Miami Taxi Accident Lawyer

Miami-Dade County reports a high number of accidents. From January to July 2025, 31,252 crashes were reported, and some of these crashes involved taxis.

Taxis are exempt from Florida’s no-fault law. Thus, you need to be adequately informed about applicable laws to protect your rights.

Being injured in a taxi accident can substantially change your life. Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, is committed to helping victims injured in taxi accidents receive what they deserve. 

We have over 40 years of experience and a local Miami presence, qualities that allow us to offer dependable support.

Why Choose Bernstein & Maryanoff for Your Miami Taxi Accident Case?

Bernstein & Maryanoff has an established track record since 1983 for maximizing compensation for clients. Some of the accomplishments of our injury attorneys include a settlement of $3,000,000 for a client in a truck accident, and $2,225,000 in an auto accident.

Our law firm also has a staff of 40 people (6 lawyers and 34 support personnel), working together to offer clients quality services. 

Our Miami taxi accident lawyers have local knowledge and presence, which allows us to always tailor strategies and effectively negotiate with opposing parties. Our extensive experience in Miami makes our firm stand out.

Additionally, one of our experienced attorneys, Jack G. Bernstein, is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Dade County Bar Association, and the Broward Bar Association.

Another reason to work with us is that our personal injury law firm has a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees unless we win.

Miami Taxi Accident Laws in Florida

In a regular car accident in Florida, injured victims usually file a claim with their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of fault. And when an injured victim’s damages exceed their insurance policy limits, they can then file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

However, taxi accidents are exempt from Florida’s no-fault insurance law. Thus, if you are injured in an accident as a passenger in a taxi cab, you can directly file a claim against the taxi driver’s or their company’s insurance company. 

Taxis in Florida must carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for property damage liability (PDL) coverage. This higher level of insurance coverage ensures passengers and the public are protected. 

The personal injury law of exempting taxis from the no-fault insurance law further provides more coverage for injured victims. This is because they are not limited by the no-fault system’s rules, such as the requirement of seeking treatment within 14 days to receive PIP benefits or the cap of PIP and PDL coverage ($10,000).

Moreover, an injured passenger can also hold a taxi company vicariously liable if the accident occurred while the driver was acting within the scope of their employment.

Common Causes of Taxi Accidents in Miami

Taxi accidents in Miami are commonly caused by:

• Careless driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and speeding to meet pick-up or drop-off times. Negligence can lead to a serious accident.
• Driver fatigue: Long working hours can lead to fatigued drivers behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving: Taxi drivers can easily become distracted when navigating the GPS or using dispatch devices.

Some Miami intersections and highways report a high number of taxi accidents due to congestion, a high population of tourists who are unfamiliar with local roads, poor infrastructure, and ongoing construction projects. 

Examples include the intersections of NE 2nd Avenue & NE 36th Street, NW 36th Street and NW 87th Avenue, and NW 36th Street and Le Jeune Road. Examples of highways where taxi accidents occur frequently are I-95, Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), and U.S. Route 441 (State Road 7).

Vehicle maintenance issues, such as brake failure, worn or defective tires, and engine problems, also contribute to taxi accidents. 

Types of Taxi Accidents We Handle in Miami 

Here are some of the types of taxi cab accidents we handle in Miami, and the surrounding areas, including Miami Beach and Coral Gables:

• Passenger injuries: When injured as a passenger in a Miami taxi, you can hold the taxi driver liable for your injuries and other damages.
• Taxi vs. car collisions: This is an auto accident involving a taxi and a private car. You can recover compensation for injuries sustained, lost income, and damage to your vehicle and other belongings.
• Multi-vehicle accidents involving taxis: This type of personal injury accident has a potential for shared liability and significant damages.
• Pedestrians struck by taxis: A pedestrian struck by a taxi can claim compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
• Taxi rollovers: Our law firm helps people injured in an accident in which a taxi rolled over. This type of car accident often results in serious injuries and damages overall.
• Hit and runs involving taxis: If you are injured by a taxi driver who leaves the scene without exchanging information, we will ensure you understand your options. 

Additionally, many taxi companies dispatch cars they own. A company may have its own cars driven by employees, and then also lease some vehicles, which are driven by independent drivers. 

Whether you are involved in an accident with a taxi owned by a taxi company or one that’s leased, it’s crucial to be informed about laws that might affect your case, including 49 U.S. Code § 30106.

Our Miami taxi cab accident lawyers will ensure you are adequately informed.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Miami Taxi Accidents?

Multiple parties can be held liable for a Miami taxi accident, including:

Taxi Driver

If a taxi cab driver acts negligently on the road, causing an accident, they can be held liable. A taxi driver’s commercial liability insurance will cover incurred damages. 

Taxi Company

A taxi company that negligently hires drivers, inadequately trains drivers, or fails to maintain vehicles, resulting in an accident, can be required to cover the damages suffered by an injured victim. 

A company can also be legally responsible for its driver’s actions under vicarious liability. Taxi companies have a duty to ensure proper permits and insurance for their drivers and vehicles.

Failure to meet these duties can lead to the application of the principle of vicarious liability.

In such a case, the taxi company’s insurance will cover the injured party.

Other Drivers

If a driver of another car makes a mistake, causing an accident involving a taxi, they can potentially be liable for the damages the injured parties suffer.

Vehicle Manufacturers

A vehicle manufacturer can be answerable for an accident caused by a faulty component.

Damages You Can Recover in Miami Taxi Accident Claims

In a Miami taxi accident claim, you can seek compensation for:

• Economic damages: These are financial losses that can be calculated, such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages: These are losses that are not easily quantifiable but significantly impact a person’s life. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and so on.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases, an injured victim may be awarded punitive damages, if they can prove the taxi driver or company is guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

Insurance limits define the maximum an insurer can pay for damages. You can recover compensation from the taxi driver’s or their company’s insurance company up to their policy limit. Fortunately, taxi insurance coverage is higher than regular auto insurance. This allows many injured victims to be sufficiently covered for bodily injury and other damages. 

Nonetheless, you may still fight for fair compensation. To maximize compensation, you need to build a strong case. The expertise and guidance from a Miami car accident lawyer is vital in receiving full and fair compensation.

What To Do After a Miami Taxi Accident

Here is what to do after a car accident involving a taxi:

• Stay calm and check yourself for injuries or see if anyone else is injured.
• Call 911 to seek immediate medical treatment.
• If you can move around, document the scene with photos/videos. Gathering evidence before things change is important. Note that preserving evidence will also help establish facts and strengthen your case.
• Get the taxi driver’s permit and insurance info. 
• Collect witness statements.
• Contact a Miami taxi accident lawyer.

When interacting with the taxi driver or other involved parties, avoid discussing fault. Also, don’t sign documents from insurance companies. 

Common mistakes injured victims make include failing to seek immediate medical evaluation because they lack visible injuries, not reporting the accident to the police to create an official record, and speaking with insurance adjusters without legal guidance.

Get help from our Miami taxi accident injury attorneys to avoid costly mistakes.

The Miami Taxi Accident Claims Process

The legal process of a Miami taxi accident claim differs from regular car accident claims since accident victims don’t have to first file a claim with their PIP insurance. 

The steps include:

• Medical care and documentation: Seek medical help and keep detailed records.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: This involves evidence gathering at the accident scene and a victim’s attorney working with other professionals to obtain more information.
• Filing insurance claims: The next step will be the injured victim sending a demand letter to the insurance companies of the liable parties.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: After receiving the letter, insurance companies will respond with an offer. This will lead to negotiations until a fair settlement is reached. This stage may involve negotiating with multiple insurance companies.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation or denies liability, a personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit on behalf of their client.
• Discovery phase: The two sides will exchange information and evidence to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their cases.
• Mediation/settlement discussions: The discovery phase usually leads to informed settlement negotiations.
• Trial, if needed: If a settlement isn’t reached, the lawsuit can move forward to a trial.

The timeline for this process can be anywhere from a few months to over a year. The statute for filing a lawsuit when injured in a Miami taxi accident is two years from the date of the accident.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After Taxi Accidents

Some insurance companies use certain tactics to minimize payout. These include issuing lowball settlement offers, delaying the claims process, downplaying injuries, and denying fault. You should avoid accepting quick settlements or giving recorded statements.

Furthermore, do not admit fault or give your opinions about the accident or your injuries. It will be best to have legal representation in negotiations to protect yourself from these tactics.

When Taxi Accident Cases Go to Trial

When settlement negotiations fail, a trial becomes necessary. Our injury lawyers have outstanding trial experience and courtroom skills, helping clients receive maximum compensation in court. Our litigation resources and expertise allow us to build solid cases. 

The contingency fee basis continues through trial. You will receive legal representation throughout the whole process without upfront fees.

FAQs

The Contingency Fee Model – No Fees Unless We Win

Wondering, “How much does a car accident lawyer cost?”

Well, our contingency fee structure ensures injured victims, including those facing financial challenges, can protect their rights as quickly as possible. With the fee model, a lawyer only gets paid a percentage of the settlement or award if they win a case. 

The Florida Bar establishes maximum percentages for contingency fees, which are 33 1⁄3% for settlements before a lawsuit and 40%, if a case goes to trial.

Our law firm does not have upfront costs or hidden fees. You won’t pay hourly fees, which typically puts a financial risk on you. 

We also offer free consultations to help clients get more information about their case from the beginning.

Get your free consultation today to receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Other Personal Injury Practice Areas

Other personal injury practice areas we represent include:

Our comprehensive approach to injury law allows us to protect victims injured in different circumstances.

Why Miami Taxi Accidents Require Specialized Legal Help

Taxi accident cases are more complex than regular car accidents. This is because of the uniqueness of commercial insurance policies and regulatory issues of the taxi industry, such as the obligation for taxi companies to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and expensive taxi medallion requirements. The potential of multiple insurance companies also makes this type of accident complicated.

It’s vital to hire a local attorney who is familiar with Miami taxi companies and their insurers. They will ensure you understand both state and local taxi regulations, helping you make informed decisions. Our personal injury law firm has a strong local presence.

If you are injured in a taxi cab, we will help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Contact Our Miami Taxi Accident Lawyers Today

If you are injured in a Miami taxi accident, the experts at Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, will help protect your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1 (800) 429-4529. You can also use email or message contact options. We are available 24/7 to offer quick responses. Hablamos Español.

Get legal help now to ensure you file a claim within the statute of limitations. Don’t forget, no fees unless we win.