Our Brooklyn taxi accident lawyers represent all parties injured by negligent cab drivers and taxi companies:
- Taxi passengers injured due to driver negligence, aggressive driving, or accidents
- Pedestrians struck by taxis at crosswalks, intersections, or sidewalks
- Cyclists hit by taxis making unsafe lane changes or turns
- Occupants of other vehicles involved in collisions with taxis
- Motorcycle riders injured by reckless taxi drivers
- Taxi drivers injured by other negligent motorists
No matter how your taxi accident occurred in Brooklyn—whether in Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, or any other neighborhood—we're here to fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Brooklyn Taxi Accidents
Brooklyn's dense traffic, aggressive driving culture, and high volume of commercial vehicles create dangerous conditions. Taxi accidents frequently result from:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence
- Defective auto parts
- Dangerous road conditions
Types of Injuries in Brooklyn Taxi Accidents
Our Brooklyn taxi accident attorneys handle cases involving severe, life-altering injuries that require sophisticated medical and legal expertise:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Orthopedic trauma
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Psychological trauma
Why Medical Expertise Matters for Your Injury Case
A whiplash diagnosis isn't just "neck pain"—it can involve ligament tears, disc herniation, nerve compression, and chronic pain requiring years of treatment. A "fractured ankle" might require multiple surgeries, permanent hardware, arthritis management, and mobility limitations affecting your career.
Our medical background allows us to present your injuries in their full complexity, ensuring compensation that reflects your actual prognosis—not just your initial diagnosis.
Who Is Liable in a Brooklyn Taxi Accident?
Determining liability in a New York taxi accident case requires thorough investigation. Multiple parties may be responsible:
The Taxi Driver
If the cabbie's negligence caused the crash (speeding, distracted driving, running a red light), they can be held personally liable for your injuries.
The Taxi Company or Fleet Owner
Under New York's vicarious liability law, taxi companies are typically responsible for their drivers' negligence. This includes:
- Yellow cab medallion owners (traditional NYC taxis)
- Green cab operators (boro taxis authorized in Brooklyn and other outer boroughs)
- Commercial fleet companies
However, liability becomes more complex if the driver is an independent contractor rather than an employee. Our Brooklyn taxi accident lawyers will investigate the driver's employment status to identify all responsible parties.
Third-Party Drivers
If another motorist caused the accident (rear-ending the taxi, running a red light, failing to yield), that driver—and their insurance company—can be held liable.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If a defective part (faulty brakes, defective airbags, tire blowouts) contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.
Government Entities
If dangerous road conditions (unrepaired potholes, missing traffic signals, inadequate lighting) contributed to the crash, New York City or the State may share liability. These claims have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.
Shared Fault Under New York's Comparative Negligence Law
New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. Even if you're partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault and awarded $500,000, you'd receive $400,000.
We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to minimize any alleged fault on your part and maximize the liability of negligent parties.
Insurance Coverage in Brooklyn Taxi Accident Cases
Understanding available insurance is critical to maximizing your recovery.
NYC Taxi Insurance Requirements
New York City requires all licensed taxis to carry substantial commercial insurance:
- $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence in liability coverage
- $200,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) (also called "no-fault" benefits)
- $10,000 in property damage liability
These are minimum requirements—many taxi companies carry higher policy limits, especially fleet operators with multiple vehicles.
Additional Insurance Sources
Depending on the circumstances, your Brooklyn taxi accident attorney may pursue compensation from:
- The at-fault driver's personal auto insurance (if a third party caused the accident)
- Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (if the taxi's insurance is insufficient)
- Umbrella policies held by taxi companies or fleet operators
- Commercial liability policies for companies that own multiple taxi medallions
No-Fault Insurance Benefits
New York is a "no-fault" state, meaning your initial medical expenses and lost wages (up to policy limits) are covered by the taxi's insurance regardless of who caused the accident. However, to pursue full compensation beyond no-fault benefits, you must meet New York's "serious injury threshold":
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- A medically determined injury or impairment preventing you from performing substantially all daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident
Our medical expertise is invaluable in documenting and proving that your injuries meet this threshold—insurance companies routinely challenge serious injury claims, but our ability to present compelling medical evidence significantly strengthens your case.
How Common Are Taxi Accidents in Brooklyn and NYC?
According to data reported by Forbes using NYPD and NHTSA statistics, nearly 4,000 taxi accidents occur in New York City each year—that’s about 11 crashes every day. While yellow cabs make up only a small fraction of vehicles on the road, they account for roughly 4% of all citywide accidents. In Brooklyn, with its dense population and busy corridors such as Flatbush Avenue and the BQE, taxi crashes are particularly common.
If you've been injured in a Brooklyn taxi accident, you're not alone—and you deserve experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of these cases.
Damages You Can Recover in Brooklyn Taxi Accident Cases
Our Brooklyn taxi accident lawyers fight to recover full compensation for all losses:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one was killed in a Brooklyn taxi accident, you may pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and comfort
- Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one before death
Our medical expertise is especially critical in valuing future medical expenses and disability-related costs—we don't rely on insurance company estimates. We understand the actual costs of lifelong care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing treatment for complex injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Brooklyn Taxi Accident Claims
Time is critical in taxi accident cases. New York law imposes strict deadlines:
Personal Injury Claims
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
Exceptions exist for:
- Minors: The three-year period doesn't begin until the injured party turns 18
- Claims against government entities: If NYC or NYS is potentially liable, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident—far shorter than the standard statute of limitations
Wrongful Death Claims
You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (which may differ from the accident date if your loved one survived for a period before succumbing to injuries).
Why Contact a Brooklyn Taxi Accident Lawyer Right Away
Even though you technically have years to file a claim, acting fast can make or break your case. Our attorneys move quickly to:
- Preserve critical evidence before it disappears (videos, records, witness statements)
- Protect your rights from insurance companies looking to minimize your claim
- Document your injuries early to prove causation and maximize compensation
- Prevent spoliation by sending preservation letters to taxi companies
- Meet strict deadlines, including 90-day notice rules for claims involving city vehicles
Our Brooklyn taxi accident lawyers are available 24/7 for free consultations—and you pay no fees unless we win.
Meet Our Brooklyn Taxi Accident Legal Team
Paul Ajlouny, Founder & Attorney
Former Medical Professional | Super Lawyers 2022–2025 | AV Preeminent Rated
With a background in medicine and over $150 million recovered for injured clients, Paul Ajlouny combines medical insight with legal expertise to prove complex injury claims. His deep understanding of anatomy, diagnostics, and long-term recovery allows him to challenge insurance medical experts and maximize your case value.
Michael Levitz, Attorney & Appellate Advocate
Top 40 National Trial Lawyers Under 40 | Super Lawyers Rising Star
Known for his relentless advocacy and courtroom skill, Michael Levitz has secured multiple Top 50 settlements and verdicts in New York, including a $730,000 recovery in a case another firm had dropped. Clients appreciate his accessibility—he even shares his personal cell number for direct communication.
Together, Paul Ajlouny and Michael Levitz offer the perfect balance of medical knowledge and litigation power—a combination few firms can match.
Proven Results in Brooklyn Injury Cases
Over $300 Million Recovered Firm-Wide
Recent victories include:
- $3.26M – Neck and back surgeries (slip & fall)
- $2.8M – Ankle surgery after T-bone collision
- $2.7M – Shoulder and lower back injuries (rear-end accident)
- $2.1M – Catastrophic back injury requiring surgery
These results demonstrate our success with serious injuries and complex medical cases—the same challenges common in Brooklyn taxi accidents.
FAQs About Taxi Accidents
What should I do immediately after a taxi accident?
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine—some injuries don't present symptoms right away.
- Call 911 to report the accident and get a police report.
- Document everything: take photos of the accident scene, injuries, vehicle damage, and get the taxi driver's information (license, medallion number, insurance).
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a Brooklyn taxi accident attorney.
- Contact Ajlouny Injury Law for a free consultation—we're available 24/7.
I was a passenger in the taxi when it crashed. Can I sue?
Yes. As a passenger, you were not responsible for the accident. You can file a claim against the negligent driver (whether it's the taxi driver, another motorist, or both) and their insurance companies. Our Brooklyn taxi accident lawyers will identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources.
The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?
Do not accept any settlement offer before consulting with an experienced Brooklyn taxi accident attorney. Initial offers are almost always far lower than what your case is truly worth. Insurance companies know most accident victims don't understand the full value of their claim—especially regarding future medical expenses, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially diagnosed. Our free consultation will help you understand what your case is really worth.
What if the taxi driver claims I'm partially at fault?
Under New York's pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you're partially at fault—your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and awarded $500,000, you'd receive $400,000. We thoroughly investigate accidents to minimize any alleged fault attributed to our clients and maximize the liability of negligent parties.
How much is my Brooklyn taxi accident case worth?
The value depends on multiple factors: severity of your injuries, whether you'll require ongoing treatment, your lost wages and future earning capacity, the degree of pain and suffering, and the strength of evidence proving liability. Our medical expertise allows us to accurately value your case based on the true long-term impact of your injuries—not just insurance company estimates. Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How long will my taxi accident case take?
Some cases settle in months; others take longer, especially if they go to trial. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries typically take longer because we need to wait until you reach "maximum medical improvement" to accurately value future damages. We never rush to settle—we fight for maximum compensation, whether that takes months or years. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved in all major decisions.
Can I afford to hire Ajlouny Injury Law?
Yes. We handle all Brooklyn taxi accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket costs. If we don't win, you don't pay attorney fees. This ensures that everyone—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to elite legal representation.
Contact Our Brooklyn Taxi Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a Brooklyn taxi accident, don’t wait—evidence fades fast and deadlines come quickly. Let Ajlouny Injury Law protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over $300 million recovered, a unique blend of medical and legal expertise, and 24/7 availability, we’re ready to stand up to powerful insurance companies on your behalf. No Fees Unless We Win.
- Brooklyn Office: 26 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY
- Serving clients across New York City and Long Island.
Contact us today to speak directly with an experienced Brooklyn taxi accident attorney who understands both medicine and law. Get a free consultation.
