It’s bad enough getting through all the insurance hassles of being in a car accident, but when you’re the passenger in a taxicab, you often have even less control over the outcome of the ensuing case. Liability laws differ for commercial vehicles, and the jurisdiction plays a significant role. You need the best taxi accident lawyer in New Jersey when you’re a passenger in a cab accident. Call the taxi lawyers at RAM Law to represent you with the insurance companies and in court if it comes to that.
What Is a Taxi Accident Lawyer?
Taxi lawyers specialize in navigating the legal issues that arise after accidents involving taxi cabs, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. You need a TLC attorney specializing in Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) laws if you’ve been involved in a taxi accident as a passenger, and decide to pursue your legal claims, including rightful compensation.
RAM Law provides you with the best TLC lawyer in New Jersey who understands the physical, emotional and financial toll an accident can take. Their team of dedicated personal injury attorneys, recognized for their knowledge in traffic law, stand ready to advocate for you. With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes, including substantial settlements for clients, RAM Law is committed to delivering justice. They offer personalized attention and a robust understanding of New Jersey’s traffic laws.
What Should I Do Immediately after a Taxi Accident?
When a taxi accident occurs, immediate action is crucial for the safety of all involved and to ensure legal rights are preserved. If you’re a passenger involved in a taxi accident, know what to do to protect your health and legal rights.
The actions taken immediately after an accident can significantly impact the outcome of any legal claims. stay calm, be thorough and seek professional help, taking steps that include:
Checking for injuries. Assess yourself and others for any injuries. If there are any signs of injury, no matter how minor, call for medical assistance before you do anything else.
Moving to safety. If possible, move to a safe area to avoid any further harm.
Contacting authorities. Call the police to report the accident. This also ensures that an official report is filed, which is essential for any legal proceedings; you shouldn’t rely on the cab driver for this report.
Gathering information. Collect names, contact details, insurance information and vehicle details from all parties involved.
Taking photographs. Document the scene with photos or videos, capturing all angles of the accident, the vehicles and any visible injuries.
Consulting a taxi accident lawyer. Early legal advice can be pivotal. A lawyer guides you through the process of filing any necessary claims and dealing with insurance companies.
Why Consult a Specialized Taxi Accident Lawyer?
In essence, a specialized taxi accident lawyer brings a level of skill and experience tailored to taxi-related incidents, which is vital to secure the best possible outcome for their clients. Unlike general personal injury attorneys, taxi accident lawyers are familiar with the specific laws and regulations that apply to taxis, which can differ from those for private vehicles.
For instance, taxis are often regulated by local ordinances and state laws that dictate everything from fare rates to insurance requirements. A taxi accident lawyer has several other advantages in this matter as well, including:
Experience with taxi companies. These companies can have complex legal structures, such as being part of larger fleets, franchises or operating as independent contractors. This affects liability and the approach to litigation.
Understanding of insurance issues. Taxi accidents may involve commercial insurance policies with higher coverage limits, and issues like multiple injured parties can quickly exhaust these limits. There can also be challenges with uninsured or underinsured drivers, requiring a knowledgeable lawyer to navigate these waters.
Focused legal strategy. Taxi accident cases may involve specific strategies such as determining the extent of a taxi company’s liability, addressing regulatory compliance issues, or dealing with commercial insurance policies. A specialized lawyer can craft a legal approach that accounts for these unique factors.
Maximizing compensation. Specialized lawyers are adept at identifying all potential damages in taxi accident cases, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages, especially if gross negligence is involved.
How Can a TLC Attorney Help Me?
A lawyer specializing in Taxi and Limousine Commission laws, is a critical resource if you’re in an accident while in a taxi. This lawyer not only helps you deal with the immediate aftermath of an accident, but also sets the foundation for making successful claims if you decide to pursue them.
The best TLC lawyer is an invaluable ally for anyone involved in a taxi or limousine accident. Some of the crucial ways they help include:
Clarifying legal issues. TLC lawyers have a thorough understanding of the complex and evolving TLC regulations, such as licensing requirements, vehicle standards and driver conduct rules.
Verifying compliance. Since they help draft rules and policies that align with current laws, TLC lawyers can investigate whether taxi and limousine operations adhere to the highest standards.
Legal dispute resolution. In cases of disputes, whether it’s with customers, other drivers, or regulatory agencies, a TLC attorney provides robust legal support. They offer guidance on future compliance to prevent further legal issues, helping clients maintain a clean record.
Personalized legal strategy. Every case is unique, and taxi lawyers craft a personalized legal strategy that caters to the specific circumstances of each client. They understand different contexts aptly for different accidents like hit and run, speeding and rear-end accidents.
What Compensation Can I Expect after a Taxi Accident?
After a taxi accident, understanding the compensation you’re entitled to is crucial. Each case is unique, and the specific compensation depends on the circumstances of the accident. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the clarity of liability, insurance coverage limits, and the jurisdiction’s laws all play a role in determining the compensation amount. In most cases, your lawyer makes several common claims including:
Immediate care. Compensation typically covers all medical treatments from emergency services to ongoing care.
Future medical costs. If the injuries require long-term treatment, future medical expenses may also be included.
Lost wages and earning capacity. This includes wages lost from being unable to work due to the accident.
Future earnings. If the injury affects your ability to earn money in the future, compensation may cover projected future earnings.
Physical pain. Compensation for the physical and emotional pain endured because of the accident may be due to you.
In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Attorney costs. Some settlements may include the cost of personal injury attorney services to pursue the claim.
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming for the average person without legal knowledge in this area. Collect whatever evidence you can about the accident because it’ll help when making your claims. Additionally:
Understand the insurance company’s role. The insurance company will reach out to gather information. Provide accurate details but avoid admitting fault or speculating. The insurer will review the accident details and your policy to determine coverage.
Understand the role of your lawyer. Your lawyer will represent your interests, ensuring that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can argue for a fair settlement on your behalf. They provide legal advice on the validity of claims and the extent of coverage.
Negotiate with insurance companies. Don’t rush; but take your time to understand the full extent of your damages before agreeing to a settlement. Also rely on your lawyer to communicate and negotiate with the insurance company.
Review settlement offers. Consider any settlement offers carefully and discuss them with your lawyer. Your lawyer can make counter offers if the initial settlement is insufficient.
Finalize the claim. Once a settlement is agreed on, your lawyer will finalize the paperwork. The insurance company will issue payment as per the settlement agreement.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes taxi accident claims, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This legal time frame determines how long an individual has to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. If a claim is not filed within this period, the opportunity to seek compensation may be lost forever. Key points to consider include:
Two-year limit. The clock typically starts on the day of the accident, marking the beginning of the two-year period to take legal action.
Discovery rule. This rule applies in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent. It allows the statute of limitations to start at the moment passenger injuries are discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Claim for wrongful death. If a person dies in an accident, the statute of limitations begins from the date the victim dies.
Taxi accidents can have a profound impact, often leading to serious injuries, emotional trauma and financial strain. The legal issues unique to this area necessitate a specialized lawyer who can navigate them as they arise, and fight for your rightful compensation.
Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation
The effects of an accident can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled caraccident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
