Taxi and rideshare accidents involve complex layers of commercial insurance and corporate liability that can quickly become overwhelming. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we provide the advocacy required to hold negligent transportation companies accountable after taxi accidents in DeLand.
Our reputation for excellence is so well-established that most of our cases come from other attorneys who refer their clients and family members to us because they trust our ability to handle even the most challenging personal injury claims. With more than a century of combined experience and a team of AV-Preeminent® rated partners, our car accident attorneys bring the resources of a leading national firm to every client and case.
What Are the Leading Causes of Taxi Collisions?
A taxi ride is supposed to be a safe and convenient alternative to driving. However, taxi collisions in DeLand are a frequent reality, often caused by drivers who are under immense pressure to maximize their daily fares. These crashes typically involve a combination of driver error and corporate negligence. Common causes of taxi collisions include:
Driver Fatigue & Overworking
Many drivers exceed safe hourly limits to increase earnings, leading to slowed reaction times and even micro-sleeping behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Constant monitoring of dispatch apps, GPS navigation, and passenger interactions diverts attention from the road during critical moments.
Aggressive Driving
Speeding and weaving through DeLand traffic to reach a destination quickly often results in high-impact rear-end or t-bone collisions.
Negligent Maintenance
High-mileage taxi fleets require rigorous upkeep. Worn brakes, balding tires, or faulty signals can cause a driver to lose control during an emergency stop.
Excessive Speeding
Taxi drivers frequently exceed the speed limit on corridors to reduce trip time, significantly reducing a driver’s ability to steer around curves or objects and increasing the distance required to stop a vehicle safely.
Driving Under the Influence
While taxi companies are required to have zero tolerance policies, alcohol or drug impairment, including the misuse of prescription stimulants to stay awake for extra shifts, is a recurring factor in these collisions.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Taxi drivers may speed through intersections, causing serious collisions.
The injuries and consequences of a taxi crash can be life-altering. Because passengers are often sitting in positions that offer little protection during an impact, they frequently suffer from whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and complex fractures. Our legal team can investigate the taxi company’s logs and maintenance records to determine what went wrong and who is accountable for your injuries.
How Does Liability & Compensation Work After a Taxi Accident?
Recovering compensation after a taxi cab crash in DeLand is significantly more complex than a standard car insurance claim. Taxis are considered common carriers, meaning they owe their passengers a heightened duty of safety.
However, determining the liable parties involves investigating complex corporate structures, independent contractor classifications, and leasing agreements. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we excel at holding the liable parties accountable for damages, which can include:
The Taxi Driver
Individual drivers are liable for their own reckless actions, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, or distracted driving. However, their personal assets are often insufficient, so we look to broader corporate policies.
The Taxi Company
The company is generally responsible for its employees’ negligence while they are on the clock. We can also pursue the company for negligent hiring if they employed a driver with a history of negligent driving.
The Vehicle Owner
The owner of the vehicle can be liable for damages caused by anyone they permit to drive it. This is a powerful tool our firm uses to reach the corporate owners of taxi fleets.
Third-Party Maintenance Providers
If a mechanical failure—such as a brake blowout or tire failure—caused the crash, we investigate the third-party shops responsible for the vehicle’s upkeep and repairs.
Government Entities
If the accident occurred due to a malfunctioning traffic light or a poorly maintained road, local government entities may share liability.
Third-Party Drivers
If you suffered serious injuries because another driver collided with the taxi while you were a passenger, we can pursue compensation from that driver’s insurance policy.
The types of compensation we pursue are designed to address the total impact on your life. We can fight for economic damages to cover your emergency room bills, ongoing physical therapy, and lost wages.
We can also pursue non-economic damages for your physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our entire team has extensive courtroom experience and is ready to stand up to the aggressive defense tactics used by commercial insurance carriers to get you the compensation you need to move forward after the accident.
Get in Touch With a DeLand Taxi Crash Attorney at The Florida Firm
For over three decades, our skilled legal team has been dedicated to standing tall against injustice, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for those whose lives have been changed by negligence. Our record includes significant results like a $5,270,000 settlement for victims of a fiery automobile accident and a $20,000,000 verdict against a drunk driver.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, we believe in doing the right thing for the right reasons, which is why we operate on a no-fee unless we win policy. If you have been injured in one of the recent taxi accidents in DeLand, contact The Florida Firm today for your free, confidential consultation.