Taxicabs are a popular means of transportation in and around Chicago. Unfortunately, all too often, taxicab drivers may behave negligently, causing accidents that injure their passengers or other drivers.
If you are hurt and face a growing pile of medical costs as a result of a taxicab accident, you may have the right to hold the negligent party responsible for your losses. A Chicago taxicab accident lawyer can help review your case to determine if you may be eligible for compensation
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we work on a wide variety of car accident cases, including taxicab accidents. We know the evidence to look for to prove liability and the common defenses used by other lawyers to try to get their clients off the hook. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients do not pay for our help unless they are awarded compensation. For a free consultation and to find out what options are available to you after a taxicab accident, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
Common Causes of Taxicab Accidents
There are many circumstances that can lead to a taxicab accident in Chicago. Some of the more common causes of these accidents are:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving kills an estimated nine people every day in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While cell phone use is the most common behavior most think of when they hear about distracted driving in the news, distracted driving actually includes any type of behavior that takes the driver’s attention off the road, including eating behind the wheel, talking to passengers in the back seat, or changing the radio station.
Drowsy Driving
According to the CDC, drowsy driving makes it hard to focus on the road. It also slows down the driver’s reaction time if the speed of traffic suddenly changes, and even impacts their decision-making abilities. Taxicab drivers may work long shifts, starting early in the morning or late at night, putting them into a category of workers who are likely to drive drowsy at some point during their shift.
Aggressive Driving
Taxicab drivers often rush to pick up more fares. This can cause them to speed or engage in other types of reckless or aggressive driving behaviors. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes, speeding can have many consequences like losing control of a vehicle or other dangerous outcomes. The severity of injuries may be higher in an accident due to this behavior.
Establishing Liability for a Taxicab Accident
While taxicabs do have insurance to cover their passengers and protect themselves in the event that they get into an accident, it can be challenging to obtain compensation. The taxicab company may try to claim that they are not responsible for the accident. They may blame the taxicab driver, attempting to hold them responsible for negligence.
If you have been in a Chicago taxicab accident where you were the driver of another car, you must prove that the driver is liable for the accident. Since Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state (also known as contributory negligence), you may recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Some lawyers may use these laws to attempt to make you seem more liable for the incident than you really were.
A Chicago taxicab accident lawyer can help fight these claims so you can seek fair compensation for your injuries. Contact the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a Taxicab Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
How the Illinois Statute of Limitations Could Impact Your Case
The state of Illinois places a limit on the amount of time that victims have to pursue compensation after a personal injury accident. According to Illinois Statute 735 ILCS 5, plaintiffs have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If they do not file within that time, they are generally barred from recovering compensation. There is also a two-year statute of limitations in place for wrongful death claims, according to Illinois Statute 740 ILCS 180.
Chicago Taxicab Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Types of Damages You May Recover After a Taxicab Accident
Common types of recoverable damages after accidents like these include:
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Medication
- Doctor’s visits
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Lost and/or future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you lost a loved one because of a Chicago taxicab accident, your family may be able to recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Loss of consortium
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How a Chicago Taxicab Accident Lawyer Can Help
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to help. We understand how overwhelming it can be to think about pursuing damages after an accident. We want to take the stress and burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what is important: healing from your injuries.
Here are a few ways that a Chicago taxicab accident lawyer can help:
- Answering your questions and providing you with legal support and guidance
- Gathering relevant evidence, including police reports, surveillance video, and eyewitness statements
- Determining liability for the accident
- Calculating the full value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering
- Communicating with the defendant’s lawyer on your behalf
- Negotiating with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries
- Fighting for your rights at trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Our team of accident lawyers has worked on many cases like these, and we may be able to help you obtain compensation. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
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