Nashville Taxi Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Taxi Accident Victims in Davidson County

Being a taxi driver is not easy, and nothing can interrupt the life and livelihood of a taxi driver like a taxi accident or any other situation that causes serious personal injury on the job. While some taxi drivers are classified as employees of a taxi company, many cab drivers are independent contractors who have limited means to gain compensation after taxi driver accidents.

Taxi accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis has spent much of his practice helping workers, including hundreds of cab drivers, with personal injury and Tennessee worker's compensation cases. He has the experience necessary to navigate you through the process of obtaining personal injury compensation from the appropriate parties to cover damages from a taxi driver accident that can help you recover.

Call the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis today at (615) 866-3938 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our taxi accident attorney in Nashville.

What are the Potential Risks of Taxi Driving in Nashville?

Driving a taxi in Nashville can be an interesting job, to say the least. Tennessee taxi drivers meet customers from all walks of life and may drive all over the state. However, along with the interesting aspects of the job come a number of potential hazards for taxi drivers, such as:

• Getting into a taxi driver accident with another vehicle, even when cab drivers use extreme caution and care while driving
• Stress and strain injuries from repetitive movement and other workplace ergonomic conditions
• Passengers who distract or assault taxi drivers and cause devastating personal injuries

When personal injuries occur in a taxi accident, gaining compensation may depend on the employment classification of the taxi driver. Some taxi drivers are employees of taxi companies and can thus file for taxi driver workers compensation. Other cab drivers in Tennessee work as independent contractors. A personal car insurance policy may provide some compensation for independent contractor taxi drivers who suffer accident injuries. Some drivers may file lawsuits against the individuals responsible for the taxi driver accidents.

Differences between Employee and Independent Contractor Classifications for Nashville Taxi Drivers

There are some key differences between taxi drivers classified as independent contractors and employees, especially in the event of a crash. Employees typically must follow close directives from their employer about clocking in and follow company policies from which independent contractors are exempt. However, taxi driver employees do enjoy a number of employee benefits that contractors do not receive. These benefits include things like Tennessee worker's compensation coverage for compensation after job injuries.

Independent contractors are subject to less control by the taxi companies under which they operate. Independent taxi driver contractors typically choose their own hours. Additionally, they are not subject to some of the same rules as employees. However, Nashville taxi driver independent contractors do not receive employee benefits like workers comp.

Common Injuries in Taxi Accidents

Taxi accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries sustained in taxi accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a frequent injury in taxi accidents due to the sudden motion, causing the head and neck to jerk forward and backward.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is a significant impact to the head, which is common in serious taxi accidents. TBIs can vary from concussions to more severe brain damage, potentially leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other long-term issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are considered the most severe outcomes of a taxi accident. These injuries could lead to partial or full paralysis, significantly altering the victim's life. Immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation are often necessary.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of this accident can cause bones to break or fracture. Generally affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, and bruises, are common in taxi accidents. While they may seem minor initially, they may result in significant pain and require prolonged medical attention to heal properly.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and injuries to the chest and abdomen, are serious and can be life-threatening. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require thorough medical evaluation after an accident.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Taxi Accident Claim?

Potential damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are often the most substantial and immediate concern for taxi accident victims. This often includes expenses for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment needed as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If injuries from the taxi accident stop you from working, you could be qualified to compensation for lost wages. This can include not only the income lost during recovery but also any future earnings you may be unable to earn because of long-term or permanent disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional misery endured as a result of the accident. This type of compensation is intended to address the non-economic impacts of your injuries, including mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma.
• Property Damage: If personal property was damaged in the taxi accident, such as a phone, laptop, or other valuable items, you might be entitled to compensation for the restoration or replacement of these items.
• Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium often refers to the impact of the accident on the victim's relationships with their spouse or family. This can include loss of companionship, devotion, and support, which can be significant in cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the taxi driver or taxi company exhibited gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

 Call Our Nashville Taxi Accident Attorney Today

If you are a taxi driver who has been hurt in a taxi driver accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the personal injuries and lost wages you suffered as a result. However, the legal process of gaining the compensation you are entitled to may change depending on your employment status.

Contact our Nashville taxi accident lawyer, Stan Davis about your best legal options today.