with challenges. Below, we list the most common difficulties in cab accidents we may encounter during your case.
- Determining liability.
- Multiple insurance carriers. We may have to make numerous claims with various insurance providers to ensure you are covered for your damages.
- Independent contractor status. There is a chance the taxi cab driver who caused the accident is not an employee but an independent contractor, which can cause coverage issues.
- Severe injuries and high medical costs.
- Insurance policy limits
- Negotiating the value of your case with the various insurance carriers.
- Proving damages.
- In Maryland, cars may come from different states. This means unique statutes and insurance contracts that you may be unfamiliar with, and dealing with the various statutes can be complex.
Contact an Attorney
Speak with an experienced Maryland taxi accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. today for a free consultation. There may be looming statutes of limitation that will limit your chance to make a sizeable recovery. Our attorneys will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Call our office at (202) 331-7227 to discuss the viability of your claim.