Springfield Taxi Accident Attorney

Do I Have a Taxi Accident Case in Springfield?

If you were injured as a taxi passenger, you almost certainly have a valid claim. Missouri law requires taxi drivers to exercise the  highest degree of care when transporting passengers. This stricter legal standard is much more severe than what applies to regular drivers.

Several types of people can file taxi accident claims:

• Taxi passengers: Protected regardless of who caused the crash.
• Other drivers: When the taxi driver was at fault for the collision.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: Hit by negligent taxi operators.
• Family members: In cases involving wrongful death.

Even if no one received a citation at the scene, you may still have a strong case. Because passengers rarely cause these accidents, your position to recover damages is typically strong.                 

Who Pays After a Taxi Crash in Missouri?

Missouri follows an at-fault insurance system. This means whoever caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to injured victims.

In taxi cases, liability can involve several parties:      

• The taxi driver: When they violated traffic laws or drove carelessly.
• The taxi company: Through vicarious liability for their employee’s actions.
• Another motorist: If their negligence caused the taxi to crash.
• Multiple defendants: Often both taxi and other drivers share fault.

Sometimes, taxi companies try to avoid responsibility by claiming their drivers are independent contractors. However, if the company controls how drivers work, sets fares, or assigns routes, they remain liable for accidents their drivers cause.

What Insurance Coverage Applies in a Taxi Accident?

Taxi companies must carry commercial auto insurance with much higher limits than personal vehicle policies. In Missouri, commercial carriers must maintain substantial liability coverage, often one million per accident.

Commercial Auto Policies and Limits

Commercial taxi insurance provides significantly more coverage than standard personal auto policies. While regular drivers might carry only $25,000 in liability coverage, taxi companies typically maintain policies worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

Your Personal UM/UIM Coverage

If your injuries exceed the taxi’s insurance limits, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage can provide additional compensation. This coverage acts as a safety net when the at-fault party’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages.

Medical Payments and Health Insurance

Some policies include Medical Payments coverage that pays for immediate treatment regardless of fault. We coordinate with all insurance companies and healthcare providers to ensure you receive proper care while preserving your right to full compensation.

How We Build Your Springfield Taxi Accident Claim

Time is critical after any taxi accident because evidence can disappear quickly. We immediately send preservation notices to taxi companies demanding they preserve dashcam footage, GPS records, dispatch logs, and driver qualification files.

Our investigation focuses on taxi-specific evidence that regular car accident lawyers often miss. We examine: 

• Driver logbooks
• Vehicle maintenance records.
• Company policies that may show negligence or safety violations.

We also interview witnesses and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Our skilled Springfield taxi accident lawyers handle all insurance company communications so you can focus on recovery while we build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Taxi Crash?

If you were injured in a taxi accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Because taxis carry commercial insurance policies with higher coverage limits, settlements in these cases are often much larger than those from regular car accidents.      

Medical Bills and Lost Income

You can recover compensation for all accident-related medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical care. We also pursue damages for lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working.

Pain and Suffering

Missouri law allows recovery of non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This includes compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and the impact injuries have on your daily activities.

Property Damage

You’re entitled to reimbursement for personal property damaged in the crash. This covers items like smartphones, laptops, clothing, and other belongings that were destroyed or damaged.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, which means you can recover damages even if you partially caused the accident. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you have 100,000 in damages and are found 40% at fault, you can still recover $60,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of your total damages.

What To Do After a Taxi Accident in Springfield

The actions you take immediately after a taxi crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here are the critical steps to protect your rights:

Call 911 and Get Medical Care

Always call the police to report the accident and request medical evaluation, even for seemingly minor injuries. Many serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding,  don’t show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if untreated.

Document the Taxi Information

Take photos of the taxi’s identification number, company name, and the driver’s commercial license. Get the police report number and contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Avoid Recorded Statements

Don’t give recorded statements to any insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your words against you to deny or reduce your claim value.

Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Immediately

Early legal intervention allows us to preserve critical evidence and protect your rights from day one. The sooner you contact us, the stronger we can make your case.

Common Causes of Springfield Taxi Accidents

Taxi drivers face unique pressures that can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. Understanding these causes helps us prove negligence and maximize your compensation.

Common accident causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Long shifts and irregular schedules impair judgment and reaction times.
• Distracted driving: GPS devices, dispatch radios, and passenger interactions divert attention from the road.
• Aggressive driving: Rushing between fares leads to speeding and unsafe lane changes.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: High-mileage vehicles may have worn brakes, tires, or other safety equipment.
• Impaired driving: Operating a taxi under the influence puts everyone at risk, leading to drunk driver accidents.
• Weather-related crashes: Failing to adjust speed for rain, snow, or fog conditions.

We investigate all potential causes to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

High-Risk Areas for Taxi Crashes in Springfield

Certain Springfield locations see higher rates of taxi accidents due to heavy traffic, complex intersections, and frequent taxi operations. Our local experience helps us understand accident patterns in these areas.

High-risk locations include:

• Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street (Springfield’s highest crash intersection).
• Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Road.
• Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway.
• Downtown entertainment districts during evening hours.
• Springfield-Branson National Airport pickup and drop-off areas.

These locations require extra caution from taxi drivers due to heavy traffic volume and complex traffic patterns.

Time Limits for Filing Taxi Accident Claims

Missouri law gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this seems like plenty of time, important evidence can disappear quickly if you don’t act fast.

Surveillance footage is often retained only briefly, witness memories fade, and physical evidence at the scene can be cleared away. Starting your case early gives us the best chance to gather strong evidence supporting your claim.

If the accident resulted in death, family members have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases have shorter deadlines, making immediate legal action even more critical.

Factors That Affect Taxi Accident Settlement Amounts

Several key factors influence how much compensation you can recover after a taxi accident. Understanding these elements helps set realistic expectations for your case.

• Injury severity: More serious injuries that require extensive treatment typically result in higher settlements. Permanent disabilities or disfigurement significantly increase compensation amounts. Medical expenses: Both current and future medical costs are fully compensable. We work with medical experts to project lifetime care needs for serious injuries.
• Lost income: Past and future wage losses are recoverable, including reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
• Available insurance: Commercial taxi policies typically provide much higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance, allowing for larger settlements.
• Fault determination: Your percentage of fault directly impacts your recovery amount under Missouri’s comparative fault system.

Free Consultation With a Springfield Taxi Accident Lawyer

We offer completely free consultations to discuss your taxi accident case with no obligation. You’ll speak directly with an experienced attorney who understands Missouri taxi accident law, not a paralegal or intake specialist.

During your consultation, we’ll review the accident details, explain your legal rights, and outline the best path forward for your specific situation. We’re available 24/7 by phone or online contact form.

If your injuries prevent travel, we can meet you at your home or hospital bedside. We handle everything on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for your case.

Taxi Accident FAQs

Can I still recover compensation if no traffic citations were issued after my taxi accident?

Yes, you can still have a strong case without citations being issued. Civil injury claims are completely separate from traffic violations, and many valid cases involve accidents where no tickets were given at the scene.

Am I covered if the taxi driver is classified as an independent contractor?

Usually yes. If the taxi company controls the driver’s work schedule, sets fares, assigns routes, or provides the vehicle, they can still be held liable regardless of the driver’s employment classification.

How does not wearing a seatbelt affect my taxi accident claim in Missouri?

Missouri law limits any reduction in compensation for not wearing a seatbelt to just 1%, meaning this issue has minimal impact on your overall recovery.      

What’s the deadline for filing a taxi accident lawsuit in Springfield?

You have five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the taxi company’s insurance?

No, never accept an initial offer without consulting an attorney. First offers are almost always far below the true value of your case and don’t account for future medical needs or full damages.