NEW YORK CITY TAXI ACCIDENTS
Our taxi accident lawyers in NYC understand the physical and emotional impact that a taxi accident can have on victims. Unfortunately, accidents involving taxi cabs are responsible for thousands of serious injuries across the city each year. Due to the fact that over 240 million passengers are transported each year, taxi cab accidents tend to happen more often in New York City than in other areas of the country; many of these accidents can have serious consequences for the passengers and other drivers. Fortunately, victims of taxi cab accidents may be able to file a lawsuit against the cab company for any damages suffered in the accident.
At Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool and The Law Office Of William A. Gallina, LLP, our taxi accident lawyers have handled many vehicular accident cases and are committed to seeing our clients properly compensated for their unnecessary losses. We understand that injuries suffered in a car accident can seriously set back our clients both physically and financially. As a result, we try to help get our clients back on their feet by easing the financial burden resulting from the accident.
How Can A Lawyer Help You After A Taxi Cab Accident?
The legal process following a taxi cab accident can be extremely complicated; a lawyer can help explain your legal options and handle all of the difficult aspects of a potential lawsuit. A taxi accident attorney will investigate the incident, help with the filing of all essential paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims are not low-balled. An NYC taxi accident lawyer can also help a client with the following:
- Help File A No-Fault Claim: Most taxi companies carry a minimum no-fault coverage of up to $50,000. A victim must submit a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident. Medical bills must be submitted within 45 days of receiving treatment. Lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses must be submitted within 90 days of incurring these costs. Under New York's no-fault insurance system, lost income benefits for victims are limited to 80% of the individual's actual lost earnings, up to a maximum of $2,000 per month, for a period not exceeding three years from the date of the accident causing the injury. Victims who have lost their income are eligible to receive up to $2,000 a month for no more than 3 years after the accident.
- Proving Injury: Taxi and insurance companies vigorously defend lawsuits and no-fault claims filed against them. These companies will stop at nothing to avoid paying victims the compensation they may deserve. An experienced NYC taxi accident lawyer will investigate the case and hire medical experts to review the case and examine the victim. Medical experts will testify on behalf of the victim to help prove that the accident caused injuries.
- Help File A Lawsuit: Victims may be able to receive additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. By filing a lawsuit, victims may be able to receive compensation for any lost wages or medical bills not covered by the no-fault claim, as well as pain and suffering damages.
Facts About New York Cabs
A study by the New York Times that examined New York car accidents in a given year found that as many as 1 in every 5 car accidents involved a taxicab. Of about 70,000 accidents in the city in a year, almost 13,000 involved taxicabs.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission, which oversees taxicab operations in the city, regulates more than 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 drivers, collecting more than $1 billion in fares each year. Most cabs make an average of 30 trips during a 12-hour shift.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission reports more than 400 million riders per year. For comparison, the entire population of the United States is estimated at more than 300 million.
Victims Should Not Hesitate To Contact A Skilled Taxi Accident Lawyer In NYC
Due to the strict time limits imposed on filing no-fault claims and lawsuits, it is imperative that victims seek legal counsel as soon as possible after being involved in a taxi accident. A victim must submit a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident. Medical bills must be submitted within 45 days of receiving treatment. Lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses must be submitted within 90 days of incurring these costs. Additionally, the statute of limitations necessitates all lawsuits be filed in a timely manner. The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time victims have to file a lawsuit. Failure to file before the statute of limitations expires can result in victims being forever barred from receiving the compensation they may deserve. Our attorneys understand that taxi accidents leave victims with only a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. As a result, we use our considerable resources to ensure all of our clients' claims are filed in a timely manner.