What You Need to Know About Taxi Accidents in New York

Taxis are one of the most common ways to get around New York for residents and tourists alike. Unfortunately, with thousands of vehicles on the street, taxi accidents are common in the city and the injuries suffered by crash victims can be devastating. At the Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel in New York, we pride ourselves on providing all the information you need to know about taxi accidents and provide zealous representation for our clients injured in this type of crash. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a taxi accident, call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation of your case.

Who can be Injured in a Taxi Accident?

There can be many victims involved in a New York taxi accident. According to the New York Police Department, there were 1,413 taxi accidents reported in the city in December 2019 alone, which equates to 46 taxi accidents per day and almost two accidents per hour. While taxi passengers are the most common victim, pedestrians and bicyclists can also be hurt by a negligent or reckless taxi driver in New York. Drivers and passengers in other cars, trucks, and motorcycles can also be injured in a collision caused by a taxi that causes serious injuries to all involved.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Taxis

There are many reasons why a taxi may be involved in an accident around New York. These accidents are common because of the sheer number of trips that are taken by this form of transportation every day. There are more than 50,000 taxis in New York alone that make over 600,000 trips per day. This type of accident is most common in Manhattan, but they also commonly occur in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Some of the most common causes of taxi accidents include:

Speeding

Failing to yield the right of way

Driving recklessly

Driving distracted

Driving drowsy

Blocking traffic to pick up/drop off passengers

Failing to check for pedestrians and bicyclists

Attempting to beat a yellow or red light

Improper or unsafe lane changes, and more.

Injuries Caused by Taxi Accidents

The injuries caused by taxis in New York auto accidents can be significant and devastating. This is particularly true if the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or strikes a victim outside of the vehicle that lacks the protection another vehicle provides. Some of the most common injuries seen in taxi accidents include the following:

Head injuries

Traumatic brain injuries

Facial trauma

Neck injuries

Spinal cord injuries

Broken bones

Nerve damage

Soft tissue injuries

Internal injuries and bleeding

Paralysis

Death

Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and sometimes result in permanent disability or require a lifetime of additional care. You deserve to be compensated by those responsible for any injuries caused in a taxi accident.

Taxi Insurance Coverage

In New York City, all yellow taxi cabs are required by law to carry a minimum of $100,000 for individual bodily injury coverage and $300,000 per accident in auto insurance. Private, unlicensed cabs do not have the same requirements and only have to keep a minimum of $25,000 for individual coverage and $50,000 per accident. If your claims are more than the policy coverage, an experienced attorney may be able to go after the taxi driver personally or the company that the driver works for to secure the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Taxi Accidents

Compensation for victims injured in New York taxi accidents includes coverage for all economic and noneconomic damages caused by the crash. Economic damages include all medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, and the loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages include compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and for the loss of enjoyment of life.

In the most tragic taxi accidents, where a victim dies as a result of their injuries, the family of the victim can also seek damages for wrongful death. Compensation for wrongful death includes all final medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, payment for the victim’s final pain and suffering, and for the loss of love, guidance, counsel, and support of the deceased.

It is important to note that New York uses a comparative fault when it comes to determining final compensation in taxi accidents and all other personal injury claims. This means that the court determines the degree of fault for every person involved in the accident and reduces their overall award by that percentage. For example, if a bicyclist is struck by a taxi, suffering $100,000 in damages, and is found 25% at fault, the overall award is reduced to $75,000. Allocating fault in an accident can have a substantial impact on a victim’s compensation, which is why it is important to always have an experienced accident attorney representing your interests in the case.

What to do After an Accident

If you have been injured in a taxi accident in New York, there are steps that you can take to protect your health and your claim. First, write down the medallion number of the taxi involved in the accident. Seek immediate medical treatment, even if you think that your injuries are minor. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident as well as your injuries and any other damage, such as the destruction of property. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information, and get the contact information of the taxi driver if you can. Finally, seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney to handle the insurance companies and the courts so that you can focus on your recovery.

Call or Contact Our Office Today

Have you or a loved one been injured in a taxi accident in New York? If so, the experienced team at the Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel are here to help. Call the office or contact us online to schedule a consultation of your claims with one of our knowledgeable taxi accident attorneys today.

December 4, 2020
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Day: December 4, 2020