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Perhaps no other city in the world embraces the yellow cab as wholeheartedly as New York. Little wonder for a city with more than 10,000 of them gracing its streets. For many in this city, taxis have always been a part of everyday life.
Given the ubiquity of taxi cabs, it comes as little surprise to learn that thousands of accidents involving taxis happen every year in New York. Have you or one of your loved ones recently been injured in a taxi accident? The resulting pain and suffering may reverberate for years. You are likely in need of the help that an accident lawyer experienced in personal injury can provide.
At the New York law firm of Hill & Moin LLP, our attorneys do all we can to ensure that each of our clients receives fair compensation. We review the facts of each case carefully and create a concrete plan for recovering damages suffered from your accident. Our clients know that when they work with us, it’s like having a lawyer in the family.
Learn what our results-oriented taxi accident lawyers can do for you. Call Hill & Moin LLP at (212) 668-6000 today to find Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ that work for you.
Taxi Cab Accidents in New York City
Taxi accidents resulting in injury and even death may be more frequent than you think. Statistics collected over the last decade reveal that more than 600 taxi drivers and chauffeurs have died on the job. Passengers injured or killed in these events exceeds that number.
New York City statistics paint a similar picture. The city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission collects figures to allow for transparency between the city’s ‘people-movers’ and their clients. In 2018, 40 taxi accidents resulting in critical injury or fatality took place on New York City streets. Some believe that fatalities involving New York taxi cabs happen at a higher rate than passenger car crashes across the United States.
Injuries Resulting From Taxi Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious and long-standing injuries, and a taxi cab collision accident is no exception. What type of injuries may occur as a result of taxi accidents?
Common taxi cab accident injuries may include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions
- Trauma to the face and head
- Joint injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Not all injuries reveal themselves immediately, and some injuries worsen over time. If you have been injured in a taxi accident in NYC, please don’t minimize the seriousness of your accident. Though you may reason that the pain is manageable, it is best to take legal action to ensure that you will receive compensation in case your condition worsens.
Our taxi accident lawyers work closely with each client to understand the impact of the accident – on physical and mental health, finances, and quality of life. We understand that while a quick settlement may seem tempting, it may not be in your best interest. Contact Hill & Moin LLP today and start reaping the rewards of experienced New York, NY, personal injury lawyers.
How to Stay Safe While Riding in a New York Taxi
With hundreds of thousands of taxi trips taking place every day in New York City, the vast majority of passengers arrive at their destinations safely. Are there things you can do as a passenger to decrease the risk of injury if an accident takes place?
Always remember to buckle up. Taxi cabs are required to provide working seat belts, and state law mandates that all passengers use them. A simple yet effective way to stay safe in the event of an accident, seat belts may save nearly 15,000 lives every year.
When getting in a taxi, be sure to make note of the name of the driver and the taxi cab’s number. Why? Because this information can help identify the driver and cab location in the event of an accident.
Also, note whether the driver looks tired or inebriated. Does the taxi cab that just pulled up look to be in a state of disrepair? Wait for another cab instead of getting into a potentially unsafe one.
Taxi cab drivers often feel pressured to drive quickly and aggressively. Have you ever been in a cab and felt that your driver was being unsafe? Don’t hesitate to ask your driver to slow down.
While passengers may hesitate to voice their concerns, doing so could prevent needless accidents. If you still feel unsafe, write down the driver’s information and file a complaint with the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Passengers rightly expect to safely arrive at their destinations each and every time they take a taxi. And while you cannot take the wheel as a passenger, you can help decrease the odds of getting into an accident.
You may well be in need of sound legal counsel from a taxi accident lawyer if you have been injured in a taxi accident. The NYC personal injury attorneys of Hill & Moin LLC have your back. Call us at (212) 668-6000 today for a free consultation with a lawyer who can explain your legal options.
What Rights Do Passengers Have?
Each and every time you climb into a taxi cab in New York City, you expect to get to your destination safely. The numbers are in your favor, with the vast majority of taxis safely delivering.
Knowing your rights as a passenger is important. You have the right to:
- A safe and courteous driver who obeys traffic laws
- A well-maintained vehicle with working seat belts
- A driver who is focused on the road and does not use a handheld cellular telephone, which is prohibited in New York State
- Be treated fairly and without discrimination based on race, disability, or destination within New York City
While it is true that taxi drivers are often under a great deal of pressure, no one should ever be allowed to infringe upon your legal rights. If you were injured due to a driver’s unsafe or inappropriate behavior, you may deserve compensation.
For example, you may file a claim for damages if:
- The driver dropped you off at an unsafe location
- The driver behaved recklessly and/or violated traffic laws
- The driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A taxi driver hit you as you while using a pedestrian crosswalk
What you do next could well dictate whether you and your loved ones experience a fair outcome or not. That is why the team at Hill & Moin LLP encourages anyone who has been injured in a taxi cab accident to seek legal advice from an experienced source.
You deserve to be represented competently and by someone who has your best interests at heart. Our clients chose our car accident lawyers because they know we care. Contact us today to find out what it feels like when you have a lawyer in the family.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Taxi Accident Lawyers
Who Can Be Held Liable After a New York Taxi Accident?
Liability depends on how the accident occurred. The taxi driver, taxi company, another motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, or even a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions may be liable. An attorney can investigate the crash, determine who was at fault, and identify all available sources of compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Taxi Accident in New York?
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other damages. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case.
Can I File a Claim If I Was a Passenger in the Taxi?
Yes. Passengers are rarely responsible for causing a collision and often have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against the taxi driver’s insurance, another driver’s insurer, or multiple liable parties.
What Should I Do After a Taxi Accident in New York?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to the police, and document the scene if you are able. Take photographs, obtain the taxi driver’s information, note the taxi medallion or vehicle number, and collect witness contact information. Before accepting an insurance settlement, consider speaking with a New York taxi accident lawyer about your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Taxi Accident Lawsuit in New York?
New York law establishes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, but the applicable time limit can vary depending on the facts of your case. Claims involving public entities or government-operated vehicles may require much earlier notice. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help protect your right to pursue compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Hill & Moin LLP?
Hill & Moin LLP handles taxi accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you generally pay no upfront attorney’s fees, and the firm only collects a fee if it successfully obtains compensation on your behalf. A confidential consultation can help you understand your rights and the next steps in your case.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a NYC Taxi Accident?
If you or your loved one has been injured in a New York taxi accident, the time to act is now. Start by taking down as much information as possible – the driver’s license and registration number, the taxi cab number, and the company’s name. Then team up with a firm that cares.
We at Hill & Moin LLP care about our clients, whether longtime clients or new ones. We will work hard to understand how your accident has affected you and your family. When we take on your case, our lawyers can ensure that you receive proper compensation for injuries suffered as a result of negligent New York taxi drivers.
Don’t wonder about your rights. Call Hill & Moin LLP today at (212) 668-6000 to learn more about Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ that work.