Reading Taxi Accident Attorney
Taxi cabs and rideshare vehicles are standard in Reading, Pennsylvania, whether you’re commuting through the city or heading to nearby attractions. Services like Reading Yellow Cab, Armani Transportation, and Uptown Limo & Car Services make it easy for locals and visitors to get around without worrying about driving or parking. Unfortunately, accidents involving taxis, limousines, and rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft can happen, often confusing passengers about their rights.
Understanding your legal rights is crucial if you or someone you love has been injured in a taxi or rideshare accident. An experienced Reading taxi accident lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party, navigate complex insurance claims, and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Cab drivers often prioritize quick turnarounds to maximize their earnings, which can lead to rushed or reckless driving. Not only that, but Pennsylvania law requires taxi drivers to carry insurance, but many operate with the state minimum coverage—just $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident.
These low limits might not fully cover the cost of your injuries or damages, leaving you in a difficult financial position.
Whether the accident occurred with Dominicana Taxi Express LLC, La Mexicana Express Taxi Service, or possibly Wyo Express and Taxi, having the proper legal representation can make all the difference.
Our experienced taxi accident attorneys in Reading, Pennsylvania, are committed to helping accident victims. Contact us today to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Do Taxi Accidents Occur Often in Reading, Pennsylvania?
Car accidents are common in Pennsylvania, with over 110,000 reportable crashes recorded in 2023. These incidents resulted in 1,209 fatalities and 66,563 injuries, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Every day, approximately 302 crashes take place across the state, meaning about 13 accidents happen every hour. With a population of nearly 13 million, 1 in 53 Pennsylvanians was involved in a reportable crash last year. This demonstrates the significant risks of traveling on Pennsylvania’s 120,000 miles of roads and highways.
In Reading, Pennsylvania, we all know that taxis, shuttles, rideshare vehicles, and limousines are integral to the city’s transportation network. But while these options offer convenience, the increased presence of commercial passenger vehicles also means they contribute to the overall traffic accident statistics.
Although specific data is not always available isolating taxi and rideshare accidents, it is evident that they form a percentage of the state’s crashes. Heavy traffic, driver fatigue, rushed schedules, and distracted driving are common contributors to accidents involving taxis and other commercial passenger vehicles.
If you’ve been in a taxi accident in Reading, Pennsylvania, you may face unique challenges when seeking compensation. An experienced Reading taxi accident lawyer from our law firm can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Accident Involving a Taxicab, Shuttle, or Limousine in Reading, Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law considers taxis, shuttles, and limousines “common carriers.” As such, these vehicles and their operators have a heightened duty to exercise the “utmost care” for the safety of their passengers. Unlike private drivers, common carriers must take every reasonable precaution to prevent harm.
This duty includes safe driving practices, maintaining the vehicle in good condition, and adhering to all traffic laws. When a taxi or limousine driver fails this duty, they can be held liable for any injuries caused.
Liability in Taxi, Shuttle, and Limousine Accidents
Liability for accidents involving these vehicles typically falls on the commercial entity operating the service. Many taxi companies provide cars for their drivers and maintain commercial auto insurance policies to cover accidents.
In these cases, if you are injured, your claim would generally be made against the company and its insurer, not the individual driver. Larger companies might even self-insure, which can complicate securing compensation.
If a driver operates their vehicle as an independent contractor, the driver’s commercial insurance policy could be responsible. However, passengers may still face resistance from insurers aiming to minimize payouts. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial to navigating these challenges.
How Rideshare Accidents Differ
Rideshare vehicles, such as those operated by Uber and Lyft, differ from traditional taxis in terms of liability. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, and their companies often deny liability for accidents.
However, state laws now mandate specific insurance requirements for rideshare operators. Coverage depends on the stage of the ride, ranging from the driver’s insurance to up to $1 million in liability coverage when transporting passengers.
Understanding the nuances of these liability frameworks is essential to protect your rights. An experienced Reading taxi accident attorney can help you determine who is responsible and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Know Who To Sue After a Taxi Accident Claim in Reading, Pennsylvania?
If you were involved in a taxi accident in Reading, Pennsylvania, determining whether you have a valid claim involves understanding your circumstances and the applicable liability rules.
If You Were a Passenger in a Taxi Accident
If you were a passenger injured in a taxi accident, you can typically sue the taxi driver or a third-party driver whose negligence caused the accident. Most taxi drivers must carry liability insurance, covering your damages up to a specific limit. If your damages exceed that limit, you may file a lawsuit against the driver or the taxi company to seek additional compensation.
If You Were Hit by a Taxi
If you were driving in your own car and got into an accident caused by a taxi driver’s negligence, your ability to sue depends on your insurance type. Pennsylvania drivers with limited tort insurance can only sue if they suffer serious injuries.
However, drivers with full tort insurance can pursue a lawsuit regardless of the severity of their injuries. In cases where your insurance company denies your claim improperly, you may also file a lawsuit against your insurer.
Who Can You Sue After a Taxi Accident?
The party responsible for the accident determines whom you can sue.
- Taxi Driver: If the taxi driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can sue them directly. However, drivers may lack the resources to compensate victims fully, so including additional parties in your claim is often necessary.
- Taxi Company: Under the legal principle of respondeat superior, employers are liable for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of their job. Taxi companies may also be responsible for accidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance or unsafe policies.
- Third-Party Driver: If another driver caused the accident, your claim will be against them and their insurance policy, not the taxi driver or company.
To learn more about liability in taxi cab accidents, reach out to a skilled Reading car accident lawyer at our law firm today. We offer free consultations and are never too busy to speak with you.
I Was a Passenger in a Taxi Accident, Who Pays For My Injuries?
Being a passenger in a taxi accident can leave you with serious injuries and many questions about who is responsible for covering your medical expenses and other damages. The process for compensation can vary depending on who was at fault , whether more than one person was responsible for the accident, and whether you have insurance coverage.
If a Third Party Is at Fault
When another driver causes the accident, your compensation depends mainly on whether you have automobile insurance:
- If You Have Auto Insurance: Your automobile insurance policy will typically cover your medical expenses up to the limits of your medical benefits coverage. Once those limits are exhausted, your health insurance policy will step in to cover additional medical bills, subject to your policy’s terms. In this case, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover any remaining medical expenses or wage losses not covered by your insurance.
- If You Do Not Have Auto Insurance: If an automobile policy does not insure you, the taxi company’s insurance policy will cover your medical bills and lost wages up to their policy limits. Compensation for your pain and suffering will come from the at-fault third party’s insurance coverage, including the driver’s or company’s commercial insurance.
If the Taxi Driver or Taxi Company Is at Fault
If the accident occurred due to the negligence of the taxi driver or the taxi company, the taxi’s commercial insurance policy should cover your damages. This typically includes:
- Medical Bills: The taxi company’s insurance should pay for your medical treatment and expenses, ensuring you’re not financially burdened by necessary care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: You can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and other forms of pain and suffering caused by the accident.
The amount of compensation available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the insurance policies in place. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you are fully compensated for all your damages, whether the at-fault party is a third-party driver or the taxi driver/company.
How Does Insurance Work for Cab Drivers in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, cab drivers are required by law to carry insurance to operate their vehicles. However, the type and amount of coverage they are mandated to have can leave accident victims facing significant challenges when seeking compensation.
Pennsylvania’s Minimum Insurance Requirements
In Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, taxi drivers must have liability insurance to cover damages they may cause in an accident. Unfortunately, the minimum requirement is alarmingly low. The Commonwealth mandates only $35,000 in liability insurance for taxi cabs.
While this satisfies legal obligations, it is rarely enough to fully cover the costs of injuries, medical bills, property damage, and other losses resulting from serious accidents.
Many taxi drivers and companies carry only the minimum coverage because more comprehensive policies are expensive. This decision protects the driver or company from higher premiums but shifts the financial burden onto accident victims when damages exceed the policy limits.
How Taxi Insurance Works
Taxi cab insurance typically includes the following types of coverage:
- Liability Coverage: Pays for injuries and property damage caused by the taxi driver in an accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects the driver and passengers if the at-fault party in the accident lacks sufficient insurance.
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Covers damage to the taxi, regardless of who is at fault.
However, the specifics of these policies vary by insurer and individual contracts. Not all damages are covered, and specific exclusions or limitations in coverage may leave accident victims without sufficient compensation.
Challenges in Seeking Compensation
Recovering full compensation after a taxi accident can be challenging due to Pennsylvania’s low insurance requirements for cab drivers. When damages exceed the taxi driver’s policy limits, victims may need to explore alternative options for financial recovery, such as filing lawsuits against the driver, the cab company, or any other parties responsible for the accident.
These challenges make it essential for victims to seek legal assistance. An experienced Reading taxi accident lawyer can help identify all available sources of compensation, negotiate with insurers, and pursue legal action if necessary.
With the proper legal representation, victims can maximize their chances of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Taxi Cab Accident Lawyer in Reading, Pennsylvania
If you’ve been injured in a taxi cab accident in Reading, Pennsylvania, Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is here to help. Our skilled taxi accident attorneys in Reading, Pennsylvania, understand the complexities of taxi accident cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
With years of experience representing injured victims, attorney Tyler Wilk has built a reputation for compassionate advocacy and aggressive pursuit of justice.
At our law firm, every client deserves personalized attention and a dedicated approach to their case. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian injured in a taxi-related accident, our team will fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure your rights are protected.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
Locations near Reading, Pennsylvania, that our law firm serves include West Chester, Philadelphia, Exton, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Coatesville, Berwyn, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Valley Forge, Devon, Frazer, and more.