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Indianapolis Taxi Cab Accident Attorney

Advocates for Taxi Accident Victims Across Indiana

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Taxi Accidents
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Why Choose CohenMalad for Your Taxi Accident Case

You stepped into a taxi expecting a safe ride. Instead, you're dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a company with lawyers working against you from day one.

Since 1967, CohenMalad, LLP has represented injury victims throughout Indianapolis and across Indiana. Our attorneys understand the legal landscape of taxi cab accident claims, from commercial insurance policies and common carrier liability to determining fault across multiple parties.

When you work with us, you gain a legal team that investigates every detail, identifies all potentially responsible parties, and pursues every available source of compensation.

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  • CohenMalad, LLP Delivering Proven Results Since 1968 (1)
  • CohenMalad, LLP Delivering Proven Results Since 1968

Types of Taxi Accidents We Handle

Taxi accident cases come in many forms, and each involves a different set of liable parties. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients injured in all of the following situations:

  • Passenger injuries: Riders hurt while in transit due to driver negligence or unsafe vehicle conditions.
  • Pedestrian accidents: Individuals struck by a taxi at intersections, crosswalks, or while on the sidewalk.
  • Multi-vehicle collisions: Crashes involving multiple vehicles where a taxi driver's negligence set off a chain reaction.
  • Airport taxi accidents: Incidents at or near Indianapolis International Airport, where additional regulations apply.
  • Side-impact and rear-end collisions: Common when taxi drivers run red lights, speed, or fail to check blind spots.
  • Accidents caused by other drivers: Cases where a third party struck the taxi, injuring passengers inside.

Each scenario raises distinct questions about who is liable, whether the taxi driver, the taxi company, another driver, or a combination of all three. Our team knows how to sort through those questions and build a thorough case.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Taxi Cab Accident

Determining liability in a taxi accident case is more complex than in a typical car accident. Under Indiana law, multiple parties may share responsibility, and identifying all of them is essential to recovering the full compensation you deserve.

  • The Taxi Driver

    The driver may be directly liable for causing the crash through distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigue, speeding, or other reckless behavior. When driver negligence is the root cause, the driver can be named as a defendant in your personal injury lawsuit alongside the company that employed them.

  • The Taxi Company

    Taxi companies can be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. This means employers bear responsibility for negligent acts committed by their employees on the job. Companies may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, failure to properly train drivers, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or keeping dangerous drivers on staff.

  • Another Driver

    If another vehicle contributed to the crash, that driver's insurance company may also be in play. In multi-vehicle collisions, fault is sometimes shared across several at-fault drivers, and pursuing all of them is key to maximizing your recovery.

  • A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

    In rare cases, a defect in the taxi itself, such as faulty brakes, a malfunctioning steering component, or other equipment failures, may point to manufacturer liability. These product liability claims run parallel to your personal injury case and can open additional sources of compensation.

Common Causes of Taxi Accidents in Indianapolis

Most Indianapolis taxi accidents come down to driver negligence or company failures. Some of the most frequent causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Taxi drivers navigating apps, taking calls, or interacting with passengers while behind the wheel.
  • Driver fatigue: Operators working long shifts without adequate rest, leading to slowed reaction times and poor decision-making.
  • Drunk driving: A taxi driver impaired by alcohol or drugs poses a serious danger to everyone on the road.
  • Speeding and traffic violations: Running red lights, aggressive lane changes, and failure to yield are common factors in fatal crashes.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or broken lights that the taxi company failed to address.
  • Dangerous road conditions: Potholes, poor signage, or construction hazards, especially relevant in high-traffic areas of Indianapolis.

Our investigation team works quickly after an accident occurs to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the crash scene.

Injuries Taxi Accident Victims Commonly Face

Because taxis are commercial vehicles that carry multiple passengers, collisions often result in serious injuries to everyone involved: passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. Injuries we commonly see include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): From striking interior surfaces, windows, or partitions during impact.
  • Spinal cord damage: Including herniated discs, bulging discs, fractures, pinched nerves, and potential paralysis.
  • Broken bones and fractures: Particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and shoulders.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, and strains that can cause chronic pain.
  • Internal organ injuries: Blunt force trauma that may not be immediately apparent.
  • Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress following a traumatic crash.
  • Severe lacerations: From broken glass or metal edges.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and time away from work. Our goal is to recover compensation that accounts for all of it, not just your immediate medical expenses, but your long-term needs as well.

Taxi Accidents vs. Ridesharing Accidents: Key Differences

Many people wonder whether their taxi accident case is similar to a ridesharing accident. There are important legal distinctions that affect how liability is determined and how much insurance coverage is available.

Factor Taxi Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Driver Status Typically an employee Independent contractor
Company Liability Direct vicarious liability Limited; varies by coverage period
Insurance Coverage Full commercial policy, always active Varies depending on whether the driver had a passenger
Common Carrier Duty Yes — heightened duty of care Debated — varies by jurisdiction
Regulation Heavily regulated (licensing, inspections, background checks) Lighter TNC regulations
Coverage Gaps Minimal Possible gaps during Period 1 (app on, no passenger)

Because taxi drivers are direct employees, the company is typically on the hook for their negligence without the complicated "period" analysis that rideshare cases require. That often means more straightforward liability and access to higher limits on commercial insurance policies.

Compensation Available After a Taxi Accident

Taxi accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future treatment costs.
  • Lost wages: Income lost during recovery and compensation for reduced future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: Recognition of the physical pain caused by serious injuries.
  • Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
  • Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or personal belongings.
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationships with your spouse or family.
  • Punitive damages: In cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, additional damages may be pursued to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Our attorneys work with medical authorities and economic analysts to calculate all current and future losses, ensuring nothing is left on the table.

Steps to Take After a Taxi Accident in Indianapolis

The actions you take immediately after a taxi cab accident can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. If you are able to, take the following steps:

  1. Get medical attention right away. Some serious injuries can have delayed symptoms. Don't wait to be evaluated, even if you feel shaken but otherwise uninjured.
  2. Call 911. A police report documents the facts of the crash objectively and is critical evidence in any taxi accident case.
  3. Record key details about the taxi. Note the cab number, company name, driver's name, license plate, and any medallion numbers. Keep your fare receipt if you were a passenger.
  4. Document the crash scene. Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, and the surrounding area while the evidence is still fresh.
  5. Gather witness contact information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident can provide objective support for your claim.
  6. Do not give recorded statements. Speak with an attorney before providing any detailed statements to insurance companies or the taxi company's representatives.
  7. Preserve all records. Keep medical records, medical bills, receipts, and all communications with insurance carriers organized and accessible.

Taking these steps protects both your health and your legal claim. Taxi companies and their insurance carriers move quickly to build their defense, so the sooner you act, the better positioned you will be to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team can step in at any point to guide you through what comes next.

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You may be entitled to compensation for injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress. Let us evaluate your case at no cost.

Meet Our Indianapolis Taxi Accident Attorneys

The personal injury team at CohenMalad, LLP brings together attorneys with decades of experience handling car accident cases, motor vehicle accidents, and complex commercial vehicle litigation throughout Indiana. Twenty-three of our attorneys have been named to the Super Lawyers list, with several ranking in the top 10 statewide and top 50 nationally.

We work closely with accident reconstruction professionals, medical authorities, and economic analysts to build compelling cases that address every aspect of our clients' damages. Our firm has successfully taken on major transportation companies, government entities, and their insurers, and we are fully prepared to do the same for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Taxi Accident Claims

  • Is it worth getting a lawyer after a taxi accident?

    Yes. Taxi accidents involve commercial insurance policies, multiple potentially responsible parties, and companies with legal teams working against you from the start. An attorney levels the playing field, handles all communication with the insurance company, and fights for fair compensation. There’s no fee unless we win for you.

  • How long will my taxi accident case take?

    The timeline depends on several factors, including:

    • The severity of your injuries and the duration of your medical treatment
    • Whether liability is clear or contested
    • The number of vehicles and parties involved
    • How cooperative insurance carriers are during negotiations
    • Whether the case proceeds to litigation

    Some taxi accident claims resolve within several months. Other cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or disputed liability, may take one to two years. We work efficiently and keep you informed throughout the entire legal process, but we will not settle your case before we fully understand the scope of your losses.

  • What if multiple parties are at fault for the taxi accident?

    Indiana's comparative fault system allows you to pursue compensation from all at-fault parties simultaneously. Our attorneys will identify every responsible party and every available source of insurance coverage, including the taxi company's commercial policy, the other driver's insurance, and potentially your own.

  • What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

    Under Indiana's modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash, though your award is reduced by your share of fault. Insurance companies frequently try to inflate your percentage to reduce payouts; our attorneys push back with evidence.

Contact CohenMalad Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a taxi accident in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, don't wait to get legal help. The sooner we begin investigating your case and preserving evidence, the stronger your claim will be.

Contact CohenMalad, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

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