Getting into a taxi should be about convenience and safety, not fear. However, when an accident happens, the experience can leave you with painful injuries, financial burdens, and a growing sense of frustration.
New York Taxi Accident Lawyer professionals are here to help you reclaim control over your life, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
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Table of Contents
- Taxi Accidents in New York City
- Common Injuries from Taxi Accidents
- What Are Your Rights After a Taxi Accident?
- What to Do While Healing from a Taxi Accident
- Recovering Compensation
- Why Queller Fisher Stands Out
- Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Taxi Accident?
- What Can You Expect After Filing a Claim?
- What Would My Rights Be If the Taxi Operated Outside Its Licensed Area?
- FAQ - New York Taxi Accident Lawyer
- Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
Taxi Accidents in New York City
New York City is famous for its bustling streets and countless yellow cabs. But with such heavy traffic, taxi accidents are all too common. Taxi accidents can happen for many reasons, including driver negligence, distracted driving, traffic violations, defective vehicle maintenance, or weather conditions.
Whether you’ve been hurt as a taxi passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in an accident with a cab, you shouldn’t bear the financial and emotional weight of the crash alone.
Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain you've endured.
Common Injuries from Taxi Accidents
Taxi accidents come with many injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions.
Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Significant lacerations or burns
These injuries often require extended treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work, amplifying the financial stress on victims.
What Are Your Rights After a Taxi Accident?
New York’s laws lay out specific avenues for compensation after a traffic accident involving a taxi. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages through:
- The Taxi Driver or Taxi Company
If negligence by the taxi driver caused the accident, they or their employer could be held responsible for your injuries. - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Under New York’s no-fault insurance laws, you can file a claim through the taxi company’s insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. - Third-Party Liability Claims
If another driver, pedestrian, or entity contributed to the incident, you may also be able to pursue a claim against them.
Navigating these laws can feel complex, but you don’t need intricate knowledge of the legal system to take action. What matters is ensuring the right steps are taken to protect your rights.
What to Do While Healing from a Taxi Accident
Recovering from an accident doesn’t just involve physical healing. Protecting your financial future and well-being should also be a priority.
Here are some essential steps to take after a taxi accident:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health should come first. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor to get a thorough evaluation. - Report the Accident
It’s vital to report the taxi accident to the NYPD or local law enforcement to ensure the incident is documented. - Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages. Collect information from the taxi driver, witnesses, and anyone else involved. - Keep Records of Expenses
Save receipts, medical bills, and any records related to your accident. These documents are critical for proving the costs of your injuries. - Contact a Lawyer
While you focus on healing, a New York Taxi Accident Lawyer can take on the legal complexities of your case, ensuring your rights are upheld. - Follow Medical Recommendations
Sticking to your doctor’s treatment plan not only aids recovery but also strengthens your case by showing the extent of your injuries.
Recovering Compensation
After a taxi accident, you may qualify for various forms of compensation. Fair compensation can ease financial pressures, while no monetary amount erases the pain.
Damages you may recover include:
- Economic Damages
These cover measurable costs such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future income loss. - Non-Economic Damages
For the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of quality of life you’ve experienced. - Punitive Damages
In cases of reckless misconduct, courts may award additional damages designed to punish the liable party.
Our team will work tirelessly to pursue the full compensation provided under the law, giving you the resources to move forward.
Why Queller Fisher Stands Out
When you’ve suffered due to someone else's carelessness, you want an advocate who will listen to your concerns, treat you with respect, and fight for justice. This is where we deliver.
Here’s why you should choose us as your New York Taxi Accident Lawyer:
- Proven Success
We’ve secured over $1 billion for clients across New York City, a testament to our commitment and determination. - Experienced Trial Lawyers
Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience, with six of them achieving AV Preeminent status, the highest ranking for ethical and legal capability. - Recognized Leaders
Year after year, our attorneys are included in publications like Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America® for their exceptional advocacy in personal injury cases. - Local Knowledge That Works for You
With a focus on Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding counties, we know the legal landscape, the local courts, and the players involved. This insight guides our tailored strategies. - Compassionate Representation
We understand the toll an accident takes on your life, which is why we offer support and clear communication throughout your case. You're never left in the dark. - No Fees Unless You Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Taxi Accident?
Determining fault is essential in a taxi accident case. While many cases focus on the taxi driver or company, there are often multiple parties that could share responsibility.
This may include:
- Taxi Drivers
For negligence like speeding, distracted driving, or falling asleep at the wheel. - Taxi Companies
For improper vehicle maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers, or failing to adhere to NY taxi regulations. - Third-Party Drivers
For reckless behavior that contributed to the accident. - Government Agencies
For hazardous road conditions or inadequate traffic signs.
We’ll leave no stone unturned when investigating your case, ensuring every liable party is held accountable.
What Can You Expect After Filing a Claim?
Cases involving taxis often come with unique challenges, such as multiple insurance policies and complicated legal arguments. When you file a claim, we take care of:
- Investigating the accident
- Building a strong case based on evidence and witness accounts
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies
- Fighting for your case in court if needed
We handle the legal fight so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
What Would My Rights Be If the Taxi Operated Outside Its Licensed Area?
You may not think twice about where a taxi can operate when you hop in for a ride. However, taxi drivers and companies must comply with strict licensing regulations, which dictate where they can legally pick up and drop off passengers.
When a taxi operates outside its licensed area and an accident occurs, unique questions about liability can arise.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights in such situations:
1. The Driver’s Licensing Status May Affect Liability
If the taxi was operating illegally outside of its licensed area, the driver or company might still be held responsible for the accident. This type of licensing violation does not absolve them from the duty to operate the vehicle safely. However, it can play a role in building your case, as it may indicate broader negligence.
2. Insurance Coverage Should Still Apply
Even if a taxi was offering rides outside the area it is authorized to serve, the insurance policy covering the vehicle typically remains valid. Taxi companies are required by law to carry significant insurance policies to protect passengers and others affected by accidents. An illegal operation does not automatically void this coverage.
3. The Taxi’s Licensing Violation Could Strengthen Your Claim
A violation of licensing regulations might be an additional piece of evidence demonstrating negligence on the part of the driver or company. Operating outside of the approved area could point to carelessness or disregard for the rules that are meant to keep passengers and others on the road safe. This could help bolster your case when pursuing compensation.
4. How It Affects Your Claim Timeline
Some areas have regulations that allow victims of accidents involving improperly licensed cabs to pursue claims directly against both the driver and the licensing authority responsible for overseeing taxi registrations.
Because situations like these can add legal complexity, it’s important to act quickly and ensure all potential defendants are identified in a timely manner.
A lawyer experienced in New York Taxi Accidents can help determine the correct venue for filing your claim and ensure all necessary steps are taken. Navigating the legal implications of a taxi operating outside its licensed area may feel like uncharted territory.
FAQ - New York Taxi Accident Lawyer
1. Do I need to file a police report after a taxi accident?
Yes, filing a police report is essential after a taxi accident. It creates an official record of the incident, which can help support your claim. Be sure to get a copy of the report for your records.
2. Can I sue the taxi company if I was injured as a passenger?
Yes, in many cases, you can pursue a claim against the taxi company. They may be held liable if their driver caused the accident or if the company failed to properly maintain the taxi.
3. What if the taxi’s insurance doesn’t cover all of my expenses?
If the taxi’s insurance limits are insufficient, you may be able to file a claim against additional parties involved, like another driver, or use your own underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the circumstances.
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a taxi accident?
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions, so it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
5. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
6. Are taxi accident claims different from other car accident claims?
Yes, taxi accident claims often involve unique challenges, such as dealing with commercial insurance policies, city regulations, and potentially multiple liable parties. It’s crucial to have legal guidance to handle these complexities.
7. What happens if the taxi driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the taxi driver lacks sufficient insurance, you may still have options. For example, you can turn to your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if it’s available in your auto insurance policy.
8. Are there specific regulations for taxi drivers in New York City?
Yes, taxi drivers in NYC must adhere to strict regulations set by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Violations of these regulations, like driving for too many consecutive hours, can be evidence of negligence in your case.
9. Can I file a claim if I was hit by a taxi as a pedestrian in New York?
Absolutely. Pedestrians injured by taxis have the right to pursue a claim for damages against the responsible parties. This might include the taxi driver, the taxi company, or even third parties if applicable.
10. What should I do if the taxi company pressures me to settle quickly?
Avoid accepting any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer first. Quick settlements often undervalue your claim and may not cover all your expenses.
A lawyer can assess the offer and advocate for fair compensation.
For additional guidance or to discuss your specific situation, contact us today at (212) 406-1700.
Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
Call us today at (212) 406-1700 for a free consultation. There is no risk and no cost to speak with a member of our team about your case. Time matters in these cases, so don’t wait to get the help you deserve.
Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool - New York Office
233 Broadway #1800,
New York, NY 10279
Ph: (212) 406-1700