Suffering injuries in a Houston taxi accident is a nightmare. But if another party injured you, you can obtain compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to our skilled Houston taxi accident lawyer at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers if a taxi driver injured you. You can receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Why Choose Us?
At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, our dedicated Houston taxi accident attorneys have a proven track record of supporting clients who have suffered an injury due to the negligence of taxi drivers. With extensive experience, our skilled lawyers have secured substantial multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts for numerous victims. Our former car accident clients consistently praise our skilled service and knowledge.
Compensation In Houston Taxi Accident Claims
In Houston, taxi accident claims can result in various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the damages suffered. Our Houston taxi accident lawyer at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers can talk to you today about your case for free:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses resulting from a taxi accident. These include medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care for long-term injuries.
Lost income is also compensable if the injury prevents you from working, and you may claim loss of earning capacity if your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn a living.
Property damage, such as costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal items damaged in the crash, is another component. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications for disabilities can also be included. Thorough documentation, such as bills, receipts, and medical records, is critical to substantiate these claims.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that don’t have a direct monetary value but significantly impact your quality of life. These include pain and suffering, which account for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
Mental anguish, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, may also be compensable. If the accident results in permanent disfigurement or disability, you can seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating non-economic damages can be challenging, as there is no standard formula; however, factors such as injury severity and duration influence the amount.
Where Do Taxi Accidents Happen In Houston?
Houston taxi accidents occur frequently, as many people rely on taxis to get to their destinations. Common areas where taxi and other motor vehicle accidents happen are:
Highways and Interstates
Houston’s major highways, including I-45, I-610, I-10 (also known as the Katy Freeway), and SH-288, are frequent sites for motor vehicle accidents due to high traffic volumes and complex interchanges. I-45, identified as the second-most dangerous highway in America, averages 56 fatal crashes per 100 miles, with notable crash-prone segments between West Cavalcade Street and West Patton Street.
I-610, particularly at intersections like North McCarty Street and Main Street, sees frequent collisions, often during peak hours like Friday mornings between 9 AM and noon.
Urban and Farm-to-Market Roads
Farm-to-market roads, especially FM 1960, are significant accident hotspots, handling over 60,000 vehicles daily and reporting about a dozen fatalities annually. FM 1960’s mix of commercial activity, intersections, and high traffic makes it prone to collisions, often involving commercial vehicles.
Other urban roads, such as Westheimer Road, the North Freeway (I-45), and the Southwest Freeway (US-59), also experience frequent crashes. These incidents range from minor rear-end collisions to severe accidents, including a recent taxi accident on the Southwest Freeway at FM-762.
Suburban and Residential Areas
Suburban areas like Atascocita, Pearland, and North Harris County report a high number of accidents, often involving pedestrians, cyclists, or unique circumstances. For example, a fatal crash involving a taxi and a commercial truck occurred in the 1100 block of Atascocita last year.
A Houston Suits & Boots taxi accident should be consulted immediately if someone’s negligence injures you.
What Causes Houston Taxi Accidents?
Taxi accidents in Houston are a significant concern due to the city’s busy roads and high volume of taxi services. These incidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges for passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Understanding the primary causes of these accidents is critical for improving road safety and pursuing fair compensation when incidents occur. Common reasons for such accidents are:
Driver Negligence and Reckless Behavior
Negligence by taxi drivers is a leading cause of accidents in Houston. Common forms of negligent behavior include speeding, running red lights, and making unsafe lane changes, often driven by the pressure to pick up more passengers quickly. Distracted driving, such as texting, adjusting navigation systems, or interacting with passengers, also plays a significant role.
Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or ignoring traffic signals, also increases the risk of collisions. These behaviors are hazardous in Houston’s congested traffic, where quick reactions are essential to avoid accidents.
Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Many taxi drivers in Houston work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and drowsy driving, impairing their reaction times and decision-making. Tiredness is especially hazardous on busy streets or highways, where split-second responses are needed to avoid collisions. Fatigue can mimic the effects of intoxication, making it a significant but often overlooked cause of taxi accidents. Drivers who fail to take adequate breaks or drive while sleep-deprived pose a serious risk to passengers and others on the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Although less common, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a critical factor in some Houston taxi accidents. Impaired drivers often have reduced coordination, slower reflexes, and poor judgment, which increases the likelihood of crashes. In a recent year, Houston recorded 2,355 drunk-driving crashes, some of which involved taxis.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Inadequate vehicle maintenance is another contributor to taxi accidents. Houston regulations require regular inspections and maintenance for taxis, but failure to comply can lead to issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering problems. Defective components, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, can cause drivers to lose control, especially in adverse conditions.
Retain a seasoned Houston taxi accident attorney at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers to determine the cause of your crash.
Common Houston Taxi Accident Injuries
Common injuries from taxi crashes in Houston, based on available data and the nature of urban traffic accidents, include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops or rear-end collisions, frequent in Houston’s congested traffic, can cause the head to snap forward and back, straining neck muscles or damaging cervical discs.
- Back Injuries: The force of a crash can compress or hyperextend the spine, leading to herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or nerve damage, sometimes causing radiating pain or mobility issues.
- Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Impacts with windows, dashboards, or other surfaces can result in concussions or more severe TBIs, especially if seatbelts aren’t worn. Severe cases may require emergency care, as symptoms like headaches or confusion can be delayed.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons are common due to the body’s rapid movement during a collision. These can cause pain, inflammation, and limited mobility, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a crash can fracture bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. Depending on the crash’s severity, the fracture may be displaced, open, or complex.
- Cuts and Bruises: Shattered glass or loose objects in the vehicle can cause lacerations or contusions, ranging from minor to severe, that may require stitches.
- Emotional Distress: Beyond physical injuries, taxi crashes can lead to psychological issues like anxiety, PTSD, or fear of driving, impacting quality of life.
Fighting The Insurance Company After A Houston Taxi Accident
Your taxi driver hit another vehicle in Houston, and you were severely injured. You will likely need to deal with a difficult insurance company to obtain compensation even in this difficult time. Managing the aftermath of a car accident is even more challenging when dealing with a difficult insurance company. A skilled Houston taxi accident attorney employs strategic approaches to ensure fair treatment and compensation:
Collect Convincing Accident Evidence
Your Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers will collect comprehensive evidence to build a robust case. It includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos. By presenting a well-documented claim, the attorney counters the insurance company’s attempts to downplay the incident or dispute liability. For instance, if the insurer argues the injuries aren’t severe, detailed medical documentation can prove otherwise.
Handle Insurance Communications
Next, the Houston taxi accident lawyer will communicate directly with insurance adjusters, shielding clients from manipulative tactics. Insurance companies often use delay strategies or offer lowball settlements to exploit unrepresented claimants. An experienced lawyer recognizes these tactics and responds with precise, firm demands backed by evidence. They ensure all correspondence is documented, creating a paper trail that can be used in negotiations or court if needed.
Understand Taxi Accident Policy Details
Understanding policy details is another critical step. Insurance companies may misinterpret or misapply policy terms to deny claims. A knowledgeable attorney reviews the policy to identify coverage entitlements, such as medical payments or uninsured motorist benefits. If the insurer wrongly denies coverage, the attorney can challenge the decision, citing specific policy clauses.
Oversee Insurance Negotiations
Negotiation is a cornerstone of dealing with difficult insurers. Attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand the actual value of a claim, taking into account medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering. They reject inadequate offers and counter with demands supported by evidence. If the insurer remains uncooperative, the attorney may escalate the situation by filing a lawsuit, which signals seriousness and prompts better offers.
Protect You From Bad-Faith Insurers
Attorneys also protect clients from bad-faith practices. Some insurers delay payments unreasonably or fail to investigate claims, violating their legal obligations. An attorney can file a bad-faith lawsuit, seeking additional damages for the insurer’s misconduct. This tactic often pressures the company to settle fairly to avoid costly litigation.
Finally, patience and persistence are key. Insurance companies rely on taxi accident claimants giving up due to frustration. Your skilled Houston taxi accident lawyer remains consistent, keeping the process moving through consistent follow-ups and legal pressure. They also keep you informed, which reduces stress and builds confidence in the process.
Immediately seek the assistance of our Houston taxi accident lawyers after the accident. That way, our legal team will protect you from the insurance company without delay.
What To Do After A Houston Taxi Accident?
Follow several critical steps if you suffered an injury in a recent Houston taxi crash:
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant details (e.g., skid marks or traffic signs). Obtain contact information and statements from witnesses, as their testimony can help establish who is at fault. If you’re unable to take photos due to injuries, ask a witness to do so.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a hospital or doctor promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as brain or spinal damage, may take time to develop. Medical records will link injuries to the accident, strengthening your claim. You must follow your doctor’s treatment plan; otherwise, it can jeopardize your case.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize, speculate about the accident, or admit blame, as these statements can be used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or others at the scene.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer to understand your coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits, which may apply if the taxi driver lacks sufficient insurance. Avoid speaking directly to the taxi company’s insurer without guidance, as they may try to minimize your claim.
- Consult a Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyer: Taxi accidents can involve complex liability issues, as drivers may be independent contractors or employees of a company. Texas taxi companies must carry at least $300,000 in liability insurance for medical costs and $100,000 for accidental death. Our attorney will explain your legal rights.
Contact Our Houston Taxi Accident Lawyer Now
Were you seriously injured in a Houston taxi accident? Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers are experienced car accident lawyers in Houston who will investigate the incident and seek compensation for your damages. No legal fees are charged unless we obtain compensation for you. Call us today at (713) 489-0922 for a free legal consultation.