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Taxi Cab Accident Lawyer

Injured in a taxi accident in St. Louis? Our experienced attorneys help you navigate insurance claims and secure the compensation you deserve.



If you suffer an injury from a car accident, you can file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company or with your insurance company. However, if you were riding in a taxi cab at the time of the accident, your claim for compensation may be affected by a number of things. Let’s take a look at some of those factors.

taxi cab wreck attorney

Liability

If you were a passenger of the car or taxi cab that had a car accident, you do not need to prove that you were not responsible for the accident. Passengers are not considered responsible for any accident because someone else was driving the car. The passengers have no control over how another person drives the car. Only drivers involved in the accident could be at fault for the accident. Lawyers and insurance companies determine which driver was at fault. If more than one driver was responsible for the accident, each driver involved will share negligence.

Fault or No-Fault State

In the state of Missouri, which is a fault state, it is mandatory for all drivers to carry third-party liability car insurance of up to $50,000. This means that if you get injured as a passenger in Missouri, the negligent driver’s insurance company is liable to pay your medical bills.

Multiple Passengers

If there were more than one passenger in the car and if many of them suffered injuries, each passenger may claim compensation from the driver’s insurance company. However, the amount available from the driver’s insurance coverage may not be enough to cover all injured passengers’ medical bills. In such a situation, you may be asked to settle for a lump sum amount, which may not cover all your medical bills. If you disagree, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver or the cab company.

Recovering Compensation After a Taxi Accident

Recovering compensation from a taxi-cab accident is not usually cut and dry. The driver could be working on his own or as an independent contractor renting from a fleet. He may even work for a taxi company; however, they may still list him as an independent contractor. Whatever the case may be, speaking with a qualified St. Louis car accident attorney is the first step toward receiving compensation for your injuries and losses.

After figuring out whom, if anyone, the taxi driver was working for, a car accident attorney will likely take a hard look at the driver’s record. Many taxi cab accidents are the result of distracted driving or a driver who is exhausted from working too many hours. The state of Missouri requires that cab drivers have a Class E license, so that will also be verified. No stone should be left unturned as your attorney investigates the cause of the accident and the driver who was responsible for it.

Insurance Disputes

If the drivers of two or more cars were at fault for the accident, you, as a passenger, can claim compensation from each of the negligent drivers’ insurance companies. However, these types of cases could be complicated, because each insurance company may try to pass the responsibility to the other driver’s insurance company in an attempt to pay less compensation amount.

If both your car’s driver and another car’s driver are found guilty of negligent driving, your driver’s insurance company may refuse to pay you the full compensation amount. You may need to claim the remaining amount from another driver’s insurer. Here again, the other car’s insurance company may refuse to pay more than a certain amount. In such a situation, you have mainly two options. You can accept a lump sum settlement amount from each driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the insurers.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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FAQs

What should I do immediately after a taxi accident in St. Louis?

Ensure your safety and that of others. Seek medical attention, report the accident to the police, document the scene and exchange information with all parties involved. Consider consulting a St. Louis taxi accident attorney to understand your legal options.

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in a taxi during an accident?

Yes, as a passenger, you have the right to file a claim for compensation against the negligent party, whether it’s the taxi driver, another involved driver, or the taxi company.

How is fault determined in a St. Louis taxi accident case?

Fault is determined based on evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and possibly traffic camera footage. An experienced attorney can help investigate and establish fault in your case.

What compensation can I recover from a taxi accident in St. Louis?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to the accident. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your case.

How long do I have to file a claim after a taxi accident in Missouri?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including taxi accidents, is generally five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed timely.

Will my case go to court, or can it be settled out of court?

Many taxi accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise taking the case to court to seek the compensation you deserve.

How does the “fault” insurance system in Missouri affect my taxi accident claim?

Since Missouri operates under a “fault” system, the party at fault for the accident (or their insurance) is responsible for compensating the victims. Your attorney can help navigate this system to ensure your rights are protected.

What if the taxi driver was an independent contractor?

The liability in accidents involving independent contractor taxi drivers can be complex. Your attorney will investigate the driver’s employment status and the taxi company’s policies to identify all potential sources of compensation.

Do I need an attorney for a taxi accident claim in St. Louis?

While not mandatory, having an experienced taxi accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation, as they can navigate the legal complexities and advocate on your behalf.

How much does it cost to hire a taxi accident attorney in St. Louis?

Many taxi accident attorneys, including The Hoffmann Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award. Discuss fee structures with your attorney upfront.

Updated: February 19, 2024