Taxis vs. Ubers: Which Cause More Fatal Accidents?

Taxis vs. Ubers: Which Cause More Fatal Accidents?

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio instituted the “Vision Zero” bicycling safety initiative with the goal of reducing the number of cyclist deaths in NYC down to zero (hence the Vision Zero title), but by the end of August, the number of cyclist deaths for 2016 has already surpassed that of 2015, calling into question the efficacy of the program. When 78-year old cyclist Michael Schenkman died on August 24 in Queens after being struck by a 25-year old motorist on Schenkman’s regular morning ride, his death brought the total number of cyclist deaths for 2016 up to 16, surpassing 2015’s total of 15 cyclist deaths with still four months to go in the year.

The Vision Zero Initiative

Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative is one of the central programs of his administration in a city that is increasingly relying on bicycles to get around and had the stated goal of reducing traffic-related deaths in the city to zero by the year 2024. When Vision Zero was announced by the de Blasio administration in 2014, the number of traffic-related fatalities city-wide was 286, on par with the annual number of homicides. The Vision Zero initiative included the following actions:

  • Tougher penalties on motorists who do not honor the right-of-way
  • Speed limit reductions across the city
  • Criminal penalties for certain motorists who strike cyclists/pedestrians
  • Increased number of protected bike lanes
  • Repair of broken traffic signals

Schenkman’s Death Exposes Ongoing Problems with Bicycle Safety in NYC

Despite these stated priorities of making NYC a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists, the death of Schenkman shows just how far NYC has to go in actually making the vision a reality. Schenkman was an avid cyclist, and was very familiar with the roads and rules of the road, having previously worked as a driver’s education instructor in Queens and running his own Volvo repair shop. Schenkman regularly rode his bicycle for 20 miles a day around the Queens neighborhoods where he was struck and killed.

Schenkman’s accident occurred on Northern Blvd in Queens, an area that was included as one of the most dangerous intersections for bicycle traffic in the Vision Zero agenda. Schenkman was pedaling east when he was struck by a Chevy Impala. The exact circumstances of the accident have not been widely reported, but, as one observer told the New York Daily News, “Cars go really fast here…They don’t stop. You have to have your eyes open.” Schenkman’s son lamented the general cultural attitude towards bicyclist safety in the United States, saying, “ We have a dream of Vision Zero, but cyclists continue to die on the streets of New York City at an alarming rate…Bicycles and cars don’t seem to work here. Bicycles aren’t looked at as positively as they are in Europe or even Canada. That has to change.”

 

Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to improve your chances of a full and timely recovery. At the Law Offices of Justin Brandel, we will aggressively pursue your claim and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve for all injuries sustained in your bicycle accident. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights.

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Midtown Taxi Accident Leaves 67-Year-Old Woman Dead

Midtown Taxi Accident Leaves 67-Year-Old Woman Dead

A SUV registered with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) failed to yield a pedestrian and struck her earlier this month, killing the pedestrian and leading to the driver’s arrest. The accident occurred at 38th Street and 8th Avenue in midtown Manhattan during busy rush hour traffic. A pedestrian death caused by a taxi is sadly an all too common event in NYC, and the 67-year-old pedestrian’s death is a reminder of the danger that pedestrians and riders face from taxis every day in the city.

Good Samaritans Could Not Save the Pedestrian

Yuenei Wu of Brooklyn worked in the area where the accident took place, and was a common sight walking around the neighborhood. She was crossing the street at around 4:30 PM on Monday, June 6 when the SUV turned left into the intersection and struck her and dragged her for several feet. Good Samaritans that were nearby the scene actually worked together to lift the SUV up off of Wu in order to free her, but the damage had been done. The pedestrian was taken to Bellevue Hospital but did not regain consciousness and perished from her injuries.

The 39-year-old driver of the SUV was arrested for failing to yield to a pedestrian, which is only a misdemeanor. This is the second time that a car has hit and killed a pedestrian in the same south midtown area of Manhattan, and in both cases the driver was driving a livery cab registered with the TLC.

Recovery is Available for Taxi Accidents Victims and their Families

The driver of the livery cab that hit the pedestrian clearly acted negligently as evidenced by the arrest for failing to follow NYC traffic laws. When a taxi driver acts negligently and causes an accident as a result, the injured victim (or the victim’s family where the victim has died from the injury) can bring a personal injury action in state court against the driver and the cab operator for injuries, the cost of medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other costs brought on by the loss. The TLC requires all cab operators to carry insurance covering injuries to others for at least $100,000 per accident victim, and a plaintiff can sue the operator for any further damages in excess of that figure.

What to Do if You’ve Been in a Taxi Accident

Obviously, if you’ve been injured by a taxi, either as a passenger, pedestrian, or other driver, the first thing you need to do is secure medical attention. But it is also important to contact a taxi accident attorney as soon as possible to make sure that you are properly compensated for all of your injuries. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more quickly the investigation into the accident can occur, and a case can be put together for your recovery. To speak with a taxi accident attorney today, contact The Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel to set up a free consultation.

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Filing an Injury Claim After Being Hit By a Taxi in New York

Filing an Injury Claim After Being Hit By a Taxi in New York

The sight of yellow taxi cabs part of the fabric of New York City. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, taxis are a big part of life in our city. Unfortunately, the high numbers of cabs make it far more likely that a pedestrian can be hit by a taxi. Accidents involving taxis often have very serious consequences. In the period between July 2014 and September 2015, 43 licensed taxi (or limousine) 43 licensed taxi (or limousine) drivers were involved in accidents that caused serious injury or death in New York City.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a taxi, you will need to speak with an experienced attorney. Once you file an injury claim, you may be able to receive compensation for costs associated with your injuries. The damages include the costs of treatment, lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or loss of quality of life. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on an individual basis. Our firm can help.

What to Do After Being Hit By a Taxi

After being hit by a taxi in New York, it’s important that you take the following key steps:

  • If you are able, note the name of the driver, and the taxi cab’s number. This information is displayed in the cab.
  • Call the police to the scene of the accident, even if it appears to be a minor injury. The police report can be a critical part of the evidence in an injury claim.
  • Get medical attention. The adrenaline produced by the body after an accident can mask serious injuries. Closed head injuries can be fatal if not treated at once.
  • If you can, get contact information from witnesses who observed the accident.
  • Continue to monitor your medical state. Injuries and symptoms of trauma can take several days to surface. Keep notes on your physical condition, and ensure that you inform your doctor that you were hit by a taxi while crossing the street so it is noted in your medical records.
  • Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to manage your claim or lawsuit to recover compensation.
  • Do not make a statement to an insurance company representative who contacts you without first speaking with your lawyer.

Help For Victims Hit By Taxi Drivers

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Hit by a Taxi? How to get Justice

Hit by a Taxi? How to get Justice

NYC city streets are flooded with taxis, and the drivers frequently take risks. All of us who live and work in the metro area have probably experienced at least one “near miss.” Recent months have brought a spate of deadly pedestrian accidents, with a shocking number of deaths — 18 fatalities in just one month, one of whom was a 9-year-old boy who died after being struck by a taxi while crossing the street with his father.

Why You Need a Lawyer After Being Hit By A Taxi

After being hit by a taxi, it can be confusing to determine where to turn for help, particularly when there are serious injuries or when a family is dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one. Attorney Justin D. Brandel is a litigator who takes his duty to his clients very seriously. Cases involving being hit by a taxi tend to be complex with regard to liability. Taxis are covered by commercial vehicle insurance and may be privately owned, or owned by a corporation. The first step in litigation is to identify the liable parties.

A full investigation into the facts may include:

  • A full review of police reports
  • Interview of eyewitnesses
  • Investigation of the accident scene
  • Collecting and reviewing any video evidence
  • Identifying the liable party(ies) and their insurers
  • Calling upon professional resources such as medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and financial experts to assist

Each case involving a pedestrian being hit by a taxi must be managed with the highest level of professionalism. Commercial insurance companies hire expensive defense lawyers. These attorneys are tasked with reducing the value of claims against the company. Attorney Justin D. Brandel has garnered a reputation in the legal community as a tough, no-nonsense litigator who does not back down when facing off against these attorneys. Call today if you or a loved one was hit by a taxi. You need a professional litigator to negotiate the terms of a settlement with these corporate defense lawyers.

One of the first issues these attorneys review is the reputation of the opposing counsel. Who you select to represent is not a minor issue. It is absolutely critical that your lawyer has experience at trial, and a track record of success in personal injury claims. Many personal injury law firms prefer to quickly wrap up a case, and may shortcut the process, or want to avoid taking a case to trial. Ensure that your personal injury lawyer is a trial lawyer. When the defense lawyers discover that you are represented by a seasoned litigator, they sit up and listen.

Attorney Justin D. Brandel is focused on seeking justice for those who have been injured after being hit by a taxi. He has garnered a reputation in the legal community for his many positive case outcomes. Take advantage of his skills, reputation, and his personal commitment to those he represents. Call today for more information if you or a loved one has been hit by a taxi in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Staten Island, Nassau, and the communities in Westchester and Rockland Counties.

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What to Do if You Are Hit by a Taxi or Uber in NYC

What to Do if You Are Hit by a Taxi or Uber in NYC

Have you been hit by a taxi or Uber while visiting NYC? Whether you believe your injuries were caused as a direct result of the taxi or Uber driver’s negligence, or it was an unfortunate accident, you may have the right to seek compensation.

New York City is a one of the largest and most heavily populated cities in the nation. The traffic is not caused in large part by personally-owned vehicles. Most New York residents and tourists take taxis, hire Uber drivers, or use public transportation to get around. Unfortunately, these vehicles can still cause roads to be congested and potential hazards at almost any time of day. As a result, New York has seen more than its fair share of auto accidents and injuries involving motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

If you have been hit by a taxi or Uber, you may be wondering what to do. What actions should you take immediately after your accident? How do you go about filing a claim? Who is responsible under New York no-fault insurance laws? Do you need to hire an attorney?

Actions to Take Following an Accident with a NYC Taxi or Uber

Any time an individual is injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important that individual take specific steps to document the accident. Documenting the scene will aid in the claim process. These are a few of the actions you should take after being hit by a taxi or Uber in NYC:

  • Call 911 to report the accident and get emergency services to the scene.
  • Get a full medical assessment of your condition.
  • Note down the name of the taxi company or ridesharing group.
  • Get the driver’s name, I.D. number, driver’s license information, commercial license, and insurance coverage for the taxi or Uber driver.
  • Note down the vehicle’s license plate and any other identifying data.
  • Take pictures of the accident scene with your phone or camera.
  • Get contact information for eyewitnesses.
  • Write down every detail you can remember about what occurred before, during and after the accident.
  • Follow doctor’s orders to the letter.
  • Retain legal representation. Hiring an attorney improves your chances of being able to get fair compensation, whether in a settlement or awarded in court.

Filing a No-Fault Insurance Claim

As New York is a no-fault insurance state, drivers (including those working for taxi companies, Uber and other ridesharing groups) are required by law to carry at least the basic no-fault coverage. According to the New York State Department of Financial Services, minimal coverage would provide for up to $50,000 per person in personal injury protection, regardless of who was at-fault or whether negligence was involved.

No-fault insurance pays for economic damages including:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Certain other expenses directly related to the accident.

In cases where economic damages exceed the $50,000 minimum coverage, or non-economic damages were suffered as a result of serious injury, the victim may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking fair and just compensation.

Been Hit By a Taxi or Uber in New York? Call Brandel!

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